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FishingFatGuys.Com Top Wines of 2008:
NAME: Grange
VINEYARD: Penfolds
VINTAGE: 1996
VARIETAL: Shiraz
COUNTRY/REGION: South Australia
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Out-Stand-ing
TASTING NOTES: Approaching what most would say is its peak drinking age. This bottle was opened, decanted and allowed to breathe for a bit of time. At first, the nose was of strong leather but slowly mellowed into stone fruit, chocolate and black cherry. On the tongue an explosion of berry and cherry notes were overshadowed silky soft finish of this relatively young gem.
NAME: Chateau Montelena
VINEYARD: Chateau Montelena
VINTAGE: 2004
VARIETAL: Cabernet sauvignon
COUNTRY/REGION: Napa Valley
FISHING FAT-GUYS RATING: Highly Satisfactory
TASTING NOTES: A big bold California Cabernet, deep red in color well integrated quit possible would do well with a few more years in the bottle. It nose was of bing cherry with plum and currant notes while on the tongue.
NAME: Max's Garden Heathcote
VINEYARD: Two Hands
VINTAGE: 2005
VARIETAL: Shiraz
COUNTRY/REGION: Australia
FISHING FAT-GUYS RATING: Satisfactory
TASTING NOTES: A robust Australian, a bit young at this time, big fruit which would be best described as ‘chewy'. Big, juicy ripe berry notes give way to strong yet soft finish. This wine lacks some of the sophisticated flair of other Two Hands vintages
Name: Cavia Reserve
VINEYARD: Cavia
VINTAGE: 2004
VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon
COUNTRY/REGION: Mendoza Argentina
FISHING FAT-GUYS RATING: Satisfactory
TASTING NOTES: A rare find in this frugal priced bottle, deep red in color with a nose of currant and cherry with just possibly a hint of fig a long subtle finish with well integrated tannins, this is a wine everyone should have on hand.
NAME: Chateau Lafayette Reneau- Owners Reserve
VINEYARD: Chateau Lafayette
VINTAGE: 2001
VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon
COUNTRY/REGION: New York State/Hector eastern shore of Lake Seneca
FISHING FAT-GUYS RATING: satisfactory
TASTING NOTES: smooth upon opening, allowed to breathe it opened even more. Dark red in color with cherry and stone fruit notes. I would compare to a mid range Californian Cab
Name: Ares
Vineyard: Two Hands
Vintage: 2006
Varietal: Shiraz
Country/Region: Australia
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Out-stand-ing
Tasting Notes: Very-very berry is the only way to describe this wine. Raspberry was the dominating note with a silky smooth finish. Young and a bit overbearing this wine needs a few years in the bottle to mellow and develop.
Name: Frog's Leap
Vineyard: Frog's Leap
Vintage 2005
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country/Region: California
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Highly Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: Full body red with marginal fruit, and a long smooth finish, I would call this a work horse of California Cabernet.
Name: Willamette Valley Vineyards
Vineyard: Willamette Valley Vineyards
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country/Region; USA , Oregon
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: High Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: A fine Pinot, pale burgundy in color with a slightly floral nose, soft and velvety on the tongue with hints of peaty and earthy notes combined with just a hint of spice at the finish. The perfect pairing for salmon on the grill or the red enthusiast at Thanksgiving, give it a try.
Name: Cakebread Cellars
Vineyard: Cakebread Cellars
Vintage: 2006
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Country/Region: USA , California , Napa Valley
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: This wine was crisp and clean with good acidity and very well balance. The citrus flavors are notable but the green apple notes are what set this apart from other, very enjoyable and refreshing.
Name: Montepulciano d' Abruzzo
Vineyard:
Vintage: 2002
Varietal:
Country/Region: Italy , Verona
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Highly Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: A medium bodied red, this wine was rich silky smooth with hints of mineral and earthy tones. Complex finish added to this joy in a bottle. Awesome find!
Name: Le Serre Nuove Delle Ornellaia
Vineyard: Ornellaia
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country/Region: Italy , Castagneto Carducci
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Out-stand-ing
Tasting Notes: Dark ruby in color, nose of stone fruit with just a hint of earthiness, plum and fig on the tongue with a long complex finish. This was a tad young and should be incredible a few years down the road.
Name: Robert Pepi
Vineyard: Vine Hill Ranch
Vintage: 1981
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country/Region: USA , California-Napa Valley
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Highly Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: Big bold fruity red, complex but not overwhelming which was unexpected for a well aged Cabernet from California , this particular bottled was paired with a seared duck breast and wild mushrooms…Excellent.
