Wine Inspiration

Blackstone California Zinfandel 2006 And 7 Deadly Zins Michael David Zinfandel 2006 - 黑鑽酒莊與7 Deadly Zins 2006年的金芬黛

2008-04-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Blackstone California Zinfandel 2006
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: California
Price: $ 9.99
Dealer: StaterBrother

Background Info:
在加州的許多超市裡, 黑鑽酒莊的酒款往往是易尋易飲的選擇之ㄧ, 可以說是平價又平易近人的酒莊, 之前曾在 Kelly 家喝過幾次, 但往往喝過既忘, 這次可說是一個好機會讓我好好地認識這個酒莊.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Light red to brown color.
Nose: Close. Not too much of aroma comes out since this bottle is just opened.
Taste: Well tannins and mid-length lingering. I would like to think of this wine as too young to drink. Everything is still under development. Just nice to try it once.
這款葡萄酒的顏色稍稍地呈現磚紅色, 或許是開瓶不久便開始飲用, 在香味上並沒有太多的表現, 但在口感方面則是包含著在口中停留稍許地柔潤之單寧, 應該是過於年輕便被飲用, 在金芬黛許多應該呈現出的風味並未完全地展現出來.

Michael David Zinfandel Lodi 7 Deadly Zins 2006
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Lodi, California
Price: $ 11.95
Dealer: NapaCabs

Background Info:

Official Comment:
"A vibrant, sweet bouquet of raspberry jam, molasses and cinnamon toast evoke the senses of carefree youthful nights. Excellent oak integration provides silken tannins and spice to pair with Lodi's unrestricted wild berry fruit. Lustful Flavors: A vibrant, sweet bouquet of raspberry jam, molasses and cinnamon toast evoke the senses of carefree youthful nights. Excellent oak integration provides silken tannins and spice to pair with Lodi's unrestricted wild berry fruit. Gluttonous Pairings: Our 7 Deadly pairs sinfully well with BBQ'd Salmon, prime rib or grilled veggies. Get crazy with delectable dark chocolate desserts!"

Personal Comment:
Sight: Average width of tears with light red almost to brown color.
Nose: Black currant with some scent of chocolate.
Taste: Fruity, high alcohol and acidity come out right away. However, the lack of tannins make the wine not properly balanced. For the price of Zinfandel, I would not recommend to buy more of this bottle. It is a table wine style of wine.

酒莊網址:
黑鑽酒莊
7 Deadly Zins

相似圖片來源:
Wine Tastings: 7 Deadly Zins 2002
thewinestation: Blackstone Zinfandel 2002

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

04/25/2008 Yearly wine dinner - 八款2006年加州 Zinfandel 矇瓶試酒餐會

2008-04-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

期待已久的品酒餐會終於來到, 我依舊是葡萄酒的供應者, 而餐會菜色的設計則是由 Kelly 全全地來負責. Kelly 是在多次的餐會場合中, 由葡萄酒愛好者般的認識逐漸地轉變為有如一家人般的親近, 她曾是頂著家族餐廳裡大廚的頭銜, 所以由她來打理餐會菜色是再勝任也不過了, 雖說是一個小小的餐酒會, 但這次總人數竟也高達十七人, 所以在決定品嚐多種或單一品種的葡萄酒之間, 讓我稍稍地猶豫了一下, 心裡還記得這次春假從 Napa Valley 回來之後, 發覺對加州聞名的 Zinfandel 有著更近一步地喜好, 再加上我們都身在加州, 怎可放過大啖加州葡萄酒的好機會, 有鑑於此, 決定讓與會的每個人可以好好地認識加州 Zinfandel.

由於八瓶全是2006年的 Zinfandel, 它們的酒精含量都很接近 14.5%, 所以早已事先地提醒酒量不高的朋友們要有心理準備 - 多喝必醉, 由於全是同一年份的酒款, Kelly 便提醒道:"Blind Tasting", "好主意!!", 畢竟決定品嚐同一年份同一品種的順序還是蠻有難度, 與其如此, 到不如直接地蒙瓶試飲, 而甜點酒則依然是 Fonseca NV Bin 27 Port 撐大樑, 我對於這款波特酒總有著難以割捨的喜好, 希望它在今天也能夠有著不同凡響的表現.

酒會的酒單如下(依照英文字母順序):
Blackstone California Zinfandel 2006
Appellation: California
Price: $9.99
Dealer: StaterBrother

Fetzer Valley Oaks Zinfandel 2006
Appellation: California
Price: $9.99
Dealer: StaterBrother

Francis Coppola Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2006
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Price: $19.95
Dealer: NapaCabs

Joel Gott Zinfandel 2006
Appellation: Lodi, California
Price: $12.95
Dealer: NapaCabs

Kendall-Jackson Zinfandel Vintner's Reserve California 2006
Appellation: Lodi, California
Price: $11.99
Dealer: StaterBrother

Michael David Zinfandel Lodi 7 Deadly Zins 2006
Appellation: Lodi, California
Price: $11.95
Dealer: NapaCabs

Rancho Zabaco Dancng Bull Zinfandel California 2005
Appellation: California
Price: $6.95
Dealer: StaterBrother

Ridge Sonoma County Three Valleys Zinfandel 2006
Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Price: $17.95
Dealer: NapaCabs

酒會的菜單如下:
Various cheeses - Bottle #1
Onion soup - Bottle #2
Sea food pasta - Bottle #3
Italy sausages - Bottle #4, #5, and #6
Brownie - Coffee

這場餐會雖然持續了五小時多, 但我們仍難沒有將所有的 Zinfandel 品嚐完畢, 只好就手上所有的資料評比對有喝過的葡萄酒作一番比較, 我對葡萄酒號碼的優劣排名依次是 #3 > #4, #6 > #1 > #2 > #5, 在猜酒方面, 我只能猜中 #3: Ridge Sonoma Three Valleys Zindandel 2006, 其他的號碼則分別是
#1: 7 Deadly Zins 2006,
#2: Blackstone California Zinfandel 2006,
#4: Kendall-Jackson Zinfandel Vintner's Reserve California 2006,
#5: Francis Coppola Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2006, and
#6: Joel Gott Zinfandel 2006,
整體來說, Ridge 現在喝起來雖然已經夠順口但依然需要兩年左右的時間來成熟, 那樣子應該可以使酒的深度更加地豐富, 除了 Fancis Coppola 以外, 其他的 Zinfandel 都已經適合飲用, 至於 Fancis Coppola 未能如它的價位般地表現出應該要有的層次, 有點令我小小地失望, 在往後的幾篇裡我會將會對它們做更深入的品飲.

