Tasting Notes 10/14
- October 15, 2011
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PALI HUNTINGTON PINOT NOIR 2009
October 14th is famous for more than this awesome wine tasting. In 1066 William the Conqueror defeated and occupied England – the last time this was done. The battle was the first to show the superiority of combined arms over basic infantry; this wine shows the superiority of planting the right grapes in the right spot. Cherry, berry and light earth flavors ride a juicy, balanced profile. 89 points Jim Tobin. $17.97.
PATASSY PINOT NOIR 2008
This date in 1908 saw the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series, which also hasn’t happened since. But all those poor Cubs fans can console themselves with this elegant Green Valley Pinot, whose dusty cherry and cola aromas and flavors hit a home run every time. 88 points Bill Tobin. $16.97.
CARGASACCHI PINOT NOIR 2008
1947’s October 14th broke the sound barrier, with Chuck Yeager becoming the first human to go supersonic. This wine also soars majestically, with a rich nose of ripe berries, baking spice, vanilla, earth and sage leading to a beautifully luscious texture, silky fruit, and seamlessly balanced tannins. Absolutely a Pinot to delight all Pinot-philes. 91 points Robert Parker. $29.97.
MADRIGAL ZINFANDEL 2008
One of the most courageous and inspirational figures in our history – Martin Luther King, Jr. – was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on this day in 1964. I have a dream too: that one day wines will be judged not by their labels or their closures, but by the content of the bottle. This one’s a “ripe and juicy Zin, with baked cherry aromas and supple flavors of blackberry, smoky pepper and licorice.” 90 points Wine Spectator. $15.97.
PELERIN “LES VIOLETTES” SYRAH 2007
10/14/1926 saw the release of A.A. Milne’s “Winnie The Pooh,” written as a bedtime story for his son, Christopher Robin. The name “les violettes” might fool you into thinking this wine is as light and delicate as that “silly old bear.” Quite the opposite. Dark, rich, meaty and concentrated, with black plum accented by savory and leather notes, this is no Eeyore. It’s a champion stud of a wine. 92 points Tobin Brothers. $19.97.
HOOPLA NAPA CABERNET 2009
On this day in 1968, the bouncing baby San Diego Padres selected 30 players in the expansion draft, thus beginning a long history of futility that finally ended in 1984 when they made it to their first World Series. Unfortunately they got blown out by the Tigers, losing the final game on – you guessed it – 10/14. This wine is no loser; rich blackberries and light menthol/eucalyptus flavors rock a complex mid-palate, showing nice structure and a lingering finish. 90 points Tobin Brothers. $19.97.
LIPARITA YOUNTVILLE V BLOCK CABERNET 2008
10/14/1910 was the birth of the greatest sports coach of all time – John Wooden – who saw and brought out the potential in all his players. This incredible wine is still young and tight, but what potential! The lush nose of black cherry, cedar, graphite and vanilla hints at how amazing this wine is. 94 points Bill Tobin. $44.97.