Name: Robert Mondavi Private Select
Vineyard: Robert Mondavi
Vintage: 2006
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country/Region: USA , California
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: A perfect match for a grilled citrus King salmon dish, the mineral and earthy flavors balanced the citrus and richness of the salmon. Pale red in color and very soft finish made this a winning combination.
Name: Catena Alta
Vineyard: Lot 3 from La Piramida vineyard and Lot 2 Domingo vineyard
Vintage: 2004
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country/Region: Mendoza Argentina
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Out-stand-ing
Tasting Notes: Deep red in color, with tobacco, currant and ripe cherry notes a bit harsh just after opening but mellowed as it began to breathe which was not at all surprising for this youthful wine, its likely that this will age well and be very impressive a few years down the road.
Name: Cuv'ee du Vatican
Vineyard: Vignobles Diffonty
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Shiraz
Country/Region: France
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Highly Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: One of the first wines from France that we were introduced too, this shiraz was full bodied with hints of tobacco, leather, and a unique earthy nose. Bright on the tongue with dried fruit under-notes, this was a pleasant and fulfilling wine to drink.
Name: The Maitre D'
Vineyard: Mollydooker
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country/Region: Australia
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: Ruby colored, nose of dried fruit and fig with the taste to match, this wine was a bit feisty at first but settled down after opening up. It should age well and for the price point is recommended.
Name: Luce
Vineyard:
Vintage: 2004
Varietal: Merlot/Sangiovese
Country/Region: Italy , Montalcino
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Improvement needed
Tasting Notes: Highly recommended but very disappointing, for this Italian. The nose was promising but after that it was downhill. The wine was tight, full of tannins and extremely sharp on the tongue. After time it did began to open and likely would benefit from additional time to mellow in the bottle.
Name: Enchanted Path
Vineyard: Mollydooker
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: Shiraz/Cabernet
Country/Region: Australia
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Highly Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: Very young yet performed in the glass like a well aged veteran. Big…BIG fruit blackberry, raspberry and a hint of blue berry which was somewhat sweet and savory. This will only get better as it ages.
Name: Achaval Ferrer
Vineyard: NA
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Melbec
Country/Region: Argentina , Mendoza
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Highly Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: This wine is well structured, flavorful and a pleasure to drink. It would do well with a few more years in the bottle but for its age it was impressive. Mild fruit at first which developed more complexity as it breathe and transitioned into earthy flavors which proved to have a long enjoyable silky smooth finish.
Name: St Heneri Shiraz
Vineyard: Penfolds
Vintage: 2003
Varietal: Shiraz
Country/Region: Australia
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: The lesser know cousin of ‘GRANGE' this wine performed admirable with a beef tenderloin. Medium fruity with a hint of spice or pepper, balanced, nice finish all around a good bottle!
Name: Casa Lapostolle Cuv'ee Alexandre
Vineyard: Apalta Vineyards
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country/Region: Chili Colchagua Valley
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Highly Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: Awesome! Mild nose of earth and fruit, notes of cherry and fig on the tongue with just a hint of tobacco. Long lasting finish which was pleasantly surprising for a bottle at this price point it drinks like a high end cabernet.
Name: DR. Loosen
Vineyard: Loosen Brothers
Vintage: 2004
Varietal: Riesling
Country/Region: Germany
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: Crisp clean and very enjoyable to drink, undertones of mineral give way to green apple. Good acidity and well balanced best served chilled.
Name: Kim Crawford
Vineyard: Kim Crawford
Vintage: 2008
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Country/Region: New Zealand , Marlborough
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Highly Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: Pale color crisp and clean with flavors of citrus, grapefruit and green apple being most pronounce, balanced acidity with just a hint of sweetness at the finish this is a great wine for all seasons.
Name: Lorikeet
Vineyard: Lorikeet
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Shiraz
Country/Region: Australia
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Highly Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: A unique wine made in the traditional fashion and then fermented a second time to allow for bubbles in a classic sparkling wine format, crisp clean and semisweet special to must and a great pairing for grilled and BBQ meats.
Name: Villa Antinori
Vineyard: NA
Vintage: 2004
Varietal: NA
Country/Region: Italy Tuscany
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Satisfactory
Tasting Notes: Big nose of earthy scents, soil and harvest smells, followed a pale red color and mellow fruit tastes which was contrasted by hay or straw. Well balanced and harmonious a nice choice to drink alone or with your favorite pasta dish.