餐酒會總算是順利地完成, 其中私家偵探 David 帶給我們許多的 CSI 般的故事, 使得整個品酒會變得更加的活絡與刺激, 這還要拜 Alice 之賜, 由於她一次竟可以吃完六個不同口味的義大利香腸, David 便決定講出至少六個當年他當警探時的奇聞趣事, 有所謂"喝酒配故事, 越喝越有味." 最後也感謝大家的熱情地參予和幫助, 時間才會過的如此迅速, 五個多小時似乎還不夠大家快快樂樂地吃吃喝喝, 下次的品酒餐會可能要增加到七個小時才夠過足品酒的癮.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Solaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 - Napa Valley 的優質低價葡萄酒

2006-11-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Solaris Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Price: $7.99
Dealer: Trader Joe’s

Background Info:
在參訪過幾個加州主要的產酒地, 以及品嚐百餘款葡萄酒之後, 漸漸地對葡萄酒產地的劃分和產區葡萄酒價位的訂定有了一定的認識, 舉例來說, 在這些產地裡 Napa Valley 便屬於黃金地段之一, 再加上 Napa Valley 該產區的種植成本以及個個酒莊們對釀酒品質的不斷追求, 往往一瓶 Napa Valley 的葡萄酒會比加州其他產區的葡萄酒基本價格來的較高, 因此我們要在該高價位產區裡找尋到優質並且價錢合理, 又或甚至價格便宜的 Napa Valley 所產的葡萄酒, 則總會嘗試著一些較為名不見經傳的小型以至於小小型的酒莊, Solaris 便是在這種前提下所搜尋到的酒莊, Solaris 在拉丁文原義為"太陽的", 酒莊本身似乎是隸屬於一個酒類集團的分支, 所以該網頁僅僅列出釀酒師對於葡萄酒的期待, 雖說這不是一家知名酒莊, 但就葡萄酒品質的追求方面, 總釀酒師可以說是將 Napa Valley 的 Terroir 盡情地在他們的葡萄酒裡展現出來, 換句話說, 便是許多知名酒莊著名酒款的影子都可以在 Solaris 釀製的葡萄酒裡中, 找到或多或少的影子, 這即是搜羅優質低價葡萄酒眾多選擇的一次成功的嘗試.
Reference website: Solaris Winery
有關酒莊的資訊請參閱上述的URL.

Official Comment:
"This is solaris sleek, stylish and sensational Cabernet Sauvignon demands excellence from over thousand acres of sun-kissed acres of Napa vineyards. We craft this cabernet, bursting with powerful aromatics and varietal flavours for true wine lovers. Savor dark berry and black cherry with hints of sage and mint, lush and lingering savor solaris."

Other Comment:
The nose is cocoa dusted cherries, sage, sassafras and mint. Ripe black fruits with a shake of Rutherford dust in the mouth, long finish with lots of toasty oak. Terrific at this price point, and really appealing with colder weather blowing in. – Quaffability.com

Personal Comment:
Sight: Shinning ruby red
Nose: Ripe, fruity, sort of multi-berries and vanilla aromas.
Taste: A mouth melting taste, smooth and medium-bodied cabernet sauvignon. When it comes to issue of the appellation from Napa Valley, Solaris does provide an amazing low price among Napa wineries. It is definitely worthy to buy more from this winery with such beautiful price.
酒液呈現年輕酒的新鮮亮紅色, 香味上呈現出成熟果香與莓果類的香味, 並且 Decant 一段時間之後, 更會有香草及荔枝的香味不斷地延展開來, 香氣方面有著不錯的層次, 隨即緩緩地將葡萄酒在口中來回地遊蕩, 有種說不出來的綿密細緻地感覺, 就好像在品嚐澳洲著名Shiraz的口感, 再加上適度的酒精搭配中度的酒體, 以及亮麗的價格, 可說是當仁不讓的物美價廉, 為我們在開拓葡萄酒新經驗的旅途中, 又增添一款令人回味的卡本內蘇維濃(Cabernet Sauvignon), 讓我們為它乾一杯!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Claret Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 - Coppola 家族鑽石系列之黑標卡本內蘇維濃

2006-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Claret Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Monterey, Paso Robles, El Dorado County, California
Price: $12.69
Dealer: Costco

Content Info:
13.7% Alco. By Vol.
88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Total Acidity: .57
pH: 3.69
Barrel Regimen: 12–14 months in French oak
Released: January 2005

Background Info:
• Claret is a term originally coined by the British to describe Cabernet-based wines.
• The Cabernet sourced from El Dorado comes from vineyards at 1,000 feet above sea level, an altitude that exceeds the fog layer thereby exposing the grapes to continuous sunlight.
• The fruit is cold soaked to extract intense color and ﬂavor prior to fermentation.
• Hand-harvesting ensures that only the highest quality fruit is picked.

