Reds and Rosé Wine Tasting Notes

Here are our red and rosé wine tasting notes, these do not include ports or red american/french hybrid reds.
About our ratings. We have used a variety of systems over the last few months. We initially started with a 100 point system, for a while, I used a 20 point system. We are now both using our own 30 point system but older tasting notes were left with whatever system we were using at the time of tasting. For a fuller explanation, please see my Understanding the Wine Ratings Page. We are now including complete scores with our tasting notes. Here are what the abbreviations stand for; AP:appearance/clarity, C:color, AR:aroma/bouquet, AC:appropriate acidity, SW:appropriate sweetness, B:body, FL:flavor, TN:appropriate tannin, AS:asescence, F:finish, GQ:general quality, T=total points.

We also use a 5 point Quality-Price-Rating (QPR), which measures our feelings about buying them again, i.e., are they a good value for the money.


Wines are grouped by varietal;
Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Bordeaux
Barton & Guestier Vin de Pays d'Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 1996. $7.00.
Beautiful black red color. Nice buttery nose of cherry, blackfruit, green pepper with earthy, leather notes. Chewy, sharp tannins. Lots of blackfruit, cherry, tobacco, and green pepper flavors. Nice finish. Still too young, should be allowed a year or two in the bottle. Tasted on 7/20/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:2.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:2.5, T=23.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:1, SW:2, B:1.5, FL:3, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3, T=23
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1993. $18.00
Wonderful nose, full of blackfruit, cherries, flowers and oak. Tannins are still a bit chewy. Blackberry, cassis, oak, and a hint of pine on the palate. Nice finish. The tannins want another year or two but the fruit levels say drink now. Tasted on 12/13/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=26
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:1, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3, T=26
Casa Lapostolle Colchagua Cabernet Sauvignon 1994. $8.00.
Odd nose with sour, oak and smoke scents. Chewey tannins with hints of smoke and plum but the dominant flavors were vegetal and stemmy. Jenny had part of one glass but was not interested in any more. We gave this 19/30. Tasted on 5/11/97. QPR=1.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:2, AC:1, SW:2, B:2, FL:2, TN:2, AS:1, F:1, GQ:2, T=19
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:2, AC:2, SW:2, B:1, FL:2, TN:2, AS:1, F:1, GQ:2, T=19
Columbia Crest Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1993. $9.00.
Nice nose and good color though starting to show a little brown around the edge. Layers of black fruit with some prune, blueberry and cedar notes. Lots of oak and good chewy tannins. I found the volatile acidity slightly objectionable but Jenny thought it was fine. We both gave it 17/20. Tasted on 4/20/97. QPR=3.
Concho y Toro Rapel Cabernet Sauvignon 1995. $8.00 (1.5 ltr).
Good nose and pleasant fruit with blackberry and tobacco flavors. Light on the tannins and oak. Tasted on 1/11/97. QPR=3.
Fortrant de France Cabernet Sauvignon 1994. $5.00.
Strong cab nose with a hint of mustiness. Brownish color. Very tannic and chewy but also tart, watery with hot pepper flavors. Not pleasant. Tasted on 1/24/97. QPR=1.
Gallo Sonoma Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 1991. $12.00.
An excellent, lighter bodied cab. Light oak, good mouth filling tannins and a nose I felt compelled to call 'warm'. Loaded with blackberry, black cherry and cedary flavors and a great finish that could have been a little longer. Wonderfully balanced and a great accompaniment to the broiled rosemary lambchop dinner we drank it with. Fully deserving of its Wine Spectator rating, this would be a good wine to serve Gallo bashers blind. Tasted on 2/19/97. QPR=5. Retasted on 4/28/97 with similar notes.
Glass Mountain Quarry Cabernet Sauvignon 1993, $8.00.
This probably could have used a few more years in the bottle. Tannic and chewy while at the same time, very watery with no distinct flavors. High alcohol level was apparent. Tasted on 12/26/96. QPR=2.
Kendall Jackson Cabernet Sauvignon 1992, $16.00.
Loaded with tannins, very oaky and almost abrupt on the finish. Some fruit, tobacco, and pepper flavors but none particularly distinctive. Tasted on 11/28/96. QPR=2.