Name: Grange Hermitage
Vineyard: Penfolds
Vintage: 1981
Varietal: Shiraz
Country/Region: Australia
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Out-stand-ing Private Pyle
Tasting Notes: Deep, deep ruby red almost purple in color with a nose of leather and berry, well balanced and integrated lending it to be soft and subtle on the tongue with a long robust and complex finish accented by a just a hint of grilled peach.
Name: Grange
Vineyard: Penfolds
Vintage: 1990
Varietal: Shiraz
Country/Region: Australia
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Out-stand-ing Private Pyle
Tasting Notes: Spectacular all the qualities of the 1981 list above but a much fruitier raspberry tongue. The finish was complex and very smooth, a treasure that should not be overlooked.
Name: Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta
Vineyard: Apalta vineyard Colchagua Valley
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Blend
Country/Region: Chile
Fishing Fat-Guys Rating: Out-stand-ing
Tasting Notes: Ink red color, nose of black and red fruit combined with coco, velvety on the tongue with hints of vanilla, well balanced with a rich long lasting complex finish.
Name: |
Bodegas Lan Rioja Edicion Limitada |
Vineyard: |
Bodegas LAN |
Vintage: |
2005 |
Varietals: |
Tempranillo |
Price: |
$34.89 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Spain |
Region: |
Rioja |
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- Highly Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Bright Fruit, Berry , Earthy, Spice, Carmel , Mild Body, Tannic |
John's Notes: |
We tried this dish with some 'tests' for the annual wine dinner. A Mac&Cheese that probably has a little bit too-much mustard and a version of the Creamed Spinach that we had at Tara 's in Macro Island . The spinach was on point and the wine went well with both dishes. This years Wine Dinner should be a success. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Sunday, November 22, 2009 |
Name: |
Poggio Antico Brunello di Montalcino Altero |
Vineyard: |
Poggio Antico |
Vintage: |
1998 |
Varietals: |
Sangiovese |
Price: |
$57.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Tuscany >Montalcino |
FatGuys Rating |
2 -- Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Bright Fruit, Berry , Earthy, Oak, Spice, Smoke, Full Body |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 1 of the 2009 Thirty Days of Wine . "This should be a great selection to begin our third annual pilgrimage of wines during the holiday Season!", exclaimed Jason. In Realty, an okay selection, Not bad, Not Great. This wine appears to be just a bit past it's prime. We decanted and allowed the wine to open. It did soften a bit and became drinkable in about 10 minutes. Overall, a good start to the season! |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 |
Name: |
Shooting Star Blue Franc |
Vineyard: |
Shooting Star |
Vintage: |
2007 |
Varietals: |
Blaufrankisch |
Price: |
$13.92 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
USA |
Region: |
Washington State |
FatGuys Rating |
2 -- Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Bright Fruit, Berry , Floral, Mild Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 2 of the 2009 Thirty Days of Wine . Thanksgiving Day 2009 and the first Holiday Season without Mom and Dad. The wine was enjoyable. Not something we ever had before. I wouldn't drink is every day, but may be nice to keep in the cellar for the person who doesn't like BIG-REDS. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Thursday, November 26, 2009 |
Name: |
Petalos |
Vineyard: |
Descendentes de Jose Palacious |
Vintage: |
2006 |
Varietals: |
|
Price: |
$17.98 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Bierzo |
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- High Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Strawberry, Bright Fruit, Carme, Vanilla, Earthy, Mild Body |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 3 of the 2009 Thirty Days of Wine . |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Thursday, November 26, 2009 |
Name: |
Argiolas Perdera |
Vineyard: |
Argiolas |
Vintage: |
2001 |
Varietals: |
|
Price: |
$13.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Sardinia >Isola Dei Nuraghi |
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- High Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
|
John's Notes: |
Selection number 5 of the 2009 Thirty Days of Wine . |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Sunday, November 29, 2009 |
Name: |
Marques de Caceres Rioja |
Vineyard: |
Bodegas Marques de Caceres |
Vintage: |
1998 |
Varietals: |
Tempranillo |
Price: |
$47.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Spain |
Region: |
Rioja |