Official Comment:
"The goal when making Claret is not only to showcase Cabernet Sauvignon and its Bordeaux blending partners, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, but also to demonstrate the diversity of California's many distinguished growing regions. These areas provide the warm days, cool evenings, and well draining soils that contribute to the wide array of expressive aromas and flavors found in this wine. The Black Label Claret reveals a deep garnet color and enticing aromas of dark chocolate, anise, and sweet spices. Rich, lively flavors of succulent blackberry, currant, and wild strawberry are wrapped in soft, smooth tannins." – Winery

Trying once it will be enough!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Bonny Doon Frambois - 普受歡迎的覆盆子水果酒!!

2006-10-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bonny Doon Frambois
Varietal: Raspberry
Appellation: California
Price: $10.39
Dealer: NapaCabs

Content Info:
17 % Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
The wine authority can generally effect an air of dignity and earnest reverence in the presence of the subject of his or her ardor. But gathered in herds, wine geeks inevitably fall prey to the temptation to describe, and describe in such a fashion as to demonstrate the length of one’s thesaurus. Fortunately, we have Framboise, a potion so singular in its sensory frequency that we may leave our descriptor lists at home. This is all and simply about the raspberry and the ingenious ways we might integrate Framboise into our lives. Perhaps the thesaurus is not without utility, for with the continued increase in the percentage of the Morrison variety, we must find news ways of expressing what lies beyond lashings of raspberry, explosions of raspberry flavor, eruptions of raspberry zest, the quiddity of the essence raspberry, an extravasation of raspberry lava, etc. Or, simply pour a generous slosh over some flourless chocolate cake and know what it is to sit under a banyan tree and contemplate new found enlightenment.

Official Comment:
"Talk about a mouthful of raspberries! Delicious ripe fruit and plenty of it in this lightly sweet, rich fruit wine. Sensational stuff. 3,200 cases made."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Crimson red and marvelous amount of tears.
Nose: Haha…Raspberry, licorice, guava, and floral aromas.
Taste: Proper acidity and sweetness make the entire fruit wine vivid and effervescing expression. Medium-bodied fruit wine. I think I am going to buy it more.
這款飲料是 Raspberry 釀製而成的水果酒, 果香濃郁, 甜度適中, 在冰涼之後呈上餐桌極受大家的喜愛, 但若是要天天飲用它的價格則是稍嫌略高.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

BV Muscat De Beaulieu - Beaulieu Vineyard 的餐後甜酒

2006-10-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

BV Muscat De Beaulieu
Varietal: Muscat
Appellation: Napa Dessert Wine, California
Price: $7.19
Dealer: WineLibrary

Content Info:
18% Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
BV 全名為 Beaulieu Vineyard. 該名字的來由是這樣子的, 酒莊的創建人 Georges de Latour 為了給他的妻子 Fernande de Latour 一個驚喜, 便於1900年五月在加州 Napa Valley 的一個小鎮 Rutherford, 購置了4英畝的莊園, 女主人 Fernande de Latour 在看到這一片美麗的景色, 不自覺地用法文說出”Quel Bearlieu” – 美麗的地方, 因而決定了這家酒莊的名稱 – Beaulieu Vineyard(美麗的葡萄園), 就每年的總產量而言, 這家酒莊所生產的數量相當大, 往往在一些大型超市都可以見到 BV 的葡萄酒, 而在中高階 Napa Valley 葡萄酒的價位裡BV 的葡萄酒是屬於品質與價位相符且價格合理的一家葡萄酒莊.
參考網站: Beaulieu Vineyard

Official Comment:
"Full bodied and rich with wonderful apricot, dried figs and nut flavors. The wine is amazing for the price! Very balanced. This is a real "sleeper" from BV. Take advantage of it. Will cellar very well for 5-8 years."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Golden amber color. Sticky.
Nose: Sweet resort of honey, flower, taffy, and fresh perfume aromas.
Taste: Besides typical Muscat’s flavors, it also provides silky, and slight acidity. This is a fabulous full-bodied dessert wine. Possibly ice wine lovers can also get along with this dessert wine very well.
琥珀色澤般的金黃, 帶著有如蜂蜜濃稠般地的酒淚, 在酒香中伴隨著蜂蜜的香甜, 並有著太妃糖香味, 與清新的花香, 入口則呈現了絲綢般的細膩, 更因有著適當的酸度, 使得整體的表現更加有層次而不過度濃郁, 相信喜歡喝冰酒的人也會喜歡這瓶 Muscat de Beaulieu. 好喝易飲, 值得放幾瓶在冰箱裡好好享用. Cheers!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Damilano Barolo 2001 - WS 2005年排名第60的 Damilano 巴羅洛 2001

2006-08-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Damilano 2001 Barolo
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Appellation: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy
WS: 92
Price: $29.95
Dealer: LA Wine Company

# 60 WS Top 100 of 2005

Content Info:
14 % Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
“巴羅洛”(Barolo) 是目前在義大利北部 Piedmont 省區的葡萄酒 King, 與另一個代表”巴貝瑞斯可”(Barbaresco) 葡萄酒 Queen, 一起為 Piedmont 省國際知名的兩大葡萄酒代表, 對於 Barolo 的初步認識, 我們可以根據 cheveu 在五四三音樂站的文章”瓊漿玉液”提到: ”義大利全省20個地區皆有產酒，其中紅酒的產量大於白酒，也較為世人所熟悉。西北山區的皮耶蒙堤和中部的托斯卡納是最著名的葡萄酒產區，其中前者以 Nebbiolo 葡萄為底的 Barolo 和 Barbaresco 酒最為著名，而後者則以 Sangiovese 葡萄釀製的 Chianti 酒最廣為人知（還記得以前底部用乾草包著的可愛大肚瓶嗎？）同樣產於托斯卡納的 Brunello di Montalcino 與 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 也是位列 D.O.C.G 級的好酒。” 以及 Jason Liu 劉永智先生在大同亞瑟頓的文章”1997 Barolo Tasting Notes”解說著: ”Barolo 與 Barbaresco 產區的「新潮與古典學派之爭」(Barolo War)。一般來說，古典的 Barolo(traditionalists) 需要經過老舊的 Slovenia 大型橡木桶陳年四到五年之久，並且在裝瓶之後還須等上一二十年以上才開始適飲，而新潮派(modernists) 開始使用高級的法國小型橡木桶，大大縮短了葡萄酒的熟成期，使大家能夠更快地享用 Barolo。然而，古典學派認為這樣的Barolo不是真正的Barolo，他們認為真正Barolo的珍貴處在於它獨特的香氣：如松露、皮革、林下地系氣味、香料味等等，而不是像 Cabernet-Sauvignon 完全以新鮮的果香作驅動，而古典的香氣則需要酒液在大型舊橡木桶待上四、五年才得以竟其功。然而像Marc de Grazia這樣的現代主義者則認為 Nebbiolo 的香氣發展曲線很類似 Bourgogne 的 Pinot Noir，年輕時以新鮮果香見長，等Nebbiolo成熟之後，其實新潮派的 Barolo 也會發展出類似古典學派的老酒香氣，甚至更好，那麼，何必剝奪 Nebbiolo 年輕時的可愛果香面貌呢？他認為古典學派的做法只是妥協了清新的果香，除此之外，傳統以及古典並不比較偉大！” 相信在這兩段文章中的清楚介紹之下, 大家大致上對於 Barolo 以及 Barbaresco 有一個基本認知.