Lindeman's South Eastern Australia Bin 45 1995 $8.00
Nice cab nose, full of black fruit, oak and vanilla. Nice balance of tannin and fruit with black fruit, tobacco, and oak flavors dominating. Acidity is slightly high and this could use another year in the bottle. Nice finish. Much improved over the 1994 vintage. Tasted on 9/13/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:1.5, F:1, GQ:3, T=24.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=24.5
Lindeman's South Australia Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon 1994. $7.00.
This wine had a wonderful cab nose but never really delivered all that the nose promised. Hinted at complexity with flavors of black currant, spice, tobacco, and maybe a hint of smoke. Nice tannins but a little lighter on the oak than I usually like. Finish was short but pleasant. Definitely a step up from the table wines we have been drinking lately. Tasted on 1/30/97. QPR=4.
Montes Curico Cabernet Sauvignon 1991. $9.00.
Rich, almost black color. Very nice cab nose. This opened up with a little time in the glass and revealed layers of blackberry, currant, black cherry flavors with maybe a hint of cinnamon. Rich, long finish with pepper notes. Jenny gave this 89 or 90/100 and I gave it 18/20. Tasted on 3/29/97. QPR=4.
Napa Ridge Central Coast Oak Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon 1994 $8.00
Heady cab nose, loaded with black cherry, raspberry and oak. The flavors generously repeat on the palate with some pleasant green pepper notes. Nice if not spectacular finish. An excellent value and better than many cabs we have tasted at twice the price. Tasted on 10/19/97. QPR=4
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:1, SW:2, B:2, FL:2, TN:3.5, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3.5, T=25
Walnut Crest Rapel Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1995. $5.00.
Nice nose with nicely balanced tannins and oak. While tasty, there were no distinct fruit flavors or particular complexities. Finish was adequate. OK as a table wine. Tasted on 2/9/97. QPR=3.
Walnut Crest Rapel Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1991. $5.00.
Pleasant but not exceptional nose. Starting to show its age but not too unexpected in a Chilean cab. Volatile acidity was a bit too high but otherwise a pleasant if simple cab. Tasted on 3/9/97. QPR=2.

Merlot
Columbia Crest Columbia Valley 1994. $13.00
Beautiful color. Rich nose with raspberry, black cherry, floral and chocolate notes. These carry over into the mouth with the chocolate coming in again on the nice finish. Tannins are a bit tight and mouth filling which when combined with the high acidity suggests that this one could use a few more years in the bottle. This is a delicious wine. Tasted on 11/15/97. QPR=5.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3.5, T=27
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:4.5, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:2, GQ:4, T=28
Cottonwood Cellars Special Reserve Merlot 1994. $17.00.
This was purchased and tasted in a restaurant. Beautiful color, rich fruity nose. This wine had very high acidity, chewy tannins and a lot of fruit with what seems to be western Colorado's characteristic cherry flavors. Buy it if you get to western Colorado but cellar it until about 2001-2005. Tasted on 8/1/97. QPR=4.
Fortrant De France Vin de Pays d'Oc Merlot 1995. $7.00.
Unfortunately the wines of Fortrant de France have never failed to disappoint us. Somehow Wine Spectator rated this an 86, Jenny gave it 80/100 and I gave it 16/20. It was not a bad wine, it just wasn't anything special. Nice, somewhat melony nose. Good chewy tannins. Some black fruit but nothing that stood out. A simple, adequate table wine. Tasted on 3/28/97. QPR=2.
Hogue Columbia Valley Merlot 1994. $17.00
Lovely nose with floral, raspberry, cherry, strawberry, vanilla and spice. Rich flavors with layers of blackfruit, cherry, cedar, spice and a touch of green pepper. Nice finish. Tasted on 8/8/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:1.5, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3.5, T=27.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:1, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=24
Pindar North Fork of Long Island Reserve Merlot 1989. Gift.
