Researching Wine from California

I came across this today and thought it was very informative.  It has a good  description on California wine / region.  Special thanks to the wine-searcher site!! Enjoy.

http://www.wine-searcher.com/regions-california

2010 Villa Maria Dry Riesling Marborough

I am a big fan of Villa Maria's Sauvignon Blanc wine so I decided to pick up their 'Dry Riesling.'  I used about a 1/4 of the wine for cooking today (Cream Chicken dish) and the rest for imbibing. 

At the nose, there's a slight hint of apricots, pears, apples and grass.  I think this is fairly typical for Chardonnay's; so I was a bit surprised given that it was a Riesling.  The first whirl of the 2010 Villa Maria Dry Riesling -- indeed, quite dry as the label suggests.  Interesting--  Had you blindfolded me I would have to say that this was a Sauvignon Blanc.  Nice balance of grapefruit, nuts, and pears. 

I'm going to give this one 3.5 stars.  A very descent, dry Riesling.  If you're looking for something on the sweeter side, this is definitely not it.  I purchased this one at Kinokuniya for Y1,680.  I did some googling and found one at Rakuten for Y1,239.  Maybe it's time to venture out a bit and start buying from online stores.

Summary: Very dry, reminds me of their Sauvignon Blanc.  Good value, but cheaper sources out there...
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y1,680 (Kinokuniya International)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y1,239 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $12.95
Food:  Cream Chicken with white rice

2010 Andeluna Malbec

My apologies for not posting anything recently.   Today I decided to try an Argentinian wine.  I think this might be the first review for an Argentinian wine on this blog.  I really enjoy wines from South America -- good bang for your buck.  

Having some homemade pasta (bacon, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, salt/pepper to taste) I decided to open a full body red wine.  This 2010 Andeluna Malbec has aromas of blackberries, cherries, and plums at the first sniff.   The first swirl -- wow, very intense and yes, a full body red. The tannins are well balanced and the finish is slightly spicy (black pepper).   Not bad.  The second swirl was a bit alcoholic, but still spicy and a good balance.  


I am going to give this one 3.5 stars.  I think this is a great table wine and one which you could bring to a casual dinner party.  I purchased this one at Nissin World Delicatessen for Y1,440.   In my personal opinion, a good value for what you are getting.  I'd recommend letting this one open for about 30 minutes.


Summary: Full-body, good balance and slightly spicy finish.  Good value
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y1,440 (Nissin World Delicatessen Groceries)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y1,659 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $9.95
Food:  Bacon and tomato pasta

2009 Six Foot Six Pinot Noir

As noted in an early blog posting, I managed to pick up some wines from Australia.  I really enjoy wines from the down under; however I think this might be one of my first Australian wine review. 

An interesting label and name, Six Foot Six 2009 Pinot Noir was great. The aromas were very fruity--blackberries, cherries and some accent of grass.  As most Pinot Noir's do, the color tone was light color red.  The first swirl was nice--A fairly complex, and 'soft' wine that is slightly (and I mean very slightly), sweet.  If you have ever tried an Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir, I would say this was its younger sibling.  


I am going to give this one 4 stars.  I really liked it.  The price is decent, the complexity is really nice and the balance was just right. I purchased this one at Nissin World Delicatessen in Azabu Juban for Y2,250.  I would definitely purchase this one again. 
**PS take a look at the Rakuten link below -- looks like a good sale if you cannot make it to Nissin.  
  
Summary: Medium-body, great balance and nice finish.  Good value
Rating: 4 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y2,250 (Nissin World Delicatessen Groceries)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y2,100 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $19.95
Food:  NA

Wine and a Wine Fridge at Costco

Purchased about 12 bottles from Costco this week and a few from Nissin Intl Store. I also saw a large Haier wine fridge for sale at Costco (80,000yen).  It was tempting, but I guess I will wait -- seemed a bit expensive.

Anyway, stay tuned.. Hope to be posting some more reviews this week.

2001 Le Haut-Medoc de Giscours

To the best of my knowledge, this 2001 Le Haut-Medoc de Giscours is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.  According to wikipedia, Haut-Medoc was a salt marsh for animal grazing back in the day; however these days its producing some good wines (I've had a few from this region and have enjoyed all of them).

The wine has good balance of aromas.  Hint of oak, the presence of berries and spices were apparent.
First swirl was nice--  full body and nice texture.  Tannins were strong, and there was a slight bitter finish to the wine.  Second swirl I am not as impressed;  not bad, but nothing spectacular.  A good wine that is fairly easy to drink.

I am going to give this one 3 stars.  I purchased this bottle from the Wine Market store in Ebisu Gardens for Y2,600.  This price seems about market price here in Japan; however I could not find a listing price in the U.S.  Overall, a good wine, but nothing that knocks your socks off.

Summary: Full-body, Good balance, but nothing spectacular
Rating: 3 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y2,600 (Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y2,777 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: NA
Food:  NA

Happy belated Australia Day!

