Doug and Jan's Wine & Cheese Club

Zind Humbrecht Gewurztraminer 2008 +/+

douglasthomson — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 04:49:28 +0000

The best Gewurztraminer I’ve ever had. $26 from Rosso in LA. That lychee and spice combo is just perfect with Indian. Perfect with chicken makhani tonight.

Borgogno Barolo Riserva 2000

douglasthomson — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 01:13:29 +0000

Bought at Rosso in LA. Wow, what a wine! Best of the night. My first aged Barolo, and what a spectacular introduction. Silky smooth tannins, great dark cherry fruit, a nice kick of acidity, and then a wonderful series of secondary flavors. Tar, leather, bacon, cinnamon, and an interesting floral note on the nose. Perfectly balanced. What an elegant wine. Too bad it takes so long to age this stuff!

Vietti Barbera d’Alba Tre Vigne 2007 -/-

douglasthomson — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 07:59:00 +0000

A simple Barbera with dark fruits, a touch of minerality, and good acidity. Lacking the complexity of the Vietti d’Asti, which is our favorite. A decent pizza wine, but I wouldn’t get it again.

Rubicon Estate ‘Rubicon’ 2005 +/+

douglasthomson — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 06:14:39 +0000

Our favorite Cab. Drank it in a half bottle format. I worried that it might not be as good this way, but no difference. It’s the perfect dinner size for two people, so I’m happy that we’ve got a couple more half bottles! A very elegant wine.

Kosta Browne Koplen Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008 +/+

douglasthomson — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:02:50 +0000

Wow, what a surprise. Had a funky, earthiness that I usually think of as indicative of a Burgundy Pinot. Wonderful red fruit, spice, and cola. Long finish. Should be had with food.

Capdevila Pujol Brut Natural Cava NV +/+

douglasthomson — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 03:57:01 +0000

The best Cava I’ve ever had. Well balanced with good acidity and fruit, but still had that bitterness in the back of the tongue that I like so much with Cava. $14 from The Wine Cellar on Mira Mesa. This wine shop may be my new favorite!

Forest Marie Champagne 2002 +/+

douglasthomson — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 03:53:18 +0000

A damn fine grower Champagne that we got from The Back Room wine shop in Napa. 2002 was a great year for vintage Champagne, and this one does not disappoint. The empty bottle is on the wall until I find something better! Jan says she’s had better, but this was great at the price point ($55).

White Rock Chardonnay 2007 -/-

douglasthomson — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 02:04:12 +0000

Napa

$20 from The Back Room

Too oaky for me, and there was a strange flavor on the finish. Well-balanced otherwise, but I wouldn’t get it again.

Hobbs Pinot Noir 2008 +/+

douglasthomson — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 02:01:19 +0000

Russian River Valley

$50 from Cucina Urbana

Nicely balanced and complex. A great pairing with the risotto and pizza we had at Cucina Urbana. A poor man’s Kosta Browne. I think I would buy it again.

Ancien Pinot Noir 2007 -/-

douglasthomson — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 01:57:52 +0000

$30 from The Back Room in Napa

Strong cherry flavors and a hint of spice. A bit too jammy for me. Pass.