Blackfruit, grapey nose with stemmy/vegetal notes. This was a high acid wine with tart blackfruit and cherry flavors. We let this breath a while and it definitely improved. We both liked it more than our scores would indicate. Tasted on 7/5/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:1.5, AR:2.5, AC:1, SW:2, B:2, FL:2, TN:2, AS:1, F:1.5, GQ:2 T=19.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:1.5, AR:2.5, AC:1, SW:1, B:2, FL:2.5, TN:2, AS:1, F:1.5, GQ:2, T=19
Plum Creek Redstone Reserve Merlot 1994. $15.00
Rich nose of black cherry, berry, plum, cedar and vanilla. Medium bodied. High acid and chewy tannins want some aging but this is packed with fruit, cherry, blackfruit, cedar, leather, toast and spice. Nice finish. Tasted on 8/5/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:1.5, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=24.5
Prosperity Colchagua Valley 1995. $7.00
Strong nose of blackberry, cherry, raspberry and tobacco. Very fruity with black fruit and cherry dominating the oak. Nice finish. I thought this somewhat simple but an excellent value, better than its Spectator rating of 83. Jenny thought it was more complex than the Walnut Crest merlot and delicious although needing a few years for the tannins to settle down. Made in Chile by Firestone. Tasted on 9/20/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3.5, T=26
Walnut Crest Rapel Valley Merlot 1997. $5.00.
Dark crimson. Nose is very fruity with lots of berries. A lighter bodied wine. Dry with simple berry and oak flavors dominating. This is one is still young and needs time but it is not as good as the 1995, let alone the 1996. Tasted on 10/26/97. QPR=2.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:2.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:2.5, T=23
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:1, FL:3, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:1, GQ:2.5, T=22
Walnut Crest Rapel Valley Merlot 1996. $5.00.
If you can find a better $5.00 wine, please let me know! Nice, varietal nose with a lot of fruit notes. Mouthfilling tannins and light oak backing up layers of raspberry, plum, currant and sweet/tart cherry flavors. Finish was pleasant but simple and short. Great with food! Tasted on 5/7/97. Retasted on 5/21/97 with similar notes. QPR=5, we bought a case of this.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=24
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:2, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=24
Walnut Crest Rapel Valley Merlot 1995, $5.00.
Young with nice tannins and oak. This made a good table wine but was nothing special. Tasted on 12/31/96. QPR=3.

Pinot Noir
Kendall-Jackson California Vintner's Reserve Pinot Noir 1994. $14.00.
Cherry, fruit, and anise nose. The dominant flavor is (black) cherry but it is blended with plum, oak, strawberry, and cedar flavors with nicely balanced tannin. Fairly high acidity that goes well with food. Finish is short but nice. Tasted on 5/12/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=25
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=26
Laurier Sonoma County Pinot Noir 1994. $16.00
Rich nose of strawberries, cherries and plum with a touch of tomato. Somewhat lightbodied. Plum, strawberry, and berry flavors with a hint of spice. Cherry notes appear on the finish. Asescence is just short of being objectionably high. Jenny thought this one very polished. Tasted on 8/16/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:1.5, FL:3, TN:2, AS:1, F:1, GQ:3, T=23
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:1.5, FL:4, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3, T=26.5
Napa Ridge North Coast Coastal Pinot Noir 1995. $9.00.
A retasting of a wine first tasted on 4/26/97. Nice nose of black cherry, currant and floral notes. Acidity is slightly high. Cherry and berry flavors dominate but there is a pleasant if slight earthiness along with the oak. Nice finish. Tasted on 9/8/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:1.5, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=24
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:1, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:2.5, T=22.5
Napa Ridge North Coast Coastal Pinot Noir 1995. $9.00.
Not a lot of nose. Layers of black fruit, especially black cherry with some strawberry and cedar flavors. Lightly oaked. The volatile acidity was slightly high when first opened. This wine improved with 15 or 20 minutes of air losing some acidity and gaining richness. Still it was somewhat watery and wimpy. Jenny and I initially gave this 15/20 and 16/20 respectively. We each added 2 points later. Tasted on 4/26/97. QPR=2. We retasted this on 9/8/97, please see those notes above.
Saintsbury Carneros Garnet Pinot Noir 1995. $12.00.
Cherry and fruit flavors dominate over a touch of green stemminess. Nice nose with a good long finish. Tasted on 3/14/97. QPR=3.
Sanford Central Coast Pinot Noir 1994. $16.00
Nose of black cherry, vanilla and green stemminess. The latter became especially evident with time. Flavors of spicy black pepper, black cherry, oak, tobacco and tar were marred by the green vegetal tastes. Spicy with heavy tannins. Not a terrible wine, but not good enough either. Tasted on 5/31/97. QPR=2.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:2, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:2, TN:2, AS:1, F:2, GQ:2, T=21
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:1, AR:2, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:2, TN:2, AS:1, F:1, GQ:2, T=19
Tyrrell's South Eastern Australia Old Winery Pinot Noir 1993 . $8.00.