Thought I'd post something different today.  In honor of Australia Day (January 26th), do you have any good recommendations for wines from the down under (Australia)?  If so, please feel free to post your recommendation on this post.  On my next trip to the wine store I will also try and pick up a bottle or two of Australian wine.

2009 Perrin Réserve Côtes du Rhône

According to the label it is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre (by the way, I think this is the first time for me to come across a bottle with Mourvedre).  This 2009 Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone is very good.

The hue is deep red and at the nose there are lots of blackberries.  The first swirl; I was impressed.  Good balance--the berries are definitely there with perhaps some cherries in the background.  Interestingly the finish is spicy (black pepper).  Tannins are very light on the second go around.  

I like this wine.  I am going to give this one 3.5 stars.  I would purchase this one again; however I think it might be a tad expensive (not the best value).  I paid Y2,100 at the Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store.  On Rakuten it is listed about 10% cheaper at  Y1,890. Regardless, a good wine with an very interesting peppery finish. 
Summary: Full-body, lots of blackberries at the nose; peppery finish 
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y2,100 (Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y1,890 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $12.49
Food:  NA

2009 Château Les Canelles

With 80% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 10% Malbec this Bordeaux is from the Côtes de Blaye region. 

The aromas of the wine are difficult to distinguish.  I smelled some berries, but also it seemed to have a fairly strong alcohol smell as well. I was expecting a full-body wine, but it was a bit lighter in taste (perhaps a medium body Bordeaux).  


Overall, the balance was not great.  The finish was a bit bitter for my liking and I felt like it had some cough syrup mixed in.  It reminded me of the Mouton Cadet bottle I tried not too long ago (see the review here - 

2009 Baron Philippe Rothschild Mouton Cadet Bordeaux).  

I purchased this one at the Wine Market store, in Ebisu Gardens.  Luckily I did not pay full price as it was on sale for Y1,500.  I am going to give this one 1.5 stars.  

Summary: I was not that impressed. The finish was bitter and balance not great.
Rating:   1.5 stars
Purchase Cost: Y1,500 (Wine Market Store, Ebisu Gardens)
Other Japanese Retailers: NA
USA Retail Price: NA
Food: NA

2008 Guy Saget Vouvray

A first review of a "Vouvray" on this blog-- I have been wanting to try this for quite some time.  This 2008 Guy Saget Vouvray was a decent wine.  Although nothing spectacular that hits it out of the ballpark; for the price and quality, I thought this was a good value.

Definitely aromas of apples, pears, and melons were present.  As the wine sits a bit, honey became more apparent. A completely dry wine, it is not.  Slightly sweet at taste, and well balanced; however the finish was slightly weak.  This one reminds me of a Sauvignon Blanc as it has some hints of citrus.  

Overall I am going to give this one 3.5 stars.  I purchased this one at the Wine Market Store in Ebisu Gardens.  A interesting find for me as the store clerk said they were out of all Vouvray's; however I managed to pick this one from their sale bin.  I paid Y1,500, where it was originally priced at Y1,890.

Summary: Medium-body, Chenin Blanc.  

Rating: 3.5 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y1,500 (Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store)

Other Japanese Retailers: Y1,680 (Rakuten website)

USA Retail Price: $9.95
Food:  Carnitas, and Mild Mexican soup

2007 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo Riserva

An interesting pick from my new favorite store in Ebisu, this 2007 Montepuciano D'Abruzzo was quite good.  


The aromas were filled with fruit -- berries and plums.  The overall balance was good.  Seems as though this one might have been in oak wood.  The initial taste was ever so slightly sweet followed by a nice finish. The tannins were strong, but not too much where it was bitter.  


This one was purchased at Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store for Y1,500 (on sale).  Overall, I am going to give this one 3.5 stars.  I'd recommend that you consume this in one day, as the wine did not stay in the fridge overnight too well (the next day it did not taste as good).  


Summary: Full-body, tannins were strong, but good balance  
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y1,500 (Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store)
Other Japanese Retailers: NA
USA Retail Price: NA
Food: Ham, cheese, crackers, etc.

2009 Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir

The primary reason I picked this bottle up was because of its Beringer label.   I've never tried a Beringer wine so I thought I'd pick this 2009 Beringer Founders Estate Pinot Noir and give it a shot.  Pinot Noir is one of my favorites to sample as I think there are a wide variety on the market.  I tend to enjoy the ones which have been more on the sweeter side, however the overall depth can be very unique (the color can be very deceiving). 

First sniff -- hint of cherries, blackberries and some type of wood. The color is light red, as most pinot noir's often portray. First swirl -- yes, cherries were there; however I had a taste of vanilla too.   Second swirl--somewhat creamy, however the finish was a bit dull. Comparing some other Pinot Noir's this one is lacking a punch.  


I purchased this one at the Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store for Y2,100.  Maybe I was anticipating a bit more, but for that price I think it is not a great value.  I am going to give this one 2.5 stars.  A good bottle to bring to a party or have as table wine, but the price is what brings this rating down to 2.5 stars.    