Official Comment:
Lack of Data.

WS Comment:
"Intense aromas of plums, mushroom and cedar follow through to a full-bodied palate, with big velvety tannins and an ultrarich aftertaste. Blockbuster and excellent value. Best after 2008. 4,100 cases made."

Other Comments:
“The grapes for Damilano's Barolo come from rented or supervised vineyards in various areas of Barolo country. In 2001, as in most vintages, the quality of this Barolo matches that of the estate's two single-vineyard Barolos, Liste and Cannubi, which come from the family-owned 11 acres of Nebbiolo vines in the Cannubi, Liste and Fossati vineyards, all in the commune of Barolo. 4,100 cases made.” - http://www.uniquewine.com/etc.html

“Speaking of which, the 2001 Damilano Barolo is amazing.
Eyes: lucid ruby tapering to sunburst orange at the edge.
Nose: a wafting and sensuously layered nose full of chocolate, cherry, and tobacco (and mushrooms???). Simply amazing. Not overpowering. Not a jammy or dense new world fruit wine. But an elegant sensuality that embraces my nose and wraps it with exquisite gentleness and character.
Palate: A soft and perfectly balanced structure that is velvet and strength merged as one. There is a "pine-tree" softness flavor that co-mingles with the chocolate and cherry while the tobacco touches my tongue and the other (I think it is mushroom - shitaki?) teases. What an amazing sensation.
Finish: Perfect. It stays and tapers in a symphonic decrescendo to a glowing flavor silence.” - The Wine Cask Blog

Several Damilano Barolo 2001 Tasting Notes

Personal Comment:
Sight: Old wine style red. In the other words, it looks like half-way dark but transparent garnet red (moderate translucent garnet). Rim appears to be orange color with very thin and tight tears which seems very sticky.
Nose: Cherry, plum and alcohol aromas at the beginning. Then it develops flavors of caramel, chocolate, perfume peach, and floral. This Barolo delivers several level of scents generated along the time going by. Some of them are very intense such as plum and chocolate, and rests are pretty subtle.
Taste: Nice acidity, crisp, alcohol, and full-bodied red wine. After 1 to 2 hours of being decanted, it turns out to be powerful tannins and long lingering. Indeed, it needs to be decanted. Therefore, this Barolo is still pretty young to drink it which I agree with WS maturity expectation. It is worth to buy more and stock them into the cellar for later celebration. Cheers…
Since the first impression of Barolo was so fantastic, I can’t wait to taste more Barolo in the very soon future. Also, recently I find its price can be as low as 22.99 dollar per bottle. According to this price level, it definitely can get higher score than 92 of Wine Spectator.
先以一段 Nectar Corner 在”1997 義大利酒品酒會”的一句話作開頭: “會中H教授提到 Nebbiolo 這種葡萄雖然釀出來的酒顏色不深，但是香氣不錯，而且又有陳年空間。” 就這一瓶 Barolo 來說, 對於 Nebbiolo 的顏色描述, 可說是非常地道地, 因為它的顏色並不像 Cabernet Sauvignon 般地寶石紅深紅色澤, 用咖啡的顏色來形容它則顯得有些過於棕黃, 所以只好用半透明的番石榴色來表達這樣的色澤, 有種陳年老酒的顏色氣勢, 酒淚則是緊密狹窄, 展現出酒精濃厚的表現.
在香味的呈現, 明顯地有許多的層次, 先是櫻桃, 李子, 甘油的氣味在前領軍, 之後便是焦糖與巧克力的香味伴隨在後, 經過一段時間的醒酒之後, 還有那玫瑰花香與新鮮水蜜桃令人垂涎欲滴的水果香, 真可說是香味不斷.
最後談到它的口感, 在酸度, 澀度, 以及酒精的三位一體之均衡結構表現之下, 這款重度酒體的 Barolo 有著緊密細緻的單寧, 與為時甚久的回甘, 可說是結合年輕酒的果香與老酒的醇厚, 在價格只有美金22.99元的 Barolo, 對我來說可真是物超所值的選酒目標, 在某一方面而言, 似乎 Wine Spectator 給這 Damilano 2001 Barolo 92分應該還稍嫌過低.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

La Sirene De Giscours Margaux 2000 - Margaux 產區葡萄酒的首次品嚐

2006-08-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

La Sirene De Giscours Margaux 2000
Varietal: Unknown
Appellation: Margaux
WS: 90
Price: $25.99
Dealer: WineLibrary

Content Info:
13 % Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
La Sirene De Giscours Margaux 是 Chateaux Giscours 的二軍酒, 在該酒莊的網頁介紹裡有第一軍酒的詳細成份介紹, 至於二軍酒可能是混合該酒莊旗下衆多葡萄園的集合體, 讓我第一次品嚐 Margaux 產地的葡萄酒款小小地失望了下, 但失望歸失望, 細細地品味與分析 Margaux 的葡萄酒則是一點都不可馬忽, 畢竟它還是 Margaux 某一明酒莊的產品.