Nice nose with hints of violets. Well balanced tannins and acid. Forward fruit with flavors of plums, anise and tobacco?. Showing some brown around the edges. If you have this, drink it now rather than later. A nice Oz Pinot that has, at least, reached its prime. Tasted on 3/1/97. QPR=3 although if I were first tasting it a year ago, I suspect I would have given it a 5.
Vendange Late Harvest Pinot Noir NV. $5.00.
Light bodied, fruity, with surprisingly good varietal character. Great Burgundy it isn't, but it was very nice for the price. Tasted on 1/4/97. QPR=3.

Rosé
Simi California Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon 1996. $8.00
Nice color but lacking the intense red that this wine used to have. Fruity nose that was nothing like a Cab. Simple with apricot and floral notes. Light bodied, not really a food wine. Peach and pear flavors and a lot of sweetness. I used to buy this about 10 years ago and at that time, this was the best rosé made in America, now its just another blush wine. Tasted on 8/25/97. QPR=2.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:1, AR:2.5, AC:2, SW:1, B:2, FL:2, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:2, T=20
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:1.5, AR:3, AC:3, SW:3, B:0.5, FL:2.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:0.5, GQ:2, T=20

Syrah, Shiraz, Petite Sirah, and Northern Rhone

And before anyone feels the need to tell me that Petite Sirah is actually the Durif grape and not a Syrah at all, I encourage them to read a recent article in Nature Genetics which demonstrated not only the true parentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (Cabernet Franc x Sauvignon Blanc), but also that of Petite Sirah. The latter is indeed, a variety of Syrah.
Jenard Vin de Pays d'Oc Belle Epocque Series Syrah 1994. $7.00
Raspberry, cherry, and pepper nose with perhaps a hint of vegetal scents. Very high acid and chewy tannins indicate this probably should have been held for a few more years. Tart blackfruit, cherry, oak and cedar flavors. Medium to light body. Not bad, but not great either. Tasted on 8/4/97. QPR=2.
Brad's Scores. AP:1.5, C:2, AR:3, AC:1, SW:2, B:2, FL:2, TN:2, AS:1, F:1, GQ:2.5, T=20
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:1, AR:2.5, AC:1, SW:2, B:1.5, FL:3, TN:2, AS:1, F:1, GQ:2, T=19
Lindeman's South Australia Bin 50 1996, $8.00
Nice nose, full of black fruit, cherry and a hint of lavender. Still young and tannic, black cherry dominates the palate along with blackberry and spice. Nice finish. Better than the 2 previous years. This one needs sometime to pull everything together, try it again in 1999. Tasted on 12/15/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3.5, T=25
Lindeman's South Australia Bin 50 Shiraz 1995. $8.00
Light colored for a Shiraz. Fruity nose with cherry, black berry, anise, plum and floral notes. Black cherry, currant, raspberry and anise flavors with enough oak and tannin to give this some aging potential. Finish is short but nice with the flavors folding together. Tasted on 6/7/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=24
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:1, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=23
Lindeman's South Australia Bin 50 Shiraz 1994. $8.00.
Nice nose and very good finish. Good tannins and fruit with underlying black cherry notes. A very well balanced shiraz for the price and it had improved with an extra year in the bottle. Wine Spectator rated this 86, we feel that would be slightly conservative now. Tasted on 2/14/97. QPR=4.
Parducci California Petite Sirah 1994. $10.00
Lovely nose of cherry, vanilla and earth notes. Deep black- purple color. Touch of green steminess, but chocolate, black cherry, vanilla, smoke, coffee, and tar flavors dominate and are backed up by good chewy tannins. Some slight earthiness at first but this subsides. Tasted on 5/27/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:1, F:2, GQ:2, T=24
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:1, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:1, F:2, GQ:3, T=23
Paul Jaboulet Aines Crozes-Hermitage Les Jalets 1994 $17.00
This young Northern Rhone has a very rich red raspberry nose with strong anise notes and just a touch of floral scents. Tart fruit, especially raspberry and currant, green and black pepper, and a slight touch of chocolate on the finish. Chewy mouth filling tannins. Acidity is high right now, give this one a few years to settle down and pull everything together. If you must drink it now, give it some air time, it definitely improves. Tasted on 6/22/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:1.5, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3 T=25
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:1, SW:2, B:1, FL:4, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3, T=25
R.H. Phillips Night Harvest Cuvee Rouge NV. $5.00 for 500 ml.
