Tasting Notes For 12/28/12

For our last Friday Tasting of the year, we combined our notes
with a 2012 retrospective:

FINAL FRIDAY TASTING OF 2012, 12/28/12
SONOMA CUTRER “LES PIERRES” CHARDONNAY 2010
2012 was packed with noteworthy events like the London Olympics, where studs like Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps set records. This Chard may set a record for deliciousness. “Aromas of spice and lemon-lime over a flinty mineral backbone lead to flavors of green apple and lemon, while floral notes, a touch of honey, and hints of fresh-baked bread emerge on the midpalate.” 91 points Bill Tobin. $32.97

PALI SHEA VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2008
One sweet and happy bit of news this year was the pregnancy of the Duchess of Cambridge. This wine may not be quite as charming as Kate, but it’s lovely nonetheless, “displaying candied dark berry and floral scents, with complicating notes of black cardamom, allspice and potpourri. Sappy and focused on entry, then broader in the mid-palate, it offers spice-accented cherry, blackberry and violet flavors. A vanilla note builds with air and lingers on the gently tannic finish.” 91 points Stephen Tanzer. $39.97

LAGONE AIA VECCHIA TOSCANA 2009
A hallmark of our age lies in this year’s announcements by both Encyclopedia Britannica and Newsweek that they will no longer publish print editions. I don’t see wine going all digital, and thank God! This Italian blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cab Franc, and Sangiovese shows “aromas of strawberry, sweet brown spices and tobacco. It’s suave, smooth and aromatic in the mouth, with flavors of redcurrant, plum and licorice joined by a hint of cinnamon.” 90 points Stephen Tanzer. $14.97

DINASTIA VIVANCO RIOJA RESERVA 2005
An arousing bit of hard science popped up this year when it was discovered that Banana Spider venom is useful against erectile dysfunction. Not sure if any studies have been done with wine on that issue, but this Rioja tastes quite virile! “Grilled bread, pencil lead, Asian spices, incense, lavender, and blackberry aromas are followed by a savory, incipiently complex, structured Reserva made in a traditional Rioja style.” 91 points Wine Advocate. $21.97

ZUCCARDI “Q” CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007
A different world record was set this year when the Mega Millions jackpot reached $640 million. This tasty Cab may not be quite that rich, but still. It “bursts with aromas of sweet spice, cassis, wild roses and vanilla, and shows a smooth velvety texture. There’s a great balance of nuanced fruit, ripe tannins and fine acidity. Approachable yet refined, it finishes dry and tangy. 90 points Robert Parker. $15.97

CHARLES CREEK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007
In May the discovery of a missing piece of the Mayan calendar disproved that whole 2012 armageddon thing. Which gives us more time to enjoy fine wines like this! Black cherry and plum flavors are accented with hints of herb and cedar. Oak derived vanillin, caramel and spice meld with the dark fruits to lend a slight bittersweet chocolate note. Very nice stuff. 91 points Bill Tobin. $16.97

ENKIDU DIENER RANCH PETITE SIRAH 2007
Of course the most important news of 2012 is the stunning success of “Gangnam Style,” with its 808 million YouTube views. I’ve been dancing like a dork for years with nowhere near that level of interest. Oh well. This Petite reveals “aromas of brandied black fruits, black cherry and vanilla, which gives way to flavors of black fruits, almond dust and tar.” Big, chewy, and structured, this tastes delicious now and will age for many years. 91 points Bill Tobin. $25.97