“Bro-Down” Tasting Notes 7/19/13

(by the way, Jim won the Bro-Down for the second
year in a row, 105 votes to 79)

WELCOME TO THE BRO-DOWN! VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES! 7/19/13

LAETITIA BRUT CUVEE
Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc, this provides elegant citrus and green apple flavors, with additional nuances of earthy black cherry, red fruit, and soft melon. The result is a wine that is perfectly fresh and lively. 88 points Tobin Bros. $15.97

QUINTA DA AVELEDA VINHO VERDE 2012
“Careful viticulture takes the fruit of this estate-grown wine into bright scents of lime, white rose and pink grapefruit, with a mouthwatering persistence of flavors that sets it apart. It’s easy to drink a lot of this, chilled for a June wedding or July at the shore. I know of no other wine in the world that offers the fragrant pleasures of this white for anything close to $9.” 92 points Wine & Spirits. $8.97
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ALTO MONCAYO VERATON 2010
The heady bouquet evokes ripe red berries, anise, mocha and pungent fresh flowers. Supple and sweet on entry, then more structured in the middle, offering deep, mineral-accented dried strawberry and cherry liqueur flavors. It takes a spicy turn on the long, sappy finish, which echoes the pure red berry qualities. 92 points Tobin Bros. $23.97

DEAD LETTER OFFICE SHIRAZ 2008
“Although this starts off showing loads of vanilla and bright, boysenberry-like fruit, this is not a simple fruity concoction; there’s some elegance here, and some savory notes of coffee and roasted meat, as well.” 91 points Wine Enthusiast. $19.97
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JONATA TODOS 2008
“Smoky cherry and dark berry aromas are complicated by notes of pipe tobacco, musky underbrush and cola. Broad and sappy, with a dense, chewy texture and liqueur-like cherry and cassis flavors. Powerful but lively blend with a long, spicy finish and lingering smokiness.” 95 points James Suckling. $44.97

ORIN SWIFT THE PRISONER 2011
“Deep and jammed with fruit character, this ripe version offers plenty of new oak, revealing a rich texture and zesty flavors of smoky licorice, blackberry cobbler and cracked pepper.” 92 points Wine Spectator. $31.97
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SILVER OAK CABERNET ALEXANDER VALLEY 2008
“This is nuanced and relatively austere for all its bold, plummy fruit. The supple richness of tannins lends it textural finesse, the quality of Silver Oak that may be most responsible for its legend. The alcohol is finely integrated so as to be imperceptible. Still youthfully floral, this will age with grace.” 94 points Wine & Spirits. $59.97

INGLENOOK (RUBICON) CASK CABERNET 2009
“Sweet red berries, mocha, flowers and mint are some of the many notes that emerge as this nuanced, silky Cabernet opens up over time. There is still plenty of 2009 structure, but it is nicely balanced.” 94 points Tobin Bros. $59.97