Attractive rich, red color. Very berry nose with raspberry, cherry, vanilla predominating over hints of alcohol and vegetal notes. Chewy tannins. Cherry, raspberry, pepper, plum and a touch of anise dominated the palate. Decent finish. Pleasant if relatively simple wine. Tasted on 8/30/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:1, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:2.5, T=23
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:1, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:2.5, T=23
Rabbit Ridge California Allure 1995 $7.00
Rich nose but with a vegetal edge. Full of raspberry, blackberry, cherry and grape flavors but none really dominate. Pleasant but simple. Jenny thought this one was very tannic. Tasted on 9/31/97. QPR=2.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:2.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:2.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:2.5, T=22
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:2, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:2, TN:1, AS:2, F:1, GQ:2, T=19.5
Rosemount Australia Shiraz-Cabernet 1997; $9.00
Rich nose of raspberry, cherry and tobacco. Black fruit, cherry and cedar flavors on the silky mouth. Very fruity if a touch simple. Quite tasty. Tasted on 2/6/98. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=23.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25
Rosemount Southeastern Australia Shiraz 1996. $12.00.
Lovely black red color. Nose is intensely full of blackfruit with oak notes. Still young and tannic. Black cherry, anise and blackberry flavors dominate the delicious and spicy mouth. Nice finish. This is very good now but will be even better in 2-5 years. Tasted on 11/26/97. QPR=5.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3.5, T=26.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3.5, T=26.5
Rosemount Southeastern Australia Shiraz 1995. $11.00.
Rich, luscious and well balanced although obviously still needing some time in the bottle for everything to pull together. Lots of blackberry, grape, black currant and strawberry flavors with nice but not overwhelming tannins. Long spicy finish. To quote Jenny, this one is "yummy". I gave it 18/20, Jenny gave it 90/100. Tasted on 4/5/97. QPR=5. Retasted on 4/12/97 with similar notes.

Zinfandel
Ballentine Napa Valley Zinfandel 1994. $12.00
Rich, black-red color. Very nice nose that was loaded with cherry, blackberry and strawberry notes. Good chewy tannins. Cherry, blackfruit, toast, spice, and anise flavors with a nice finish. Very nice. Tasted on 7/19/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3.5, T=27
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=26
Belvedere Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 1991. $11.00
Nose of raspberry, cherry, pepper and some vegetal notes, high alcohol content was apparent. I thought this one was tart with blackfruit, cedar and leather flavors. Jenny found it to have nice toasty oak, blackfruit, pepper with some cedar and tobacco notes. Tasted on 7/6/97. QPR=2 (Brad), 4 (Jenny).
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:1.5, AR:2.5, AC:2, SW:1, B:1, FL:2.5, TN:2, AS:1, F:1, GQ:2.5 T=19
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25
Chateau Souverain Dry Creek Valley 1994. $12.00
Pretty red but somewhat lightcolored. Rich fruity nose with notes of raspberry and black cherry predominating. The strong tannins gave backbone to the cherry, raspberry, and toasty oak flavors that had a floral edge. Medium finish. Tasted on 10/5/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:1.5, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:1.5, B:1.5, FL:2.5, TN:1, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:2, T=21
Clos du Val Stag's Leap District Napa Valley Zinfandel 1992. $15.00
Rich color. Interesting nose with strong raspberry, cherry and tobacco notes complimented by cedar, anise, and floral scents. Loaded with black cherry, strawberry, cedar and plum flavors and a touch of oak and tobacco. Good chewy tannins. Acid is a touch high but not objectionably so. Tasted on 8/25/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:2.5, T=25.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:2.5, T=24.5
Franciscan Napa Valley Oakville Estate Zinfandel 1994; $16.00
Big zin nose, full of blackcherry, toast, vanilla, pepper and raspberry notes. Nicely balanced acidity and tannnins. The palate is dominated by black cherry, rich red raspberry, cedar, anise and a touch of tobacco. Almost light bodied. Nice long finish. Tasted on 2/19/98. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3, T=26
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=26
Gossamer Bay Zinfandel 1995. $6.00.
