To Be Honest

Look Into My Eyes, originally uploaded by dcpatton.

A daylily (Hemerocallis, species unknown). Love the rich colors and veins in the petals.

Deep, originally uploaded by dcpatton.

Part of my textures and patterns set.

I found the deep valleys interesting.

Today I am tasting the 2007 Terra Barossa Shiraz by Thorn Clark Wines in Australia. I found this bottle for under $11. This 100% Shiraz varietal comes with a screw cap (excellent). It was aged in American Oak for 12 months.

Color

This is a typical Shiraz. Gorgeous dark purple. Almost ink like.

Aroma

Dark fruit nose with blackberry and currant. I also detect some mint, dark chocolate and pepper. Quality aroma when given some time to decant.

Flavor

Blackberry shows up on the attack along with plum. Good mid-palate with raspberry and cherry. The finish is very long with the oak contributing and some good tannins. This is an explosion of dark fruits throughout. I even get some mulberry on the transition from the mid-palate to the finish. It doesn’t show a lot of spice or herbal characteristics. This is a big wine and will pair well with red meat and bleu cheese.

Rating

I like this wine and recommend it. If you like new world red wines, then this is definitely a winner. I rate it 90 points.

Strawberry or Clover, originally uploaded by dcpatton.

This little guy let me get entirely too close. I guess that vegetation was just too good to flee. Note the white patch on the forehead.

Today I am tasting the 2006 Angeline Riesling by the Martin Ray Winery from Mendocino County in California. This 100% Reisling was procured for under $5.

Color

The color is a medium gold which looks very appealing in the glass.

Aroma

Green apple is present on the nose along with petrol.

Flavor

Green apple again is present but there is also honeydew melon on the mid-palate. A nice finish with more fruit. For such a low price, this wine offers lots of different flavors. It is a little weak on the acidity; although, I think most people will enjoy the smoothness of it. The maker touts it as a dry riesling. It isn’t as sweet as some but still is quite sweet. The finish reminds me of Muscadine grapes.

Rating

I think this wine is a great value. But it is sweet and fruity. I rate it 88 points.

Protect the Pollinators, originally uploaded by dcpatton.

A coneflower.

Today I am tasting the 2006 Castroviejo Tempranillo from Bodegas Pastor Diaz in Rioja, Spain. I am not sure I’ve gotten the name right since it is so confusing on the bottle. In fact Pastor Diaz is only present on the foil. Not the best of branding. I found this wine for under $9. I believe this wine is aged in Oak for 6 months.

Color

The color is typical of tempranillo and is deep red.

Aroma

The first thing that I noticed is the oak. It is a bit strong. There is also blackberry and plum. Not a bad nose, just a little muted.

Flavor

Again there is strong oak present. But the fruit is good. On the attack, I get mainly dark fruit such as blueberry and blackberry. The mid-palate continues with the same fruit plus some sour cherry. This wine finishes very strong with a bit of a coffee flavor. I really like the finish. This is a pretty bold flavored wine and I’d try it with some intense cheese like parmigiano.

Rating

I think this wine has potential, but wish it has less oak so the real flavors would dominate more. I rate it 87 points.

June 2009, originally uploaded by dcpatton.

It seems like it has rained every day this month. One of the benefits has been the rich plant life surrounding the DC area. This was taken in the middle of the day. It is in Silver Spring, MD and not in the rainforest!

The Berries, originally uploaded by dcpatton.

The unripened berries of summer. (Tomato) At this stage it looks like there is some sort of giant, furry, green spider on top of them.

Today I am tasting the 2008 The Crossings Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. It comes in an attractive package with a screw cap. I was able to find it for under $12.

Color

The color is the typical light yellow/gold of most Sauvignon Blanc’s.

Aroma

The nose is a nice combination of lemon and honeydew melon. Very light and refreshing.

Flavor

The attack is sweet and tropical. It transitions from the lime to lemon on the mid-palate and finishes with grapefruit and minerals. This wine has great acidity and will pair well with lots of food because of that. The sweetness of the fruit is well-balanced with the acid and I really like it. It is hard to remember that it even has alcohol.

Rating

I highly recommend this as a good apertif and for pairing with food. I rate it 92 points.

Have you tried a good Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc lately for under $10?

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