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
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
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
Overall I am a big fan of Kim Crawford's Sauvignon Blanc wines (New Zealand). Today I decided to try Kim Crawford 2009 Marlborough Pinot Noir -- a first for me.
The smell reminds me of a sweet strawberry that still has some dirt on the leaves (earthy). My first whirl/taste; first impact is good, but the flavor tapers off pretty quickly. It's okay. My second whirl.... Yeah, not overly impressed. It has some berry flavors, but the berries are a bit sour. It's one of those wines where you think it's a bit young, but even if you let it age overtime it's a wine that wont change a bit. In other words, it is what it is. Almost similar to the wine earlier this week (Napa Station), an okay table wine, but not one to bring to a dinner party to impress.
Again, I purchased this at Costco and it was reasonable (comparing it to Rakuten it is a steal ~65% discount--I would never pay Y2,000). I am going to give this wine 3 stars.
Summary: Okay Pinot Noir from New Zealand (classic Pinot Noir color -- light red). Good initial taste, but it did not last to really impress.
Rating: 3 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y1,198 (Kawasaki Costco)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y1,980 (Rakuten Website-scroll down a bit)
USA Retail Price: Around $13.95
Food: I did not pair it with any food today
