Tasting Notes 1/24/14

“A WINE BY ANY OTHER NAME” TASTING EVENT, 1/24/14

YALUMBA VERMENTINO 2011
Vermentino is the Italian name for this grape; its French alias is Rolle. Whatever you call it, it’s bright and vibrant, catapulting “lemon, quince and fresh almond flavors on a frame of racy acidity and tight intensity.” 88 points Wine Spectator. $9.97

BADENHORST SECATEURS CHENIN BLANC 2012
“The 2012 Secateurs Chenin Blanc – which the South Africans call Steen – has a light but pure bouquet with lemon peel, grapefruit and hints of wet wool. The palate is crisp and vibrant on the entry with touches of lanolin and litchi nuts. This is so well balanced – uncomplicated but delicious.” 92 points Robert Parker. $14.97

TARIMA HILL MONASTRELL 2011
Monastrell is known in France (and the U.S.) as Mourvedre, and in Spain it also goes by the name Mataro. This one offers “complex, perfumed scents of dark berry liqueur, cola, incense and smoky oak spices. Plush and expansive, offering sweet cherry compote and blueberry flavors complicated by notes of floral pastille and bitter chocolate. At once rich and lively, finishing with excellent power, smooth tannins and a late jolt of allspice. Boasts surprising vivacity for its depth and richness.” 91 points Stephen Tanzer. $13.97

LAS ROCAS OLD VINES GARNACHA 2009
The French call this one Grenache, and by any name it is outstanding. It comes from 60-100-year old vines planted at 2,500-3,500 feet elevations. Aged ten months in old French and American oak, it possesses 15.2% alcohol along with a deep ruby/purple color and copious notes of plums, raspberries, black cherries, lavender and licorice, a full-bodied texture, and impressive purity, depth and freshness.” 90 points Wine Advocate. $16.97

VINA ARDANZA RIOJA RESERVA 2004
Like most Riojas, this is primarily Tempranillo, which also answers to the names Cencibel, Tinto Roriz, and Tinto del Pais. “Cedar, tobacco and spice hints frame dried cherry, berry and vanilla notes in this silky red. The flavors mingle nicely, framed by juicy acidity and light but firm tannins. The wine has a lovely, weightless intensity. A fine example of the traditional style.” 94 points Wine Spectator; #22 on their Top 100 of 2013. $35.97

ALL SAINTS DURIF 2010
Called Petite Sirah here in California, this Australian version answers to its original name. “This is an outstanding example of balanced, fresh, complex and compelling durif; the bouquet is loaded with ample sweet black fruits, layers of spice and a little gamey complexity; the palate is full-bodied and fresh, with an expansive profile and a myriad of possibilities for interesting food and wine pairing; lovely stuff. 95 points James Halliday. $19.97

MOLLYDOOKER THE BOXER SHIRAZ 2012
This Shiraz, called Syrah here and in France, has a massive array of flavors and awesome intensity. But the thing that really finishes the wine off is the creamy layers and smooth mouthfeel. It’s so voluptuous, with multi layered fruit, chocolate, fresh plum – a complete flavor spectrum. $22.97