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Monday, July 11, 2016

2014 Prieuré de Cénac



Nice surprise from Cahors. Before, all wines from this appellation had a strong note of an old barrel used to pickle cucumbers (hard to explain otherwise, who felt it once would never forget). Not the most unpleasant smell, but I don't like it in wine. Not in this one. Actually, I would mistake it for Bordeaux in a blind tasting. Significant black currant note, very complex nose and taste. Would buy again.
Enjoyed it with salmon grilled on a cedar plank.

2014 Château Poyanne



Might be used as cooking wine. Not drinkable at all. Sour. Huge disappointment, 2014 was a pretty good year in Bordeaux, but as usual, a lot depends on producer. Shame on this one.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

2014 Château la Rose de Bren



Never thought much of Fronsac appellation. Yes, it's Bordeaux. But this one is interesting. Can't put the difference in words, can't even analyze taste and nose properly, somehow I'm not in a good shape for it today. But I'll definitely buy it again (if I can still find it at Trader Joe's).
Was a good companion to grilled veal burgers.

2012 Château dArthus



Strange feeling. Not a total loss, but I won't buy this particular wine. 2012 was not a good year in Bordeaux and there aren't many good choices from that year. This is not one of them. But I feel some potential here, mostly unrealised, but noticeable. If/when available, I'm going to buy different year (2014 would be a good choice). Waiting for World Market to bring it...
Nevertheless, this wine didn't spoil grilled swordfish dinner.

Monday, July 4, 2016

2010 Kirkland Rioja



Costco's Kirkland label means good wine for a decent price. Sometimes though, wine doesn't match my idea of it. Not this time.
Perfect Rioja. Strong, with big cherry flavor and taste. Well balanced, with just a bit of sugar. Will buy more if still available.
Enjoyed it with grilled mutton.

Sunday, July 3, 2016

2011 Château de Macard



Very good Bordeaux. World Market made me happy again. First impression: it smells and tastes wrong for Bordeaux. Second impression: great! Smoky nose with some spiciness. Smoked wood, leather and just a hint of cherry in the taste. But the main thing about it, it's so well balanced that you forget about all intricacies and just enjoy it. And I enjoyed it with salmon grilled on a cedar plank. Great BBQ wine.

Friday, July 1, 2016

2014 Château Brannens



Bought it at Trader Joe's. There, you can buy great wines for cheap, or decent wines even cheaper, but sometimes you get something strange. And sometimes, total failure. This one is not a total failure, but strange it is. 2014 was a pretty good year in Bordeaux, but something depends on producer, and this one is not up to the task. And this is Graves appellation, should be something distinctive. Well, the only distinctive thing about it is a strong smell and taste of sour cherry. I don't mind this note, in moderation. But when it's like cherry juice, no. Aerator helped a bit, but not enough.
Would not but again.


2015 Pierre Cainier Rosé d'Anjou


Nice Rosé. Would buy it again, if can find it here, in US. Bought it in a small supermarket in a small Dutch city, enjoyed a lot...