2009 La Vieille Ferme (Perrin & Fils) Côtes du Ventoux Rosé

On July 28, 2010, In Rose, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2009 La Vieille Ferme Roseicon from the Cotes du Ventoux in France. This blend of Grenache and Cinsault grapes was purchased for under $7.

Color

Darker in color than some other Rose wines. It is a slightly metallic pink.

Aroma

On the nose I detect a strong floral note. It shows rose petals along with a hint of minerals. There are fruit components including guava and strawberry. Overall it is a weak nose and I had to work hard to find those aromas.

Flavor

The palate is also not very exciting. There are flavors of cherry and strawberry on the attack and mid-palate. It finishes with a note of honeysuckle. This wine is a dry wine which will help it pair well with salads and other lighter dishes

Rating

For my palate, this wine is definitely not a match. I tried it warm and chilled. Both ways, I found it to be too bland. I rate it 75 points.

Have you tried this wine? I am sure others like it more than I do and that is great that it is in tune with their palate. Anyone recommend a dry rose with a bit more flavor and aroma?

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2008 Bodegas Borsao Garnacha Campo de Borja Monte Oton

On May 27, 2010, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2008 Monte Oton Garnacha by Bodegas Borsaoicon from the Campo de Borja region of Spain. This 100% Garnacha (Grenache) base wine was acquired for under $8. I’ve previously had the 2008 Bodegas Borsao Campo de Borja Red Wine and the 2007 Bodegas Borsao Red Wine which are blends of Garnacha and Tempranillo grapes.

Color

In the glass this wine is a nice dark garnet color.

Aroma

The first component I noticed on the nose is strawberry. There is also a woody, oak note along with a damp soil component with is nicely balanced with the fruit. An unusual pomegranate aroma is also present.

Flavor

On the attack there is a fruity character with some cherry. It transitions to a complex mid-palate with dark chocolate, chili pepper, and vegetables. There is butternut squash, tomato and eggplant. All are very minor but combine to give it a green character. The finish is herbal and shows some tannins. This is a medium bodied wine which is food friendly.

Rating

This is an interesting wine and definitely complex enough to make it a value for the money. I rate it 86 points.

Have you tried this one?

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2007 Almira Los Dos

On May 12, 2010, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 Almira Los Dosicon from the Campo de Borja region of Spain. This wine is 85% Grenache (Granacha) and 15% Syrah and I acquired it for under $8. Los Dos or “both” is not aged in oak and is one of the signature offerings of Almira. The other is Los Dos En Barrica which is aged in oak.

Color

In the glass, the wine is a pretty red. Not super dark, but adequate.

Aroma

This wine literally takes over the room. The nose is intense with blackberries and black currant. There is also some earth components. Wet rich soil comes through. I also get some strawberries and red cherries. This is a great nose!

Flavor

On the attack, Los Dos is full of sweet fruit, but not over the top. The strawberry and red cherry flavors are there. The mid-palate is first class with a complex combination of cherries and hints of strawberry, black pepper and raspberry. The finish is very long and fruity. The tannins are soft and sweet, so drink this now. This is a medium-bodied red wine and it will pair with most cheese and meat dishes.

Rating

I highly recommend this wine. I am very impressed by the blend and style. The fruit and terroir are at their best here without any interference from oak. Great job Almira. I rate it 92 points. It also represents very good value.

If you haven’t tried this, I suggest you try it soon. If you have, what did you think of it?

My Wines Direct 6 Wines for $79, 468x60

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2007 Château de Landure Minervois

On March 19, 2010, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 Chateau de Landure Minervois from France. In case you are not familiar with Minervois, it is an AOC in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region. This bottle was purchased for under $8 and is a blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre. Great labeling by the importer, Clock Tower Imports. There is a lot of value coming out of the south of France (e.g. 2008 Ropiteau Vin de Pays d’Oc Pinot Noir), so I am intrigued by this wine.

Color

In the glass this is a dark ruby color which I expect with so much Syrah and Mourvedre in the blend.

Aroma

When first poured there is quite a bit of wet dog, sulfur aroma. It quickly blows off and there is a great mix of dark and red fruit components. I get strawberries, blueberries and red cherries mixed with a cedar component.

Flavor

On the attack there is a combination of strawberries and cherries. It is quite fruity at first, then in the mid-palate the cherry remains but is subtle. The wine disappears a bit in the middle. It finishes with sour cherries and mild tannins. I also get a really nice black pepper note on the finish. If you exhale at the end you almost feel like you just put pepper on a dish while cooking. This wine is medium bodied and will pair well with food higher in fat. I think the fruit will complement it well.

Rating

I like this wine. I think it strikes a nice balance of fruit and structure. Think food friendly wine at a good price. I rate it 88 points.

Have you had this wine?

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2007 Torres Mas Rabell

On February 22, 2010, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 Torres Mas Rabell from the Catalunya region of Spain. This wine is a traditional Mediterranean blend of half Garnacha (Grenache) and half Carinena (Carignan) grapes. It was acquired for under $9 and has been aged in oak for 6 months.

Color

In the glass it is a pretty ruby red.

Aroma

On the nose this wine exhibits a mixture of strawberry and blackberry cobbler aromas. There is also some wet compost enriched soil components and a hint of the oak. Pretty strong nose.

Flavor

On the attack there is a lot of cherry. In the mid-palate I get quite a nice flavor of the tannins and it finishes acidic with sour cherry which lingers. This is a medium bodied wine which will pair well with pork and winter vegetables. I think the dryness (astringency) and tannins of the Carignan is well balanced by the Grenache.