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- Highly Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Blackberry, Raspberry, Dried Fruit, Earthy, Mild Berry |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 6 of the 2009 Thirty Days of Wine . Working on cleaning out a few bottles from the bottom of the cellar. After opening this one while working on some exterior holiday décor, we were pleasantly surprised after allowing the wine to open in the glass for a few moments. WOW... what a great bottle! |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Sunday, November 29, 2009 |
Name: |
Barbera d'Asti "Baby Barb" Sant'Agata |
Vineyard: |
Sant'Agata |
Vintage: |
2003 |
Varietals: |
Barbera d'Asti "Baby Barb" Sant'Agata |
Price: |
$11.98 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Piemonte> Asti |
FatGuys Rating |
4 -- Out-Stand-Ing |
Tasting Tags: |
Bright Fruit, Dried Fruit, Strawberry, Light / Thin, Mild Body |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 7 of the 2009 Thirty Days of Wine . Yet another bottle that was a great surprise. We have never tried this grape or region before today and again the Italian's show their best. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Sunday, November 29, 2009 |
Name: |
Bodegas Juan Gil Monastrell Jumilla |
Vineyard: |
Bodegas Juan Gil |
Vintage: |
2006 |
Varietals: |
Monastrell |
Price: |
$15.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Spain |
Region: |
Jumilla |
FatGuys Rating |
4 -- Out-Stand-Ing |
Tasting Tags: |
Dark Fruit, Dried Fruit, Earthy, Mild Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 9 of the 2009 Thirty Days of Wine . Jason made a selection of small plates, and what a great place to start our wine adventure tonight! We will be sampling several bottles and we remember trips of past and plan for adventures of the future. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 |
Name: |
Bodegas Caro Barons de Rothschild Catens Amancaya |
Vineyard: |
NA |
Vintage: |
2006 |
Varietals: |
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec |
Price: |
$19.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Argentina |
Region: |
Mendoza |
FatGuys Rating |
5 -- Out-Stand-Ing PP |
Tasting Tags: |
Blackberry, Raspberry, Bright fruit, Floral, Earthy, Mild Body, Round |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 10 of the 2009 Thirty Days of Wine . Bottle Number two, 'where does the next adventure take us?' |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 |
Name: |
Altesino Brunello di Montalcino |
Vineyard: |
Altesino |
Vintage: |
1998 |
Varietals: |
Sangiovese |
Price: |
$70.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Tuscany >Montalcino |
FatGuys Rating |
4 -- Out-Stand-Ing |
Tasting Tags: |
Crrant, Dark Fruit, Dried Fruit, Earthy, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 11 of the 2009 Thirty Days of Wine . Out last bottle of the evening… three in all. A cold nigth spent dreaming of days on the crystal clear flats of the Florida Keys ! Ahhh, soon, very soon! |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Tuesday, November 30, 2009 |
Name: |
G.Cesari Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico |
Vineyard: |
Cesari |
Vintage: |
2004 |
Varietals: |
Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara |
Price: |
NP |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Corvina Veronese |
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- Highly Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Bright Fruit, Citrus, Earthy, Mild Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 12 of the 2009 T hirty Days of Wine . Number fours choice for what was supposted to be a night of relaxation. Two arrived home in a NOT-so-GOOD mood. After poking at him some-more, he initiated the 'Shut it Down' protocall in the Kitctchen. Well... Jim and I had to take matters into our own hands. I never have made the Broccli Rabe and Susage before. A bit under-seasoned from the pan, but notthing a bit of S&P counldn't fix at the table. A great pairing and we salvaged the night! |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Wednesday, December 02, 2009 |
Name: |
Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva |
Vineyard: |
Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva |
Vintage: |
1998 |
Varietals: |
Negroamarp, Malvadia Nera |
Price: |
$8.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Puglia >salice Salentino |
FatGuys Rating |
2 -- Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Dark Fruit, Dried Fruit, Earthy, Spice, Pepper, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 13 of the 2009 T hirty Days of Wine . A relaxing Sunday! Finished up some light and Green for the outdoor display. Fetched Fire Wood and Jason tinkered with Mac and Cheese Recipe for the Wine Dinner. Texas won the chance at the National Title against 'Bama! The wine... a Left over from Mom&Dad's cellar, probably a bit past peek, but overall still very drinkable. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Sunday, December 06, 2009 |
