Tasting Notes For The Bro-Down, 9/28/12

Everyone had a blast at our Battle of the Brothers,
aka the “Bro-Down.” Bill and I each picked 4 wines
for the tasting, going head to head in pairs, and with
an overall favorite also being chosen by each taster.

For the record, Jim won the battle, 128 votes to 86.

BROTHER VS. BROTHER SMACKDOWN! (aka BRO-DOWN!)

THERE WILL BE 4 TWO-BOTTLE FACE-OFFS, AS INDICATED BELOW. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE IN EACH FACE-OFF, THEN VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE OF THE NIGHT. LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE!!!!

JACQUART BRUT CHAMPAGNE (chosen by Bill)
This delicious Champagne boasts aromas and flavors of pear, fig, and almond, with hints of orange blossom. Also present is a note of freshly baked bread. It’s fresh and supple, with a long finish. 92 points Wine Spectator. $26.97.

ANTONIO SANZ VERDEJO 2011 (Jim)
This Spanish white is clean, bright, and full of fruit. Peach, pear, and pineapple flavors dance the Flamenco across your palate, with a brisk, mineral finish. 90 points Tobin. $12.97.

STELLA RED BLEND 2007 (Bill)
It’s okay if you do the “Streetcar” yell after tasting this. Its rich and sensual mouthfeel displays plum and blueberry flavors with soft, earthy undertones. 89 points Tobin. $12.97.

MCPRICE MYERS BEAUTIFUL EARTH 2009 (Jim)
This lush, balanced blend begins with dark blackberry aromas accented by hints of violet, rose petal & tobacco leaf. Dense flavors of blueberry, cola & raspberry follow with earthy tones and a touch of spice. Deep, rich flavors of coffee & mocha round out the smooth finish. 91 points Tobin. $33.97.

PACINA CHIANTI 2007 (Bill)
Pronounced PAH-chee-nuh, this awesome Chianti displays aromas of savory plums and damp earth, preceding loads of red fruit flavors accented by dry earth and herbal, leafy, and mineral notes. Big, big tannins on this one will grip your palate like Chase Headley gripping a bat. 91 points Tobin. $23.97.

LUCA MALBEC 2009 (Jim)
This great example of Mendoza Malbec displays a fragrant perfume of lavender, wood smoke, spice box, black cherry, and blackberry leading to a smooth-textured, succulent, easygoing wine with a bit of hidden structure and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. 92 points Wine Advocate. $24.95.

COL SOLARE (Jim)
This Cabernet blend from Washington “displays a captivating perfume of sandalwood, lavender, incense, spice box, black cherry, black currant, and a hint of chocolate. Medium-bodied, elegant, and already complex, it has layers of succulent fruit, impeccable balance, and a lengthy, pure finish.” 93 points Wine Advocate. $39.97.

GOLDSCHMIDT GAME RANCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2008 (Bill)
This incredible wine oozes intensity. “Wild black fruits, blueberries, and cassis are wrapped up in layers of sweet oak, providing a textbook example of why Oakville is the epicenter of Napa Valley Cabernet. It’s an absolute stunner.” 93 points Tobin. $59.97.