Monthly Archives: November 2012

2005 Verso Colorado Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on by
Reply

20121127-192526.jpg

Straight out of the bottle, this Colorado wine is a nice surprise to add to the mix. On the front, the tannins have matured and provide a velvety, soft texture. Flavors on the front part of the palate include red fruit and cream. As it transcends the palate, it loses its “Umph”, but returns on the back. The finish is subtle and dry, but has notes of oak and tobacco that seem to linger on.

Overall, this is an enjoyable wine. While it doesn’t carry the big, bold masculinity of the heavy hitter Cabernet Sauvignons out there, it is a nice wine to enjoy on an evening in.

Raw: 82
Handicap ($25): 80

2009 MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir

Posted on by
Reply

20121127-191611.jpg

Straight out of the bottle, this Pinot Noir is very in alignment with varietal characteristics with a decent amount if complexity. While it carried a soft-to-medium body, the depth and flavors made this wine very enjoyable.

With flavors of cranberry and brighter red fruits, hints of sage and some other herb we couldn’t quite pin, this wine was very in alignment with a nice Pinot Noir. It did carry a bit of an earthy quality which made it stand apart from some of the other wines in the category, but didn’t take away from the wine.

Also, for the price point under $20, it seems like a good deal.

Raw: 88
Handicap (Under $20): 89

2010 Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted on by
Reply

20121127-192357.jpg

First impressions of the latest release from Educated Guess were less than stellar. While this Cabernet Sauvignon did carry some nice notes of body, it lacked the complexity and familiarity of the great wines they were producing pre-2008. In fairness, the price point has come down quite a bit as their older releases were in the $30 range and the new releases are under $20.

On the front of the palate we got bright red fruit and spice, which transcended into a nice butter component that envelops the palate. While the butter flavor was enjoyable, I would have liked to see some more depth and complexities of the older vintages.

Overall this is a nice, simple cab. For the price point it holds its own and is worth a shot if you come across it.

Raw: 82
Handicap ($18): 88

2006 MadMan Rutherford Red Wine

Posted on by
Reply

20121124-190542.jpg

This Bordeaux blend is a nice surprise to come from Sawyer Cellars.

Straight out of the bottle this wine carried a nice medium body with drinkable characteristics of bright red fruit that leads into lush, dark fruit. Subtle undertones of vanilla, oak and anise lead into hints of tobacco and leather. For the price, this wine is definitely a steal!

Raw: 86
Handicap ($20): 90