Some wines enjoyed over that last couple of weeks.

2003 Castell del Remei Costers del Segre ODA - Looking at my handy-dandy Cor.kz application (plug!), which is integrated with my cellartracker.com (another plug!), this bottle was sitting at the top of my drinkability report, so that was reason enough for me to give it a go.  Experienced some earth and dirt on the nose with plum and leather. The palate presented blackberries and spice with a medium level of tannins.  A nice wine on this fine Friday night.

1998 Parducci Pinot Noir Vineyard Select - I received this wine as a gift many years ago and kind of forgot about it in the cellar.  Unless from Burgundy, I am not aware of Pinot’s that age this long, but I certainly wasn’t going to let it go without a try.  The color was brick red/orange color as expected showing it’s age. Early nose a little musty and slight hint of olives and green pepper sensing this bottle is past it’s prime but still somewhat drinkable. Not the light and bright red fruits one expects from Pinot. Taste is lacking and somewhat flat, but that’s not a surprise.  At the very least it was a great learning experience to see how wine changes and what a wine that is past it’s prime smells and tastes like.  Ah, science!

2007 Tandem Chardonnay Manchester Ridge Vineyard - Dark straw/light golden hue. Nutty and yeasty nose with citrus notes (apples, lemons) on the nose. Great texture due to sur lies aging, crisp, lemon, honey, and good acid. Great finish and refreshing. This rocks!  Oh, and just between you and I, Tandem wines are going at huge discounts because the new owners will be changing the name of the winery.  This Chardonnay is normally $54 per bottle at retail and we practically stole it for $18/btl when buying a case.

2007 The Winner’s Tank Shiraz - Nose is pleasant and not hot like many Shiraz’ I’ve had recently. Very fruit forwrd with distinct blackberries and some raspberries. The spice shows up on the finish.  This went well with chili that ended every bite with a spicy crescendo.

2008 Château Rives-Blanques Limoux La Trilogie - Straw color, bright and surface reflection. Nose of apple, apricot and other citrus. Apple and lemon citrus on the palate with the Chenin Blanc acid supporting the structure well.  While this region is best known for sparklers, it is also known for still wine like this will have the “trilogy” of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and must have at least 15% Mauzac.

2007 Santa Ema Reserve Merlot - From Maipo Valley, Chile this Merlot only comes in at 13.5% alcohol which is a nice change of pace allowing the fruit to really blossom in this wine.  On the nose we got some blueberris and cocoa powder.  The palate presented black and red fruits and chocolate.