Rating

I think this is a food friendly wine and recommend it with a meal. I rate it 87 points.

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2008 Domaine de la Presidente Côtes du Rhône Grands Classiques

On February 2, 2010, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2008 Cotes du Rhone Grands Classiques by Domaine de la Presidente from the Southern Rhone region of France. This Rhone blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, and 10% Carignan was purchase for under $10.

Color

In the glass it is a light, but bright ruby red.

Aroma

This is a very aromatic wine. It is bursting out of the glass and taking over the room. Strawberry and red currant are definitely present on the initial inhale. There is also a earthy clay aroma. Overall the nose has no artificial notes.

Flavor

On the attack there is a cherry component. The mid-palate has more of a sour cherry cola flavor. The finish has some mild but enjoyable tannins and a little heat, but not much else. Unfortunately, the finish does disappear quickly. This is a wine that will be at its best when consumed with food. On its own, it is just too light and simple. It will pair with pork and turkey.

Rating

For my palate, this wine is not a good match by itself. It does work with food. I rate it 80 points.

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2007 Altovinum Calatayud Evodia

On January 20, 2010, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 Altovinum Calatayud Evodia from Spain. This 100% Garnacha (Grenache) based wine was acquired for under $10 and comes in a beautifully labeled bottle.

Color

In the glass it is a dark ruby red with purple edges.

Aroma

Mint and red currant dominate the nose on this wine. There is also a cedar component. It is quite floral with lavender being prominent.

Flavor

Red currant and pomegranate on the attack. Black cherry and some black pepper on the mid-palate followed by good tannins, sour cherry, and a very strong green component. This is a pretty complex palate, but I have read that Grenache can get quite green and lose the fruit flavors when a winemaker tries to increase the tannins from the grape skin during the winemaking process. It is a delicate balance to keep the fruit and yet get some tannins. Perhaps that is what is happening with this wine. It definitely has some old world character. It will pair well with pasta and pork.

Rating

I think for the price this is a wine worth trying. If you are looking for a sweet fruit bomb it will probably not match your palate. But if you want something with lots of flavors, then it could be a good fit. I rate it 86 points.

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2008 Bodegas Borsao Campo de Borja Red Wine

On January 12, 2010, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2008 Borsao Red Wine by Bodegas Borsao from Campo de Borja, Spain. This wine is made from 75% Garnacha (Grenache) and 25% Tempranillo grapes. It was purchased for under $7 and will be interesting to compare with the 2007 Bodegas Borsao Red Wine.

Color

In the glass this wine is a dark purple in color with garnet around the edges.

Aroma

The fruit jumps right out the glass on the nose of this wine. It has intense black currant and raspberry aromas. There is also a hint of mint and juniper which is refreshing. It is a young wine and smells like a fresh one.

Flavor

On the attack there is a sweet (too much maybe) strawberry component. Then, in the mid-palate it becomes a medium dry wine with great fruit. Strawberry and cherry give way to some good spice on the finish. I like the fruit throughout and believe that is will be very food friendly. It is medium bodied and a bit hot on the finish due to the 14% alcohol. It will pair well with beef tenderloin and smoky meats.

Rating

For the price, I think this wine is compelling. It is a bit too sweet and would be better if it was more of a dry wine. I rate it 87 points.

I think this vintage is slightly better than the previous year. It continues the trend of improving on the finish, but there is less oak and better fruit. Have you tried it? What did you like or dislike about it?

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2007 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rouge

On December 2, 2009, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2007 La Vieille Ferme Cotes du Ventoux Rouge by the Perrin Family from the Rhone Valley in France. This blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault was acquired for under $8. It comes in an attractive bottle with a screw-cap (yeah!) and a drawing of a rooster and a hen. It reminds me of A Year in Provence (amazon affiliate link), so I am already happy with it.

Color

In the glass it is a dark ruby red. A little darker than I expected for a Rhone Valley blend.

Aroma

There is some dark fruit on the nose at first. Blackberry is noted. I also get strawberry after a while.

Flavor

The strawberry on the attack is sweet. The mid-palate is quite strong with nice raspberry notes taking over from cherry. There is also some black pepper on the mid-palate. It finishes with licorice and smooth tannins which have a black tea flavor. It is well balanced and will pair well with food. I recommend it with chicken and pork. It isn’t quite big enough to pair well with steak.

Rating

I believe this is a decent wine for pairing with food. I rate it 88 points.

This is a widely available wine, have you tried it?

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2005 Coloma Garnacha Roja

On October 28, 2009, In Red, By dcpatton

Today I am tasting the 2005 Coloma Garnacha Roja by Coloma Vineyards and Winery in Spain. This 100% Garnacha Roja (Grenache) varietal from their Amelia Vineyard in southwestern Spain close to Portugal is available for under $9. The winemaker is Amelia Coloma.

Color

The color of this wine is a deep red which is not quite opaque, but close.

Aroma

The nose is very aromatic. It has bold red berries such as strawberry, raspberry and cherry. There is a strong menthol component as well. Definitely a different nose than a lot of red wines. Very interesting.

Flavor

The attack is quite fruity with strawberry and cherry. Then sour cherry takes over and the finish is very tannic and dry. I am struck by how dry this wine is. Overall it is not a complex wine but the fruit is solid and it should pair well with food. But it needs to be a food that is full of flavor such as blue cheese or beef because this is an intense wine (fruit bomb without the oak).

Rating

I like this wine. The aroma is intriguing and the fruit is tasty. However it is a bit one dimensional and the finish is very dry. I rate it 88 points.

Have you tried a grenache with dark chocolate? It is supposed to be a great pairing.

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