Random Thoughts

I don't know what got into me over the past few days. I've been opening various bottles for tasting in an uncontrolled fashion--taste a few glasses and then back in the fridge it goes. Part of the craze has been fueled by a newly found product designed to stop open bottles of wine from oxidizing--VineyardFresh. Just a quick puff of the Argon/Nitrogen gas into the bottle and its safe for a few weeks from going sour. What a great concept! I can open 5-6 bottles at once and taste a glass or two and then save it for a later date.

So here is a run down of what's currently open in the fridge. Anyone care to taste?

Dutch Henry Winery Zinfandel 1999, Napa Valley, California--I opened this to go with a beef roast last week. Was a little concerned it may have been past its peak because of its age, but was showing nicely, although a little on the softer side. Notes of spice, black cherry, raspberry. Soft tannins. Medium body. Lingering black cherry finish. Drink it NOW.

Widmer Brickstone Cellars Pinot Noir 'Soft Press Vintage' 2003, Finger Lakes, New York--Not so much is all I can say for this one. Had a wonderful nose of strawberry and raspberry. Green, harsh and unripe tannins. Astringent. Unpleasant aftertaste. Save your money.

Cousino Macul Sauvignon Gris 2004, Maipo Valley, Chile--Yes I do like this wine a lot as I've posted on it before. I believe the 2004 vintage is no longer available and the 2006 should be coming into retail shops shortly. Amazing aromas of orange blossom and nectarine. Citrus fruit notes. Zesty. Moderate acidity. Medium body. Lingering finish.

Veramonte Sauvignon Blanc 2004, Casablanca Valley, Chile--Another tasty treat from Chile. Heavenly tropical fruit aromas, herbaceous notes. Lemon citrus. Crisp and clean. Racy acidity. Lingering finish.


VineyardFresh image courtesy of VineyardFresh.com
Widmer image courtesy of widmerwine.com