Official Comment:
Lack of Data

WS Comment:
"Vivid aromas of currants and flowers follow through to a full-bodied palate, with well-integrated, fine tannins and a long finish. Sleek wine. Second wine of Giscours. Very well-done. Best after 2006. 9,165 cases made. (JS)"

Personal Comment:
Sight: Rusty red and light brown rim. Tears come out to be thin and tight.
Nose: Bouquet of jammy black currants, ripe fruit, saddle leather, and pine nuts.
Taste: Well balance between acidity, alcohol, and tannins. Smooth, mid-bodied wine. However, there exists some heavy scents that I resist to drink it more. Therefore, I would not recommend this wine but nothing lose to try it.
為招待朋友與朋友的妻子的到來, 欣喜之餘, 特地在16, 17度的冷藏倉庫裡隨意地設下品味葡萄酒的場地, 這一罐是在第二順位被開瓶享用 (Riesling -> Margaux -> Barolo -> Desert Wine), 在酒體強弱的分配上, 雖說漸漸能夠掌握葡萄酒上臺表演的順序, 但想要一次便把多種的葡萄酒風味在台面上極力呈現, 要三個平日喝不多的人喝完四瓶真的是很勉強, 所以在客人走後我可是留下許多的doggy bags 給自己帶回家.
葡萄酒入杯, 酒的顏色近似乎生鏽般的深紅棕色色澤, 在杯緣更是如此, 輕輕晃動紅酒杯身, 一聞, 便是清悉的乾松子香味入鼻, 並伴隨著黑醋栗與皮革的味道, 在眾多香味之下, 還夾雜著成熟水果的沉重味道, 一飲, 平順滑口, 在酸度, 酒精, 與單寧的均衡表現下, 應該說是一款不錯的紅酒, 只可惜那隱隱約約揮之不去的沉重味道, 小小地破壞了這款葡萄酒的整體美感, 總而言之, 就在一起不斷努力地去嘗試各式各樣的葡萄酒, 一定會有令人感動 Marguax 出現.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Rodulf Muller Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay Kabinett 2004 - 再來一款雷絲琳

2006-08-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Rodulf Muller Bernkasteler Kurfurstlay Kabinett 2004
中文品名: 勃卡斯特爾-雷絲琳-卡比內甜白酒
Varietal: Riesling
Appellation: Mosel, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Price: $10.8
Dealer: 酒瓶子(WineLover)
Importer: 星坊

Content Info:
7.5 % Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
Rudolf Muller 或許不是什麼知名的大酒廠, 但就瓶身的設計而言, 卻很符合 Riesling 給人清新爽口的印象, 真的是只有透過適當的包裝才能適時地表現出一定的風味.

Official Comment:
Lack of Data

Personal Comment:
Sight: Golden yellow almost light brown color.
Nose: Mineral, thin gasoline scent, ripen fruit and light floral aromas.
Taste: Slightly viscous, off-dry and proper acidity make this Riesling easy to drink and welcomed. As a company for the burning hot summer, this white is definitely pretty handy. Besides, price is also very frugal for our daily drinking basis at least in the states. Raise a glass for more!!
這是一瓶不錯的德國 Riesling 入門級酒款, 順口易飲, 價格就日常葡萄酒的飲用來說, 也是非常的合理, 在這炎炎夏日的夜晚裡, 很容易讓人一口接著一口地喝入喉中.
倒入杯中的酒液呈現出有如黃澄澄地金磚般的亮黃, 探一口香味, 礦物, 淡淡地汽油味, 以及絲絲的花香與成熟水果的風味, 緩緩地飄入鼻中而不濃郁, 在適當的酸度和甜度的陪襯之下, 不會讓人很興奮但也決不會人失望, 飲一口之後, 再看一眼杯內的酒液, 在手中的搖晃之下, 似乎更加的黏稠與香醇.

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Chateau St. Michelle Eroica Riesling 2004 - 天氣熱了, 來杯冰涼涼的Riesling真是不錯的享受!!

2006-07-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Chateau St. Michelle Eroica Riesling 2004
Varietal: Riesling
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
WA: 91
WS: 89
Price: $18.99
Dealer: Winelibrary

Content Info:
Lack of Data

Background Story:
這款 Eroica 在去年剛買時, 便想跟另一款 Dr.Loosen 在德國釀製的Dr Loosen Erdener Treppchen Kabinett 2004 一同作比較, 無奈怎知朋友們一來, 哄著一團便將 Eroica 先宰殺來喝, 眾人在看過酒名取的如此令人暇想之下, 更有著許多的期待.

Official Comment:
"Could Eroica be the beginning of the Riesling Renaissance many wine lovers believe is long overdue? Named after Beethoven's masterpiece, the winemaking partnership between famed Mosel winemaker Ernst Loosen and Chateau Ste. Michelle enjoyed a standing ovation at the August 2000 debut of the 1999 vintage. The partnership is dedicated to exploring a wide range of Riesling styles with grapes from the Columbia Valley. The estate of Dr. Loosen owns some of the most renowned sites on the Mosel in Wehlen, Urzig and Erden and is acclaimed as one of Germany's most consistent quality producers across a range of styles, from dry to sweet." –Winery

WA Comment:
"The 2004 Riesling Eroica, a wine made in partnership with Germany’s Dr. Ernst Loosen, continues this wine’s tradition of quality, fair pricing and stellar commercial success (23,000 cases were produced and they had to be allocated!). Its lovely aromas display white flowers, spices, and linden. On the palate, this light to medium-bodied effort reveals superb focus in its pure, harmonious personality. Spices, minerals, linden, and chamomile make up this seamless wine’s character. Drink it over the next 8 years"

