Clos du Bois Marlstone 2008: Review

Clos du Bois

Geyserville, California, USA

Closdubois.com

Alexander Valley

Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot

$40.00

Appearance: deep purple body with a purple rim

Aroma: juicy dark berries with a hint of spice

Flavors: blackberry, black raspberry, black currant, mocho coffee, light dusty brown spice like,

Mouthfeel: smooth, silky, sexy, tannins and acidity are under control, blackberry and dusty spice linger on the palate

To the Point: Not super complex here but, the interplay with the flavors and mouthfeel are just terrific. I only bought two bottles but, I am going to pick up a couple more. 

Looking at that cork in the picture below I was concerned but, everything was okay the wine was not corked.  

Talismon Sparkling Wine Brut: Review

Traditional Method

L. Mawby

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Leelanau Peninsula

Lmawby.com

11% abv

Bottle #0090 of 4093

$37.00

Blend: Vignoles, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonny

Appearance: pale golden straw with a nice head and a whirl wind of bubbles

Aroma: Fresh apple, green apple, white bread toast, citrus meat, a little honey appears as the wine warms,  

Flavors and Mouthfeel: full of flavors; tart green apple, lemon meat on the front with lemon rind on the back, mineral water, white pepper, solid carbonation, super crisp, very dry finish, long lingering citrus and spice on the palate, medium – I might even go medium-full  body for its bitter, tart, spice, and complex flavor profile.

To the Point: I can get bored drinking some bubbly but, this is very nice.  Before I buy another grocery store sparkling wine I would make the time to get this shipped to me.       

Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2009: Review

Napa Valley

Sequoia Grove Vineyards

Rutherford, California, USA

Sequoiagrove.com

14.2% abv

$39.99

On sale $29.99

Appearance: very dark body, blackberry in color with a ruby edge

Aroma: very pleasing elegant nose, juicy dark berry bowl with sweet cedar, hint of smoke and delicate earth

Flavors: plum, black currant, red currant, bing cherry, touch of blackberry; trace of cedar, hint of cocoa powder on the back and aftertaste, mild roast coffee

Mouthfeel: silky smooth, thick berries, variety of berry flavors, tannins and acidity under control, that hint of cocoa powder seems to build by the finish of the first glass.  I’ll have to have a second glass just for the sake of research.

To the Point: a very fine Cabernet Sauvignon; I will be buying more at the sale price and it is worthy of the regular 40 dollar price.  

Bowers Harbor 2010 Cabernet Franc: Review

Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Traverse City, Michigan, USA

Bowersharbor.com

13% abv

Erica Vineyards

Old Mission Peninsula

Appearance: fairly clear for a red; shiny ruby; probably a light Franc just looking at it

Aroma: very light, light earthy berries

Flavors: light, fruity, fairly thin

Mouthfeel: fairly clean for a red, mild body

My Strength Rating: 3 – mild; I don’t know if I have had a lighter tasting Cab Franc than this one

To the Point: a fairly weak Franc; I was hoping for better; I would pass on this one unless you want a light red