WTN: Various recent tastes

[futronic]

1999 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon, California

Medium-ruby red. Aromas of blackberry, vanilla, and a touch of alcohol. Medium-full bodied with dark crushed fruit, raspberry, and a bit of stemminess. Dry, moderate finish with cedar showing through. 86 points (03/15/2004).

2001 Foppiano Petite Sirah Sonoma County, California

Deep garnet purple colour. Muted nose. Aromas of cotton candy, red/black fruit, and brown sugar. Medium-bodied with red/black fruit. Cedar notes lingered through to an unconcentrated, watery finish. Disappointing. 86 points (03/15/2004).

1999 Penalolen Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile

Medium-ruby red colour. Aromas of candied lemon peel, cranberryes, currant. Medium bodied with red fruit and a short finish. 84 points (03/15/2004).

NV Gosset Brut Excellence Champagne, France

Good fine bead. Aromas of matchstick, flint, and apples. Good mouthfeel, but simple on the palate with granny smith apple. Short finsh. 81 points (03/15/2004).

2002 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Gary's Vineyard, California

Decanted 2.5 hours, drunk over the next hour and a half. Light-medium ruby red to pink rim. Aromas of currant, red fruits, and candied orange peel. Very present tannin. Cotton candy, red fruits, curants on the palate. Got more integrated around 3.5 hours in. Long, lingering finish, about 40-45s with currant notes. 92 points (02/20/2004).

2000 Brothers In Arms Shiraz, Australia

Opaque garnet/purple colour. Aromas of vanilla, figs, cassis, cream, and raspberry. Full-bodied and surprisingly integrated with cassis, vanilla, and raspberry replays. Moderate finish, ~30s. Delicious! 91 points (03/15/2004).

2002 Paringa Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia

Dark ruby/purple colour. Aromas of vanilla, blackberry, raspberry, and cranberry. Medium-bodied with black crushed fruit and cedar. Moderate finish. 86 points (03/15/2004).

1999 Leo de la Gaffeliere St. Emilion, France

Crystal clear, light-ruby red. Aromas of barnyard, red fruit. Medium-bodied with red fruit. Simple wine with a short finish. 79 points (03/15/2004).

2002 Hugel Gentil

From Hugel's website:

This wine revives an ancient Alsace tradition that wines assembled from noble grape varieties were called Gentil. Gentil Hugel allies the suave, spicy flavour of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of Sylvaner.

Medium-gold colour. Honey, lychee, petrol, honeysuckle aromas on the nose. Medium-bodied, with apple, lychee. High in acid, but not much there. Was expecting more. Short finish. 84 points (03/15/2004).

1996 Gosset Brut Grand Millesime Champagne, France

Excellent, fine bead. Aromas of cream, oatmteal cookie, apples, ya pears, and gooseberries. Medium-bodied with apple, and cream. Good finish, ~ 20-25s. 87 points (03/15/2004).

NV Drappier Carte d'Or Brut Champagne, France

Pale yellow, note much on nose, but hints of citrus and granny smith apple. Not much complexity. Lovely bead and effervescence, but not much behind it. Short finish, ~10-15s. Disappointing. 81 points (03/15/2004).