Blind Tasting at S&E Wine Club - Favorite Unrated Wines
Theme of the tasting was for wines that you personally love and that have no professional rating from Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast. There were a total of nine wines, including one dessert wine. Since there has to be some kind of guidance or regulation for what to bring, the Cellar Master (Sean) sent out a gift list with options of what to bring to the tasting. That included a list of the Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot), and Syrah.
Who brought the wines? From John and Robin: (John never checks the gift list) - 2005 Campos de Solana Coleccion de Altura - Gran Reserva - 2013 Bevan Cellars Pinot Noir Rita's Crown Sta. Rita Hills From Tom and Andrea: - 2012 Wine Foundry Le Chabrot From Dave and Jenna: - 2012 Entre Nous Malbec From Sean and Estelle: - 2000 Ventana Cabernet Sauvignon - 2006 Rubissow Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - 2007 Bird in Hand Nest Egg Shiraz - 2013 Mullineux Chenin Blanc Straw Wine From Greg and India: - 2012 Sarocka Estate
Blind Wine 1: 2005 Campos de Solana Coleccion de Altura - Gran Reserva Color: Garnet red and clear. Nose: Started off a little musty, with some floral notes like potpourri. Body and Tannins: Low tannins (4/10) and the body starts off slowly and ends up with a medium body. Mouth feel: Slightly tangy and metallic near the end. Finish: Moderate to light finish. Decant: N/A Opinion: Could tell this was a Bordeaux blend but that was about it, did not seem to have too much new french oak. First time trying a Bolivian wine. Was a very fun experience! Not sure what this goes for. (89/100)
Blind Wine 2: 2012 Entre Nous Malbec Color: Clear and ruby red with moderate plus intensity. Nose: Started off very tight, only noticeable element was dark berries. Body and Tannins: Moderate tannins (5.5/10) and moderate body. Mouth feel: A little furry and a little bit of cassis. Finish: Moderate finish. Decant: N/A Opinion: Honestly at first this was a Cabernet Sauvignon, definitely needs some more time. Definitely has lots of potential. (91/100)
Blind Wine 3: 2012 Wine Foundry Le Chabrot Color: Dark and opaque ruby red. Nose: Started off tight with chalk and a stinky shoebox. Once it aired out for a little bit over 2 hours it started to explode with cassis and blueberries. Body and Tannins: Moderate body with moderate plus tannins (7/10). Mouth feel: Started off a little sweet on the palate and a little bit of heat. Finish: Moderate plus finish. Decant: Believe this was opened up right before the tasting, so possibly a 30 minute decant. Opinion: Needs times to integrate together. Very young and was thinking Cabernet Sauvignon or Cab Blend. Definitely needs time to integrate and will be delicious then. Found out that this is a custom made wine that Tom and his friends had purchased the barrel for. Comes from Hennessy Ridge near the Lewis Vineyards. (91/100)
Blind Wine 4: 2007 Bird in Hand Nest Egg Shiraz Color: Bright red and clear. Nose: Love the nose, black olives, cherries and hummus. Body and Tannins: Moderate tannins (6.5/10), and moderate body. Mouth feel: Nicely integrated between the size of the body and tannins, but would love to try this in a few years by then hopefully the little bit of heat wears off. Nice amount of dark fruits as well. Finish: Lingering finish but is smoother than bottle number 5 and 6. Decant: N/A Opinion: Time has done favors for this wine. Love the nose. Honestly did not know what it was but came out as our third favorite of the night. Bottle number 2763 of 3250. (93/100)
Blind Wine 5: 2012 Sarocka Estate Color: Dark, deep and opaque ruby red. Nose: A lot of dark berries, and a ton of cassis. Body and Tannins: High tannins (8.5/10) and full bodied. Mouth feel: Slow attack then it hits hard. Beautiful and voluptuous wine. Finish: Lingering finish that sticks around. Decant: Decanted for 2 hours. Opinion: Second time trying this wine out and still love it. Cannot wait to buy the 2013. (96/100)
Blind Wine 6: 2006 Rubissow Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Color: Deep crimson. Nose: Tight to start with red fruits, chalk, and slight cassis. Body and Tannins: Moderate tannins (6.5/10) and moderate body. Mouth feel: Sandpaper texture and lots of cassis in the palate. Finish: Long and lingering finish. Decant: N/A Opinion: 9 years has done quite a few favors to this wine. Definitely can last a few more. Our second favorite of the night! (95/100)
Blind Wine 7: 2013 Bevan Cellars Pinot Noit Rita's Crown Color: Mix between crimson and garnet red. Nose: Tight nose that was very sweet, like syrup and a little bacon. Body and Tannins: Moderate body with moderate tannins (6.5/10). Mouth feel: On the palate there was a lot of raisins, ethanol, very sweet and dried fruits. Finish: Lingering finish but is smoother than bottle number 5 and 6. Decant: N/A Opinion: Definitely needed some more time to open up at least 4+ hours. Could tell it was a pinot, and from our experience at the Pinot Noir Wine Club night we knew it had to be a Bevan Pinot. (92/100)
Blind Wine 8: 2000 Ventana Cabernet Sauvignon Color: Garnet red with brown edges. Nose: Nose started with a light barnyard and then moved onto mushrooms. Body and Tannins: Low tannins (4.5/10) and low body. Mouth feel: Palate had a slightly sour bite to it. Odd texture. Finish: Very smooth, finish lingers like unripe strawberries. Decant: N/A Opinion: Might be over its peak. But still a treat to taste (88/100)
Dessert Wine: 2013 Mullineux Chenin Blanc Straw Wine Color: Orange gold. Nose: Perfume, apricots, pears and white flowers. Mouth feel: Smooth, silky and thick. Finish: Long finish. Decant: N/A Opinion: Absolutely delicious a must try dessert wine if you haven't yet! (94/100)
The Winner of the Night was a tie! Between the 2012 Sarocka Estate and the 2007 Bird in Hand Nest Egg Shiraz. Both had four first place votes and one second place vote. All amazing wines and thank you for everyone that came!