Black Star Vintners Select 2010: Review

Black Star Farms

Suttons Day, Michigan, USA

Blackstarfarms.com

Merlot based blend; made from ‘micro-lots’

58% Cabernet Franc, 28% Merlot, 7% Syrah, 3% Regent

12% abv

$25.00 a bottle

Read the 08 posting

Appearance: rich ruby body

Aroma: fruity all the way; berry bowl mixture with reds leading the way.

Flavors: this is just not fruit forward – it is just fruit; red berries, reminding me of raspberry, pomegranate, sweet cherry, red currant; soft dark berries, reminding me of boysenberry, black currant, and blue berry.  This is just a smorgasbord of berries. 

Mouthfeel: lacks some depth or structure to me; slight watery edge; mild-medium

Strength Rating: 4/3.5 – mild-medium body

To the Point: okay it is complex in its berry profile but, it is simple overall – it is just … berries.  A little too berry juice like.  With that much Cab Franc I would like a little better earthy style and blackberry.  To me it lacks acidity and tannic structure.  I also like it – I think it should be a good red on a summer day.  A good red to have with fish, chicken, and other light fare that has a red sauce base.  This might be good with my Salmon smothered in Tomato Bacon Dressing. 

I bought three bottles so I’ll check on the next bottle - next year!  Hopefully some aging might help here but, I doubt it … for it lacks acidity and tannins.  I would say, enjoy this wine over the next two years and just enjoy the berries. 

Would I buy this again?  No. Not with the 25 dollar price – 15 bucks sure. 

I really liked their 08 Vintners Select.  It was 30 bucks a bottle and I said, buy … buy … and buy.  Oh the beauty of handmade natural products. 

Black Star Arcturos 2010 Cabernet Franc: Review

Black Star Farms

Suttons Bay, Michigan, USA

Montague Estate and Isidors Choice Vineyards

Blackstarfarms.com

$25.00

12% abv

I really enjoyed the 2008 so, when I was in Traverse City I had the opportunity to pick up some bottles of the 2010 and 2011 Cab Franc. 

Appearance: crimson with shiny ruby highlights

Aroma: blackberry, black plum, light-moderate wood,

Right after opening:

Flavors: delicate floral on the tip of the tongue followed by light earth, firm blackberry, a pomegranate raspberry note, a hint of floral late on the palate, light-moderate oak 

Mouthfeel: thin in spots, earthy dark berries swirl on the tongue, watery edge on the mid and back, slight oaky spice on the finish, moderate acidity,

My Strength Rating: 5/4.5 - medium body

To the Point: not even close to the 08.  The mouthfeel on the 08 was thick and jammy, how I like my Cab Franc to be.  This is on the thin side.  

Cave Spring Icewine: Review

Cave Spring Icewine

Cave Spring Cellars

Jordan, Ontario, Canada

Cavespring.ca

10% abv

100% Riesling

Appearance: golden crystal with nice legs on the glass

Aroma: light bouquet, sweet pear

Flavors: honey dipped white summer fruit – apple and pear; golden raisin; very light lemon twist on the finish

Mouthfeel: silky smooth, nice icewine syrupy feel coats the palate and lingers on the palate with a touch of lemon twist – the kind you just rub on the rim of a glass.

To the Point: a must buy for icewine drinker.  This is a sipper – just like all icewines.  One or two ounces and that is it – the sugar content is way too high to drink more – believe me.   

Layer Cake 2009 Malbec: Review

One True Vine

Mendoza, Argentina

14.9% abv

$17.99

Layercakewines.com

I have always enjoyed the Layer Cake line up of wines.  They are good in quality and they have a great price tag.  I always like it when a 20 dollar bottle of wine makes you think you are drink one twice that price versus – a 40 dollar bottle making you think you have a 15 dollar grocery store wine.  Now, let’s get one thing straight … I am not saying this is a $40 a bottle quality … I said, ‘makes you think it is so.’ 

I am finally reviewing the 09 here and I probably reviewed the 2010 a year ago – yep I just looked at the posting 3-14-12.  I better get to the store and pick up the 2011 before they are all gone. 

Appearance: rich garnet body with a purplish rim.

Aroma: dark berries with a touch of cocoa; I’m not picking up any spice right now – it is a freshly opened bottle.  Took the dogs for an hour walk and then poured another glass and the aroma has opened.  Still solid dark berries and the usual spice is on the nose now. 

Flavors: juicy blackberries, boysenberries, with a touch of dark cherry (sweet), oak spice on the palate; as always a good earthy feel – like you can taste the soil the grapes were grown in; it is like I can taste the minerals and the composting of the rich soil; dark chocolate like dryness and bitterness on the finish and aftertaste, I am changing the oak spice to a cedar spice

Mouthfeel: nice acidity, nice blackberry and dark chocolate bitterness, dry spice that is reminding more of an oaky spice rather than black pepper.  Now that I am thinking about it … it is more of a cedar spice. Nice rich feel overall for this Malbec.   

