2008 Tetra ARTET Premiere Napa Valley

Wine: 2008 Tetra ARTET Premiere Napa Valley
Estate: Tetra Wine
Vineyard: Tourmaline Vineyard, Broken Rock Vineyard, Sugarloaf Mountain East, Suscol Bench Vineyard
Region: Napa Valley, California

Location: Sunday Funday at home on 3/13/2016

Tasting Note:

First Premiere Napa Valley wine, all we could think to compare it too was a similar auction in South Africa known as the Cape Winemaker's Guild. Wine was a deep crimson red close to ruby. Lots of red cherries on the nose, with some undertones of light spices like nutmeg and mint or ecalyptus. Moderate plus tannins (7/10) and moderate body. Palate was full of red fruits, cherries and raspberries. Cherries were plush. A little dry in the moderate plus finish. Easily has a few more years in the bottle. Would be really nice around 2018 or so to help it integrate a little further. Drink till 2023. 

Rating: 92
Price: $$$ - Purchased for $68.53 from Wally's Wine and Spirits.

1998 Bryant Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor Grown

Wine: 1998 Bryant Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor Grown
Estate: Bryant Family Vineyards
Vineyard: Bryant Family Vineyard
Region: Pritchard Hill, Napa Valley, California

Location: Sunday Funday at home on 3/13/2016

Tasting Note:

First time trying the Bryant Family Cabernet Sauvignon. Was very excited to crack this and try it out. Wine was garnet red, no bricking on the edges yet. Definitely had an aged nose to it. Olive and truffles on the nose to start. Has some secondary earthy notes underneath. Touched by some dark spices and light dark cherries in the finish. Moderate tannins (5.5/10) and moderate body. Palate was herbaceous but no vegetal notes, and some light dark cherries. Very well integrated and balanced, literally melts in your mouth. Finish is still long and lingers for 10 or so seconds. Overall still holding on with a great body and complexity for an 18 year old bottle. If you are looking for a classic Napa Cab this is not fruity enough for you, but if you love complex wines definitely try one of these if you can find one! Drink till 2017.

Rating: 93
Price: $$$$ - Purchased for around $170.00 from Wine Liquidators.

2013 Wirra Wirra Wines Church Block

Wine: 2013 Wirra Wirra Wines Church Block
Estate: Wirra Wirra Wines
Sub-Regions: Whites Valley, McLaren Flat, Blewitt Springs and Seaview
Region: McLaren Vale, Fleurieu, South Australia, Australia

Location: At home on 3/3/2016

Tasting Note:

We have been on an Australian wine binge of late and are continually looking for QPR/Value Aussie wines. Wine was dark crimson red. Slightly savory on the nose to start with some grilled herbs and lots of red cherries. Definitely needs a year or two to fully integrate but great potential. Moderate tannins (6/10) and rustic on the palate. Slight heat. Slightly dry finish and moderate plus in length and with a moderate body. Will not touch the next bottle till 2017 for another touch point. Very excited to see how this wine develops! Great value australian wine!
Rating: 89+

Price: $ - Purchased at Costco in Pentagon City for $15.81.