Summary: Medium-body, Pinot Noir.  
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y2,100 (Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y1,995 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $8.99
Food: NA

2010 Domaine D'Anderzon Cotes du Rhone

An "organic" wine from the Rhone valley, this one was very different from all the wines I have posted thus far.  In addition, it is non-filtered, which made this one a bit more interesting.  

First sniff --lots of berries, perhaps blackberries, with some green grass in the background.  The color tone was dark red (nothing like I have seen before).  First swirl, wow, full-body and fairly spicy.  It also seemed the tannins were a bit strong.  Second sniff -- may sound a bit weird, but I was getting some hint of milk (is that possible?).  Okay, well the second swirl, seemed green and young.  Flavors of berries were prominent -- slightly sour for my liking.  The balance was okay, however this syrah was very different than ones I have drunk before.  Perhaps it is the "organic" part of the wine, or maybe the "non-filter" component (I am not really sure). 


I purchased this one from Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market store.  I am going to give this one 3 stars.  Very unique wine, but not my all time favorite. It's a decent bottle that would be great with a meat dish.   When I finished the bottle, I had some sludge in my glass -- first for me! 


Summary: Full-body, Syrah.  Fairly green and rich. 
Rating: 3 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y1,606 (Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y1,512 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $13.95
Food: Mexican soup

2010 Pacific Rim Riesling Columbia Valley

From the Washington State, USA this 2010 Riesling is fairly good.  At the nose it is full of passion fruits.  I can smell a hint of honey, mangoes, and apples.  The color is very nice too (nice yellow hue). 

First swirl-- much sweeter than I was expecting.  The wine has a very mild sparkling wine effect.  The second swirl was followed by a slight bitterness-- Perhaps the tannins are coming out a bit.  


Overall this is a good wine.  Although a bit sweeter than I was expecting the balance is okay.  I am going to rate this one 3.5 stars.  I purchased this bottle at the Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market shop.  When comparing it to other shops in Japan it is about market average, but  A bit pricey if you compare to the prices in the U.S.  That said, this Riesling is a nice one -- probably great during the summer time.  


Summary: Semi-Sweet and overall good Riesling.  Balance is good.  
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y2,205 (Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y2,205
USA Retail Price: $9.99
Food: Tofu Stir fry, Edamame beans, and salad

1999 Savennières Roche Aux Moines

My brother-in-law, who is quite the wine hobbyist/enthusiast, is in town visiting.  As such, I showed him my recent wine purchases which I obtained at the Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store and we picked the 1999 Savennières to swirl.  

I was anticipating a semi-sweet wine, but I was forewarned by my brother-in-law that this would be quite the opposite.  Situated in the Loire Valley, this Chenin Blanc was a full-body, dry wine.  The color was very beautiful -- golden yellow, crystal like hue.  Our first sniff had an apple aroma with some wool sweater scent.  The first swirl, indeed not sweet at all.  Quite dry, and had a wonderful full body texture.  We had this wine open for about another hour and the wine really developed.  More fruity (hint of Cantaloupes) towards the end and the heat index rose slightly.  


Overall, a great wine.  I'd recommend opening this one for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.  A delicate, yet full body Chenin Blanc, this one is going to get 4 stars. 


For those who haven't visited the Wine Market in Ebisu Gardens, I would recommend a visit.  


Summary: Dry, full body Chenin Blanc
Rating: 4 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y3,150 (Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y3,490
USA Retail Price: $22.95
Food: Cheese and Crackers (Parmesan and red cheddar)

2009 Nuits Saint Georges Les Poisets

Happy New Year!  


To kick off the 2012 entry, I decided to open a bottle which was given to me by my wife for a Christmas present!  From the Bourgogne region (Nuit Saint Georges area) this wine was really good. 


At first smell, the Pinot Noir has a mixture of dark cherries and raspberries.  Second smell and oddly enough, it also had a hint of wild mushrooms.  First swirl was very nice.  Slightly sweet; however the sweetness  dissipates quite quickly, which is followed by a nutty, creamy taste. A bit 'green'/'grassy', but the dynamics of the wine is very full, yet light and smooth at the same time. Wow, I'm impressed 


I decided to let this one open for about 30 minutes. The overall flavor and taste really improved (letting this one open is key).  The berry flavors came out and the overall balance took form.  


I am going to give this one 4 stars.  I do not know the cost as it was a xmas gift, but I think this one is on the upper end of my typical wine budget.  Thank you very much for the wonderful gift!  
This one would be great wine to bring to a elegant wine party/dinner.   


Summary: A bit green at start, but allow it to open for a bit.  Very smooth and well balanced. The wine has the classic pinot noir color tone -- light red.
Rating: 4 Stars
Purchase Cost: NA (Gift from Shibuya Tokyu Store)
Other Japanese Retailers: NA
USA Retail Price: NA
Food: NA