My Strength Rating: 6.5 – medium-full

To the Point: as I have always said about this wine, ‘for the money you can’t beat this wine.’  So, go out and buy some.  Just don’t look for the 09 for the 2011 is out on the market – just a good guess on my part. 

I have not bought any wine in a long time so, I need to go and buy some current stuff.  I have been trying to lower what I have in my stock so to say.  I did buy some Michigan wines on a recent Traverse City vacation.  Other than that Jimmy at my favorite wine store, the Fine Wine Source in Livonia Michigan probably has been wondering what happened to me.  

Justin Isosceles 2006

Justin Vineyards and Winery

justinwines.com

Paso Robles, California, USA

Blend: 86% Cab Sauvignon, 9% Cab Franc, 5% Merlot

Justin Isosceles 2006, how I love it and how I hate to see it go.  This is my last bottle of the 06 and I am going to enjoy it … hopefully. The last time I reviewed this wine was back in 2010 so, let me give an update on how it is doing.  I wanted to wait till 2016 to review it but, I just can’t wait … .

Appearance: typical Justin wine dark purple body with a ruby edge and great legs on the glass

Aroma: deep rich dark berries – blackberries, mulberries; peppery spice; mocha-coffee like

Flavors: follows the nose; bowl of dark berries, slightly peppery on the palate, solid earthy style … rich soil like, and a good medium roast coffee note.   I am not picking up that caramel note that I had back in 2010. 

Mouthfeel: this is Boldness and Elegance at its best

The Hattrick 2005 The Professor

Igor Larionov’s nickname is ‘The Professor’

And, I am a Professor (my job) and I am a Professor of wine, cigars, and beer too.

Igor Larionov Select Wines

Napa, California, USA

Blend: 41% Cab Sauvignon, 39% Cab Franc, 20% Merlot

14.5% abv

$34.99

I couldn’t believe that I never reviewed this wine.  I reviewed the other Hattrick wines but, I could not even find the bottle that I bought back when I purchased all the other ones.  I bought this one a couple months back at a store that I usually don’t buy from.  This must be the last bottle of this wine on the market.   

I came back out to my cigar lounge and there is the bottle.  The big magnum bottle of The Professor and it is empty … I drank that a long time ago and I must have enjoyed it for I didn’t do any writing on it. 

Appearance: deep garnet

Aroma: dark berries, touch of oak and a hint of smoke – this reminds me of the Merlot (see review) – interesting two years later and I right the same thing just in a different order. 

This wine still needs a little time to breathe

Wow, I was just reading my old review on The Hattrick Cab Sauvignon and I reviewed it with the Kiboko cigar from Don Lino’s Africa lineup on March 17, 2011.  Here it is March 19, 2013 and I am smoking my very last Kiboko cigar (they don’t make them anymore) with a bottle of The Hattrick The Professor.  I did not plan this – back to the review

Flavors: good soil earthy tone; thick dark berries that remind me of black currant, boysenberry and a touch of blackberry; nice oak and oak spice; a touch of mocha coffee;

Mouthfeel: smooth, elegant feel; nice dark berries linger on the palate

The Cigar and Pairing

Different bottle in the pic

Don Lino Africa Kiboko

Size: 6.5 x 58

See old review for information

No real need to break this cigar down in flavor profile for it is no longer available and with that said, I am truly enjoying this very last one from my humidor with this wine.  These two are prefect for each other.  I am just sitting back and enjoying these products that are no longer around.  I feel like I am saying good bye to two good old friends. 

Look at the great cigar box 

Justin 2008 Syrah: Review

Justin Vineyard & Winery

Paso Robles, California, USA

Justinwine.com

15% abv is printed in the smallest font and in the left bottom corner of the label.

I just looked at my list and I have never reviewed this wine … wow, I must have been just enjoying and not wanting to share.  So, let’s share

Appearance: mid-night black body with a ruddy ruby edge

Aroma: dark berries, spice, and I am surprised by the amount of alcohol that I pick up but, I just opened the bottle

Flavors: I need to let this bottle to breathe a little here … I would think an 08 might be open and drink with a Syrah but, not with this one … at least today.

Okay, now I remember … it is not my favorite Justin Wine but, I still like it and it needs some time out of the bottle to settle. 

Blackberries on the tart side, peppery for the spice, earthy … soil like, and there is an alcohol burn.  

2008 was a rough year for those grapes so, maybe this is the result.

Good thing for you this vintage is not on the shelf anymore.  I’ll look for the 2010 vintage and hopefully it is better than this 08. 

Maybe this is way I never reviewed it … it just is not balanced … but I’ll sit back with a fine cigar and enjoy the rest of the bottle anyways.  