Light bodied zin with lots of raspberry, blackberry flavors. Nice finish. Tasted on 1/13/97. QPR=4.
Kenwood Sonoma Valley Jack London Vineyard Zinfandel 1994. $16.00.
Beautiful black-red color. Strong cab like nose. Blackberry-cherry flavors with chewy tannins and a long, peppery-spicy finish. Volatile acidity was on the high side. This was a very Cab like Zin, both in nose and in flavor. It might settle down with another year or two in the bottle but we have our doubts. Jenny gave this 85/100 and I gave it 17/20. Looks like we agree with the Spectator's rating for this one. Tasted on 4/9/97. QPR=3.
Rabbit Ridge Sonoma County Zinfandel 1995. $14.00
Huge zin nose, full of berries, spice and pepper. Black cherry, pepper, currant, raspberry and tar flavors. Full bodied, well oaked, with enough tannin to age for several years. A wonderful, complex zin. Tasted on 5/24/97. QPR=5.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:4, T=29
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4 or 5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:5, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:4, T=29 or 30
Ravenswood California Vintner's Blend 1995 $11.00
Lots of blackfruit on the nose with floral, oak and tobacco notes on the very zin nose. Acid is a bit high, this one could use a few more years. The palate is dominated by blackfruit, especially black cherry, with pepper and spice as well. Mouthfilling tannins. Nice finish. This one was very nice, I wish we could find other Ravenswood zins locally. Tasted on 11/16/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3, T=26
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25
Round Hill Napa Valley Zinfandel 1992. $8.00.
Nice nose. This is a high alcohol (14.6%!!) wine with a touch too much tannin. Forward fruit, especially cherry with a nice spicy/peppery finish. Tasted on 3/16/97. QPR=4. We retasted this in February, 1998. It had aged nicely and was at its peak. Drink soon.
Turning Leaf Sonoma County Sonoma Reserve 1993. $9.00
Very fruity nose with raspberry, cherry and spice and alcohol notes. Chewy tannins (Jenny thought objectionably so). Lots of fruit with the raspberry and black cherry flavors dominating. Relatively simple with an OK finish. Tasted on 10/14/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:1.5, FL:3, TN:2, AS:1, F:1, GQ:2.5, T=22.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:1, AS:2, F:1, GQ:2.5, T=23

Other Reds
Arciero Santa Barbera County Nebbiolo 1988. $9.00.
Colors are starting to show their age. Cola and spice nose with hints of floral notes, really very port like. High acidity was still noted. Some stemminess but mostly tart berry flavors with cedar and juniper? notes. Jenny thought this one somewhat bitter and musty smelly. The cork had started to deteriate. Tasted on 5/17/97. QPR=2.
Brad's Scores. AP:1, C:2, AR:2, AC:2, SW:1, B:1, FL:2, TN:2, AS:1, F:2, GQ:2, T=21
Jenny's Scores. AP:1, C:2, AR:2, AC:2, SW:1, B:1, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:2, T=19
Beringer Nouveau Beaujolais 1997. $6.00
Very fruity nose, full of strawberry and cherry. These flavors carry over into the mouth with the added touch of cedar and spice. More complex and tastier than last year's. Good with food. Tasted on 11/20/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:, C:, AR:, AC:, SW:, B:, FL:, TN:, AS:, F:, GQ:, T=
Jenny's Scores. AP:, C:, AR:, AC:, SW:, B:, FL:, TN:, AS:, F:1, GQ:, T=
Beringer Gamay Beaujolais 1996. $7.00.
Well balanced fruit and even a hint of oak?! This is what I think a Beaujolais should taste like. Tasted on 11/27/96. QPR=3.