Name: |
Santa Rita Cabernet Medalla Real |
Vineyard: |
Vina Santa Rita |
Vintage: |
2006 |
Varietals: |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
Price: |
$18.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Chile |
Region: |
Maipo Valley |
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- Highly Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Blackberry, Dark Fruit, Carmel , Vanilla, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 14 of the 2009 T hirty Days of Wine . The 'Day Job' has caused much pain this week. It's Friday and time to put on a fire, order some Italian from the local bistro and let the weeks stress melt away with this chewy, big Cab. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Friday, December 11, 2009 |
Name: |
Elderton Shiraz |
Vineyard: |
Elderton Wines PTY |
Vintage: |
2002 |
Varietals: |
Syrah |
Price: |
$34.00 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Australia |
Region: |
South Australia >Barossa |
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- Highly Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Bright Fruit, Blackberry, Spice, Pepper, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 15 of the 2009 T hirty Days of Wine . A Robert Parker 92, Big Fruit Up Front with a soft, smooth finish. We enjoyed and would not hesitate to pop another. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Saturday, December 12, 2009 |
Name: |
Cavia Cabernet Reserve |
Vineyard: |
Cavia |
Vintage: |
2006 |
Varietals: |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
Price: |
$20.00 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Argentina |
Region: |
Mendoza |
FatGuys Rating |
4 -- Outstanding |
Tasting Tags: |
Blackberry / Raspberry, Currant (Cassis), Dark Fruit, Carmel / Vanilla, Earthy, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Selection number 16 of the 2009 T hirty Days of Wine . This wine was recommended about a year ago by one of the purveyors that we work with. I wasn't disappointed then, I am not now! Keep several of these in the cellar always. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 |
Name: |
Ornellaia |
Vineyard: |
Tenuta Dell'Ornellaia |
Vintage: |
2003 |
Varietals: |
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot |
Price: |
$136.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Tuscany |
FatGuys Rating |
5 -- Outstanding PP |
Tasting Tags: |
Dark Fruit, Dried Fruit, Oak / Smoke, Spice / Pepper, Full Body, Round, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
One of three wines that we paired with the 2009 Annual Wine Dinner Main Course. The menu was comprised of 45 Day Dry Aged NY Strip, accompanied by Lobster Spiked Mac and Cheese, Broccoli-rabe, and Creamed Spinach.
This wine, even for its young age, stood-out among the three we had with Dinner ( RWT and Catena Alta Malbec the other two). Even Jason, who traditionally favors the forward fruit of the Shiraz , had a preference for this wine over the others.
Even thought the price is over the $100 mark, do not be afraid to splurge for that special occasion, you will NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! |
Location: |
2009 Annual Wine Dinner |
Date: |
Thursday, December 17, 2009 |
Name: |
Catena Alta Malbec |
Vineyard: |
Catena Alta |
Vintage: |
2004 |
Varietals: |
Malbec |
Price: |
$42.90 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Argentina |
Region: |
Mendoza |
FatGuys Rating |
4 -- Out-Stand-Ing |
Tasting Tags: |
Bright Fruit, Floral, Earthy, Full Body, Round, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
The Catena was the second pairing selection for the 2009 Annual Wine Dinner. This wine was well received by the group. It pairs nicely with the meat… what else would you expect: Argentina , Gaucho's and Beef!
I personally love this wine and believe that it pairs with a wide selection of foods. Intense fruit, followed by subtle floral notes, long-lasting finish. What more do you need from a wine? Impressive! |
Location: |
2009 Annual Wine Dinner |
Date: |
Thursday, December 17, 2009 |
Name: |
Penfolds' RWT Shiraz |
Vineyard: |
Penfolds Wine |
Vintage: |
2002 |
Varietals: |
Syrah |
Price: |
$69.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Australia |
Region: |
South Australia >Barossa |
FatGuys Rating |
4 -- Out-Stand-Ing |
Tasting Tags: |
Blackberry / Raspberry, Bright Fruit, Earthy, Spice / Pepper, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
The RWT was the final pairing selection for the 2009 Annual Wine Dinner. This wine received the least-favorite rating from the group. Brian Roof enjoyed this specific selection. I agree, it pairs well with the steak.