Boathouse Red 2010: Review

Boathouse Vineyards

Lake Leelannau, Michigan, USA

Blend: 50% Cabernet Franc, 35% Merlot, 15% Syrah

Aged 10 months in French and American Oak Barrels

12% abv

$22 a bottle

I think I paid $32 at Apache Trout Grill in Traverse City

Appearance: ruby

Aroma: fruity, light nose overall

Flavors: light red and dark fruity style, raspberry, black raspberry, red grape, sweet cherry,

Mouthfeel: mild-medium body, smooth, light aftertaste, tad shallow, tad on the sweet side for me

My Strength Rating: 3.5 –

To the Point: an okay red for 22 bucks, lacks depth and character, it’s just fruity 

Penfolds BIN 128 Shiraz 2006: Review

Coonawarra

Penfolds Wines

Australia

14.5% abv

$29.90

I have not had this wine in years, it has to be eight or ten, and I am looking forward to enjoying this fine red wine.  I have always liked BIN 128 and 28 Shiraz.

Appearance: black-purple with a purple rim

Aroma: pepper mill mix spice, earthy tones, splendid floral and underneath all this is a rich dark berry note.

Flavors: nice pepper mill mix – it is like I can taste the sweet pink peppercorn, the musty white, spicy green and the citrus spicy black peppercorns; there is an enjoyable thick earthy tone of soil and oak wood; black plum skin, cherry and dark berries.  To me this is not a fruit forward wine – it is earth and spice forward. 

Mouthfeel: thick, bold, mouth-coating, jammy, spicy, lingering dark berry and spice on the aftertaste, full-medium feel

To the Point: just as I remember maybe even better. A very good to excellent bold Shiraz.  I enjoyed the first glass with my dinner – a French demi-glazed shitake mushroom Filet Mignon.  

Korbel Sweet Rose’: Review

Methode Champenoise

California Champagne

F. Korbel & Bros. Inc

11% abv

Around $12.00/$10 on sale

First off I am not a fan of Rose’ bubbly for some reason maybe it reminds me of the old Cold Duck wine my parents would drink.  What the hell is Cold Duck!  I think there was a wine called that – dose anybody remember that?  Red wine mixed with Champagne?  Please post

Appearance: raspberry blush and bursting bubbles

Aroma: I am staying with the raspberry theme; hint of raspberry

Flavors: nice touch of sweet cherry and raspberry with a hint of sweet crisp apple. 

Mouthfeel: plenty of effervescence to go around here; sweet red berries linger on the palate – strawberry like.

To the Point: a tasty bubbly, good with a berry dish – maybe a raspberry chipotle chicken meal or a raspberry cobbler dessert.  How about adding a little color to a Champagne toast.   For an inexpensive bubbly – pretty good here.  

Korbel Sweet Cuvee: Review

California Champagne

F. Korbel & Bros. Inc.

Guerneville, Sonoma, California, USA

Korbel.com

750ml bottle

Around $12.00/sale around $10

Appearance: straw color with plenty of bubbles

Aroma: light, touch of sweet pear, fresh apple

Flavors: candied white summer fruit that reminds me of pear, red delicious apple, peach, and a hint of sweet pineapple

Mouthfeel: sweetness dominates and then the effervescence, the sweet fruity style lingers on the palate

To the Point: would make a good dessert wine all by itself and because of the price point (inexpensive) it would be good for a large party; it might be too sweet for me to pair it with a sweet edible dessert; it is too sweet for me all by itself for one glass is enough.  

The Bridge 2010 Cabernet Syrah: Review

Vinifera Wine Company

Paso Robles

Blend: 55% Cab Sauvignon; 45% Syrah

14.9% abv

Photo: Bixby Creek Bridge, Big Sur, California

Appearance: crimson

Aroma: berries, spice

Flavors: dark berries, peppery spice, earth

Mouthfeel: thin on delivery; there is a slight bitter note that hits the mid-palate, lack depth, short aftertaste

To the Point: typical under $10 bottle; lacks character (distinct flavors) and depth; okay to drink but, I don’t like to spend my money on “okay.”  I would rather spend 75 on “wow” that is damn good wine.   

Cave Spring 2008 Riesling Icewine: Review

Cave Spring Icewine

Cave Spring Cellars

Jordan, Ontario, Canada

Cavespring.ca

10% abv

100% Riesling

Appearance: golden crystal with nice legs on the glass

Aroma: light bouquet, sweet pear

Flavors: honey dipped white summer fruit – apple and pear; golden raisin; very light lemon twist on the finish

Mouthfeel: silky smooth, nice icewine syrupy feel coats the palate and lingers on the palate with a touch of lemon twist – the kind you just rub on the rim of a glass.

To the Point: a must buy for icewine drinkers.  This is a sipper – just like all icewines.  One or two ounces and that is it – the sugar content is way too high to drink more – believe me.   

Terra Andina Altos 2007: Review

60% Carmenere – 40% Carignan

14% abv

Chile

Appearance: deep and dark black-purple

Aroma: big black berry with a nice touch of spice

Flavors and Mouthfeel: black currant, black plum skin, spice box with a touch of brown spice in the mix, deep notes, semi-complex, thick texture coats the tongue,

To the Point: a very tasty red wine with some good body weight; I would buy this again.  One thing I did learn is this wine needs to be finished the day you open it … I had one full glass pour left on the second day and it had a slight inky note and a very thick texture.  I even used the good stopper and kept the bottle in the cool basement overnight.