Bodegas Muerza Rioja Vega Crianza 1994. $9.00
Nice color. Fruity nose, full of blackfruit, vanilla, spice, oak and tobacco. Full bodied with a nice tannic backbone. Flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and spice with hints of tobacco and vanilla. Nice finish with everything folding together well. Delicious! Tasted on 11/28/97. QPR=5.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=26
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:1, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=23.5
Castello Banfi Centine Rosso di Montalcino 1992. $10.00
Colors are starting to brown. Nose of blackberry, alcohol and oak. Tart with still chewy tannins. Flavors are weak and largely undifferentiated blackfruit and bitter cherry. Volatile acidity is high. Tasted on 11/30/97. QPR=2.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:1, AR:2.5, AC:2, SW:1, B:2, FL:2, TN:2, AS:1, F:1, GQ:2, T=17.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:1, AR:2.5, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:2.5, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:1, GQ:2.5, T=20.5
Castello D'Albola Chianti Classico 1994; $10.00
Lovely nose, full of cherry, berry, and plum notes. Strong tannins want another year or two to settle down. The palate is dominated by bright berry and cherry flavors with a touch of oak. Nice finish. Tasted on 2/5/98. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:1.5, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:2, GQ:2.5, T=24.5
Chateau Chantal Old Mission Peninsula Cabernet Franc 1995 . $15.00
Lovely floral, blackberry, and cherry nose. The floral part almost seems to be a characteristic of Old Mission Peninsula wines! Somewhat lightbodied but lots of cherry, blackfruit, strawberry and cedar flavors with a touch of anise and leather thrown in. Silky in the mouth with enough oak and tannin to give it aging potential. Nice long finish. A very good first effort with this varietal from this Michigan winery. Tasted on 7/11/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:1.5, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:1.5, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=24.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:1.5, SW:2, B:2, FL:4, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:3.5, T=27
Chateau Grand Traverse Old Mission Peninsula Reserve Gamay Noir 1995. $12.00
Strong nose of cherry, berry, strawberry, and floral notes. Light bodied but buttery with lots of blackfruit, cherry, oak, cedar, and pepper notes. Nice finish. Tasted on 8/6/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:1, FL:3, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=23
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:1.5, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=24.5
Georg Deboeuf Gamay Beaujolais 1996. $7.00.
Tart, fruity and very lively. Jenny liked this more than I did. Tasted on 11/29/96. QPR=2.
E. Guigal Cotes du Rhone 1993. $11.00.
A nice Southern Rhone, especially for the price. Light body with a nice nose that promised a little more than it delivered. Had a bit of a problem with volatile acidity when first opened but after 10-15 minutes this had settled down. Opened up to reveal nice fruit and blackberry flavors with just enough tannin to give some backbone. Nice, smooth, moderately long finish. Jenny gave this 86/100, I gave it 17/20. Tasted on 4/1/97. QPR=4.
Rabbit Ridge Sonoma County Sangiovese 1994. $12.00.
Rich, cab-like nose with a definite tomato scent. This was a complex wine with cedar, tobacco, plum, tomato, and some tart berry flavors with a good tannic backbone. Light oak. This one needs 10-15 minutes to open up and is better with food. I gave this 25/30 and Jenny gave it 24/30. Tasted on 5/3/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:4, T=25
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:1, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=24
Rosemount Australia Grenache-Shiraz 1996. $8.00
Rich nose, full of raspberry and cherry. Tight tannins give this some aging potential. Dominant flavors are raspberry and (especially) cherry. The cherry became even more apparent with air. Very tasty with moderate complexity. Nice finish. This should age into 2000, but don't hold it much beyond that. Tasted on 11/22/97. QPR=4.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25.5
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3.5, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3.5, TN:1.5, AS:2, F:1.5, GQ:3, T=25
Val d'Orbieu Reserve St.-Martin Vin de Pays d'Oc Mourvedre 1993. $5.00
Interesting nose of cherry, floral, cranberry notes. With time it developed tar/tobacco scents. Chewy tannins backed up the tart cherry, berry, and currant flavors. A slight earthiness appeared over the course of the bottle. Relatively simple but a pleasant quaff. Tasted on 6/18/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:1.5, C:1.5, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:2, FL:3, TN:2, AS:1.5, F:1, GQ:2.5, T=22
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:1.5, AR:3, AC:1, SW:2, B:2, FL:2, TN:2, AS:2, F:2, GQ:2.5, T=22
Vieille Ferme Cotes du Rhone Reserve 1992. $11.00
Lovely, rich dark color. Lots of black fruit (especially black cherry), prunes, tomato, and cedar on the nose. Light bodied with chewy tannins. The nose is echoed on the palate with the cherry flavors dominating as well as leather and anise making appearances. Weak finish. Tasted on 10/3/97. QPR=3.
Brad's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:3, AC:2, SW:2, B:1.5, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:3, T=24
Jenny's Scores. AP:2, C:2, AR:4, AC:2, SW:2, B:1, FL:3.5, TN:2, AS:2, F:1, GQ:2.5, T=24

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