I think the big fruit followed by spice takes a minute to understand and catches folks off guard, forcing them not to enjoy! If they would allow time to taste and understand I think we would have a difference in their thought process. This is a great wine and will be a staple in my cellar for years to come. |
Location: |
2009 Annual Wine Dinner |
Date: |
Thursday, December 17, 2009 |
Name: |
Concha y Toro Casillero Del Diablo Reserve |
Vineyard: |
Concha y Toro |
Vintage: |
2007 |
Varietals: |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
Price: |
$11.29 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Chili |
Region: |
|
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- Highly Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Currant (Cassis), Blackberry / Raspberry, Earthy, Carmel / Vanilla, Full Body |
John's Notes: |
An inexpensive bottle...yet a pleasure to drink. Number four (Jim) and I shared this bottle after a long day at the ‘Day Job'. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Wednesday, December 22, 2010 |
Name: |
Museum Real Reserva |
Vineyard: |
Museum Real |
Vintage: |
2003 |
Varietals: |
Tempranillo |
Price: |
$19.40 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Spain |
Region: |
Cigales |
FatGuys Rating |
1 -- Improvement Needed |
Tasting Tags: |
Dried Fruit, Butter, Earthy, Mild Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
FatGuys generally enjoy Spanish wines; but for some reason this one missed the mark. Possible just not in the mood...I would try this again at a later date. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Friday, December 25, 2009 |
Name: |
Terra Valentino Cabernet Sauvignon |
Vineyard: |
Terra Valentino |
Vintage: |
2005 |
Varietals: |
Cabernet Sauvignon |
Price: |
$38.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
United States |
Region: |
California > Napa > Spring Mountain |
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- Highly Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Blackberry/Raspberry, Currant, Carmel , Vanilla, Full-Body |
John's Notes: |
A gift from some friends of the FatGuys. A very nice wine, featured big fruit with a long finish. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 |
Name: |
Paolo Bea Montefalco Rosso Vigna San Valentino |
Vineyard: |
Paolo Bea |
Vintage: |
2004 |
Varietals: |
Sangiovese, Montepulciano |
Price: |
$54.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Umbria >Montefalco>Nibtefalco Rosso |
FatGuys Rating |
4 -- Out-Stand-Ing |
Tasting Tags: |
Dark Fruit, Dried Fruit, Earthy, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
The annual winter trip to NYC. Today we visited the Bronx Botanical Garden Train show. With Temps in the 20's we braved a quick walk around the grounds...great place to visit! After our garden tour we headed to the Tarry Lodge (Mario) for a quick bite. Started with a pizza topped with crispy potato, pancetta and fresh mozzarella… Delightful! This was followed by two different pastas: a pumpkin ravioli and Tagliatelle Bolognese...awesome! The final plate: a delightful Osso Bucco.
The wine worked with all dishes excluding the ravioli. They were rich and a tad on the sweet side for my tastes; a Prosecco or Sauvignon Blanc would be a better choice for this paring. The remainder of the dishes paired exceptionally well and made for a delectable combination! |
Location: |
Terry Lodge, Port Chester , NY |
Date: |
Wednesday, December 30, 2009 |
Name: |
Ruffino Il Ducale Toscana IGT |
Vineyard: |
Ruffino |
Vintage: |
2006 |
Varietals: |
Sangiovese |
Price: |
$17.25 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Tuscany >Toscanna IGT |
FatGuys Rating |
3 -- Highly Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Dry Fruit, Earthy, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Italy comes through Again! Complex earthy tones, ripe fruit and some berry notes. This was a real pleasure to drink. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Thursday, October 15, 2009 |
Name: |
Banfi Excelsus |
Vineyard: |
Selection Excelsus |
Vintage: |
1999 |
Varietals: |
Sangiovese |
Price: |
$74.98 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Tuscany >Chianti Classico |
FatGuys Rating |
4 -- Out-Stand-Ing |
Tasting Tags: |
Dark Fruit, Dried Fruit, Earthy, Carmel / Vanilla, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
A Delightful Wine. Big and earthy with complexity on a long finish. One of our favorite's! |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Friday, December 18, 2009 |
Name: |
Cheteau Phelan Segur |
Vineyard: |
Château Phélan-ségur |
Vintage: |
2006 |
Varietals: |
|
Price: |
$26.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
France |
Region: |
Bordeaux > St. Estèphe |
FatGuys Rating |
2 – Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Bright Fruit, Earthy, Spice / Pepper, Medium- Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Beautiful Bordeaux . FatGuys don't know much about French wines; however, this bottle has a great nose and medium-body on the mouth. This one could benefit from a bit more time in the bottle. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Tuesday, January 05, 2010 |
Name: |
Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale |
Vineyard: |
Ruffino |
Vintage: |
2006 |
Varietals: |
Sangiovese |
Price: |
$16.99 |
Type: |
Red |
Country: |
Italy |
Region: |
Tuscany > Chianti Classico |
FatGuys Rating |
3 – Highly Satisfactory |
Tasting Tags: |
Dark Fruit, Dried Fruit, Earthy, Carmel / Vanilla, Full Body, Balanced |
John's Notes: |
Just an all around good wine for price and quality! FatGuys have enjoyed this wine many times and will continue to recommend as a favorite. |
Location: |
FatGuys House |
Date: |
Saturday, January 30, 2010 |
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