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

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 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 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