WS Comment:
"…elegant and refined, less sweet, more minerally, but is not quite as dramatic as previous vintages, which rated a point or two higher."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Medium golden yellow. Few bubbles settle in the bottom of the cup.
Nose: Mineral, apple soda, and citrus fruit aromas.
Taste: Medium sweet, light crisp, but slightly watery. Oaky and between low to barely little acidity bring up the tasting flavors. It is a little bit pricy when comparing with similar style of German Riesling Kabinett.
初次看這款Riesling的名稱時, 誤以為是Erotic(情色的), 而這似乎是許多飲葡萄酒同好所共有的第一印象, 至於 Eroica 是不是有那麼煽情, 到是因人而異. 其實 Eroica 的原意應是指”英雄”, 在貝多芬著名的第三號交響樂曲便是以 Eroica 為命名 - Beethoven: Symphony No.3 "Eroica".
初見杯中這 Eroica 的色澤呈現出近乎金屬銅的暗沉沉金黃色, 伴隨著孤伶伶的少許氣泡, 並不是非常的耀眼出色, 相見之下真不知道它是不是一位沉默的英雄, 如果是一位較為沉默的英雄, 再進一步謹慎的認識它就變得更重要了.
在葡萄酒香則是表現出, 從礦石到乾橘類水果的味道, 以至於汽泡蘋果汁的味道都能夠些微地散發出來, 此外微微的甜度, 以及少許的酸澀伴隨著橡木桶的香味, 在炎炎夏日裡冰涼涼的飲用, 說不盡的清爽適意, 唯一的美中不足便是與同類型的德國 Riesling Kabinett 相比較之下, Eroica 的價格則是顯得有點高.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Hogue Cellars Fume Blanc 2004 - Sauvignon Blanc 的親戚

2006-03-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hogue Cellars Fume Blanc 2004
Varietal: Sauvignon + Semillon
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
Price: $6.99
Dealer: WineLibrary

Content Info:
78% Sauvignon Blanc, 22% Semillon
Acidity: 0.62
pH: 3.24
Residual Sugar: 0.21 g/100 ml
12.5 % Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
“THE SCREWCAP SEAL
Hogue Cellars has switched to screwcap seals following its four-year closures study, which found that screwcaps best preserve wine quality in the bottle, keep flavors freshest, eliminate the threat of cork taint, and ensure consistency of flavors. - Website” 有關旋蓋式瓶塞, 在新的 Olivier Humbrecht 文章裡”Natural Corks vs Other Seals” 有著清晰地實驗性討論, 其結論則是一句很讓酒鬼們認同的話, “It seems that there is only one good solution: open up the bottles before it's too late!” 這就是告訴我們有花堪折直需折, 沒待無花空折枝, 相同地也可以應用在各式各樣好的葡萄酒身上.

Official Comment:
“Making a consistently great Fumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc) requires paying keen attention to ripeness. Picking at optimal ripeness makes a wine that tastes like a recently ripened peach or guava fruit with refreshing acidity. Our 2004 Fumé Blanc has aromas of grapefruit, peach, guava, along with vanilla and a hint of smokiness. On the palate are varietal flavors of grapefruit, white peach and honeydew melon. The wine is crisp, smoky and round with moderate weight and richness contributed by the Semillon (22%) added to the blend. The winemakers suggest paring the Fumé Blanc with grilled shrimp or raw oysters on the half shell.” – Website

Personal Comment:
Sight: Amber color. Wide band tears.
Nose: Oaky, toasty, and citrus aromas.
Taste: Tropical flavors. Light alcohol smell. Medium-bodied white. Since Fumé Blanc has relationship with Sauvignon Blanc, this wine definitely provides lots of aromas for the Sauvignon Blanc lover.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Georges Duboeuf Moulin-a-vent Domaine De La Tour Du Bief 2003 - 勃根地的好酒款

2006-03-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

Duboeuf Moulin-a-vent Domaine De La Tour Du Bief 2003
Varietal: Gamay
Appellation: Cru Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
WA: 89-90
Price: $10.99
Dealer: WineLibrary

Content Info:
13 % Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
一直想好好地品嘗一款Burgundy 的著名酒莊, 雖在不經意中開了這瓶來嘗試, 結果卻出乎我預料地好, 而且還是佳美的葡萄品種, 可說是絕佳的新體驗. 此外, 或許這是一般薄酒萊區域的酒標特色, 但這瓶瓶身的讓我有種頗為樸實的感覺, 真恨不得想把它的酒標好好地撕下來作紀念.

Official Comment:
“Reminiscent of a chunky Gevrey-Chambertin, the 2003 Moulin-a-Vent Domaine de la Tour de Bief displays leather, black cherry, and blackberry aromas. It reveals outstanding power, density of fruit, concentration, extraction, and a long, edge-free finish. While it lacks the harmony and sensuality of Duboeufâ€™s more sultry, generous 2003s, this wine has the potential to come together in the final stages of elevage and make my score look ridiculously conservative. Projected maturity: 2006-2010+.”

Personal Comment:
Sight: Ruby red in the center and dark copper color besides center. In the rim, it even appears as browning color. Regular tears.
Nose: Plum, vanilla, and licorice aromas.
Taste: Chewy, lively, extract, and mouth-filling. Long lingering. Full-bodied tannic red wine. It is also very well-balanced. Presumably I assume this wine that would be cellared for a nice period. Buy more for tasting.
到現在我還是不會將這個酒莊的全名清楚地唸出, “Moulin-a-vent Domaine De La Tour Du Bief” 不知有任何一位知道如何將全名說出的朋友高抬貴手, 留個 message 教導教導對 Burgundy 完全是新手的我.
接下來是我的品嘗記錄, 首先是酒液的顏色, 寶石紅於中央, 古銅色的液緣, 有點不怎麼吸引人, 探過鼻去, 味道中包含著松果, 香草, 與甘油的氣味, 透過在口中來回不斷地衝擊, 味蕾可以清楚的感到新鮮成熟地果味, 與酸味澀味在口中不住地往來徘徊, 那緊密的單寧更將爽甘的口感持續地加溫, 這款很是均衡的重度酒體讓品嘗的每一刻都精采萬分, 論到價格更是合理, 值得一買再買.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Korbel NV Sparkling Brut Rouge - 紅色的汽泡酒 Rouge

2006-03-22T23:59:00.000-08:00

Korbel NV Sparkling Brut Rouge
Varietal: Pinot Noir + Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Sonoma, California
Price: $12
Dealer: Korbel Winery

Content Info:
Acidity: 65 g/100ml
Yeast: PRISSE DE MOUSSE
12.5 % Alco. By Vol.
Residual Sugar: < 1%

Background Info:
在上次 Russian River Wine Road 2006 barrel tasting 中, 在眾多的品嘗之後, 由朋友購買了這瓶 Korbel Rouge, 這瓶Korbel的Rouge是依照傳統香檳釀製法製作而成, 有別於一般香檳汽泡酒的顏色, 它呈現的是偏紅有如紅寶石色, 應該就是 Rouge 的特色吧!!

Official Comment:
“Korbel Rouge is a medium-dry champagne created from Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. With a distinctive red color, the aroma and flavor are those of intense black cherry, strawberry and plum. Approximately 1% residual sugar keeps it as dry as the Korbel Brut but removes any tannic bitter edge. It teams perfectly with hearty pastas, red meats and robust seafood dishes. It is excellent with a holiday turkey dinner.”

Other Comment:
“zionj@shiloh.navy.mil - San Diego, CA
Trying new things and opening the girlfriend up to some new tastes, I got Zardetto after reading a few reviews and was very pleased. Will definitely buy again.”
“A Customer - Virginia
We tasted this at the Korbel winery about 15 years ago, and thought it was EXCELLENT. We looked for it in liquor stores around the USA , but have never found it again. It is Definately unique and worth a try! :-)”

Personal Comment:
Sight: Ruby red with tiny sparkling. However, the bubble won’t last long.
Nose: Cherry, black currant, and floral aromas. Thick, intense, and rich flavors.
Taste: Apple, Watermelon, alcohol, light dry taste that almost leans to sweetness. This is the wine, which attracts pretty much every ladies at the night, and it also has a very lovely aroma and off-dry flavor. It is definitely worth to buy more for the wine tasting event. Cheers….
帶著紅色氣泡的 Rouge, 使得整體的呈現變得有些詭異, 有別於一般的汽泡酒, 香味中攜帶著多種樣式的風味, 像是櫻桃, 黑加崙, 以及花香味, 濃郁且緊密與豐富, 在輕嚐一口之後, 蘋果和香瓜的味道, 隨著酒精一同在味蕾上游移著, 酸澀中帶點絲絲的甜味, 深深地受到在場所有女人的歡迎, 值得多加品嘗.

參考資料
飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

the Little Penguin South Eastern Australia Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - 企鵝酒

2006-03-20T23:59:00.000-08:00

the Little Penguin South Eastern Australia Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: South Eastern Australia
WS: 85
Price: $5.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
13 % Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
小企鵝的葡萄酒似乎有著主打年輕人市場的取向, 在它的官方網站裡可以看到許許多多的 party 照片貼在網頁的 photo gallery 裡, 或許這是我所看過最多年輕人熱情品嚐葡萄酒的酒莊網頁, 看來葡萄酒也可以像啤酒一般地在年輕人的聚會裡普遍地被飲用…

Official Comment:
"Turn your burrow lights down low and pop a bottle of this big juicy red with 60 or 70 of your closest friends. Penguin heaven." - the Little Penguin

WS Comment:
"Lithe and light on its feet, with ripe currant and cherry fruit, polished texture and easy-drinking style. Drink now. 115,000 cases imported."

Other Comment:
The biggest Little Penguin wine has an awesome ruby red color and the scent of fresh berries. The palate jumps with sweet Australian Cabernet fruit and soft background tannins and a great taste that lingers. An age–worthy Cabernet that drinks beautifully now. Ideal with grilled meats, poultry, hard cheeses and pasta.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Dark red with loose tears.
Nose: Fruity and black berry aromas.
Taste: Medium dry and litchi flavor. It is kind of soft (smooth) at the end without enough tannins and lingering. Easy to drink. I prefer it as a table wine but slightly higher price for the table wine.
這是一款年輕易飲的卡本內. 蘇維濃, 整體而言, 非常地平順好喝, 說不上有與眾不同的特色, 但也沒有太大的瑕疵, 做為餐桌酒再適合也不過了.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

J. Lohr 7 Oaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 - 小小地意外驚喜

2006-03-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

J. Lohr 7 Oaks Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Paso Robles, California
WS: 85
WE: 88
Price: $9.99
Dealer: Costco

Content Info:
78.6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7.0% Petite Sirah, 4.1% Merlot, 2.6% Petite Verdot, 2.5% Syrah, 1.7% Zinfandel, 1.4% Alicante Bouchet and 1.9% other red varietals
Acidity: 0.65 g/100 ml
pH: 3.75
13.5 % Alco. By Vol.
14 to 16 months aging in combination American and French oak

Background Info:
一查閱官方網站的成分資料才發現, 這款 Cabernet Sauvignon 可真是混合了各式各樣的葡萄品種, 很難想像釀酒師在調製的過程中, 可以清楚地分辨出加入如何的比例, 可使得整體的葡萄酒呈現何種風味, 這一定是一項浩大的工程, 平凡如我還沒也那個能耐去一一分辨出, 何種品種可以散發出何種口感與芬芳, 為此絕對值得多品嚐他幾口.

Official Comment:
"The wine exhibits a youthful complexion of dark ruby colors with red and purple hues, and has a vibrant, dark cherry aroma with hints of raspberry, forming a base for other characters of cocoa, tar and vanilla. The wine has a full structure and a lingering finish. This cabernet is suitable with all game and red meats, as well as tomato-based dishes." - Winemaker

WS Comment:
"Blackberry, plum and espresso flavors are tangy, with a hint of floral sweetness, with firm tannins and cedary oak lingering on an earthy finish. Drink now through 2008. 200,000 cases made. Score: 85. October 15, 2004"

Personal Comment:
Sight: Purple inky red. Its tears appear to be very sticky.
Nose: Herbal, licorice, plum, multi-berries, chocolate, and vanilla aromas.
Taste: Litchi, dry, and tannic flavors. And sweet taste reveals implicitly. A heavy-bodied red wine. Indeed, it is just like WS comment described: “an earthy finish”. With this price, I consider this bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon as the best buy no matter for a table wine or for wine tasting.
說實在的, 想要大大地讚美這瓶卡本內.蘇維濃, 卻又怕有點過度膨脹之嫌, 所以決定清楚地交代品飲的來龍去脈, 再由各位去決定它的好壞.
當我在剛開瓶的時候, 輕輕地去嗅了一下酒的味道, 竟是一股清晰濃郁的青草味, 在我的感覺上似乎有點兒排斥這樣的味道, 但再讓酒杯中的酒液呼吸過後沒多久, 那股青草味不但消失了, 取而代之的是令人舒適的松果李子味, 緊接著是各種層次的香味, 像是甘油, 莓果, 香草, 巧克力, 通通都來報到了, 我想這一切應該拜這位釀酒師之賜, 將各種風格的品種混合調製在這一瓶紅酒中.
再來是飲入口中的感受, 由於望梅止渴的效應, 在之前多種層次的香味已經將這瓶酒進一步地 upgrade 了, 喝起來的口感也跟著不錯起來, 荔枝香, 適度的澀度, 以及細膩的單寧, 將整個酒體品質好的部分往後往上延伸, 就連餘韻也有著不錯的表現, 香醇順口, 我想這應該就是一種驚喜吧!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Mad Dogs & Englishmen Shiraz Cabernet Monastrell 2004 - 瘋狗與英國人

2006-03-16T23:59:00.000-08:00

Mad Dogs & Englishmen Shiraz Cabernet Monastrell 2004
Varietal: Cabernet, Shiraz, Monastrell
Appellation: Jumilla, Southern Spain
Price: $6.59
Dealer: Costco

Content Info:
20% Shiraz + 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, + 60% Monastrell
14% Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
這款酒有著一種名為 Monastrell 的葡萄品種我尚未嘗試過, 在 Decanter 的網站上並沒有詳細地列出這樣的品種, 所以對我而言該品種的認識便屬於一種嘗試性的階段, Monastrell 生長在南法與西班牙的邊境之間, 由於2003年的西班牙的 Jumilla 有著有紀錄以來的最高溫, Monastrell 便擁有著極高的成熟度, 採收日期也因此提前了15天.
此外我再尋找酒瓶標籤的時候, 意外地發現了 Mad Dogs & Englishmen 竟原本是一個早年樂團的名稱, 然後在間接地被這個酒廠採用其名稱, 而這個樂團則是給人很 Macho-Man 的感覺, 就好比這款酒開頭那股強勁有力的澀度, 非常地 Macho.

Official Comment:
"Jumilla is an exciting new wine-making area in Spain. This wine is made from a combination of the most widely planted local grape variety called Monastrell (60%); barrel aged Cabernet Sauvignon (20%) and Shiraz (20%). Monastrell is a sexy grape that originated in the South of France but has flourished in this region of Spain, South East of Madrid, due to the warm weather that fosters the late ripening period of this particular varietal. 2003 was hot as hell in Jumilla, the hottest on record in fact. The harvest was moved up by 15 days to accommodate for the weather, also breaking records. The result is a wonderfully ripe, high quality wine that proudly represents this emerging growing area in Spain. The Monastrell grape brings raspberry, loganberry and mulberry flavors to the palate while the Shiraz carries white pepper notes. The Cabernet provides the backbone to the wine with a soft, round mouth feel and a sweet mid-palate."

“Ruby red with purple flashes, the wine displays plums, blackberries, and ripe raspberries on the nose. Soft tannins enhance the round flavors of juicy plum, berries and cherries. It has balanced acidity and a long, ripe finish.”

Personal Comment:
Sight: Ruby red. Tight tears.
Nose: Grass, bread, chocolate, and plummy aromas.
Taste: Licorice, and tangy alcohol full-bodied red. It starts out with bit strong dry, and then it turns light sweet taste. Lots of tannins. Long finish. I think I recently drink too much German Riesling that leans to sweet favor and taste instead of dry and tannic. Overall it definitely worth to have one bottle of Spain table wine. Cheers…
An outstanding blending local varietal names Monastrell. It implements the newly difference toward the international flavor. A superb from the southern Spain.
紅寶石般地紅色葡萄酒液, 細長而狹窄的酒淚, 給人直覺地感到酒精濃度地濃烈, 酒香味中散發著青草, 麵包巧克力以及梅子風味, 在紅酒中就是這種梅子的香味, 總讓我有著強烈地想要一飲而盡的衝動, 含一口葡萄酒用舌頭優遊地享受各種伴隨而出地口感, 很澀以及很夠勁的單寧, 但漸漸地釋放出香甜地味道, 並有著甘油地氣味, 重度的酒體, 價格極為適合當作每天伴飯的餐酒, 縱使是單獨品飲也是不錯的享受, 值得一買再買, Monastrell 則是奠定了一次印象頗深的良好口感.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Deer Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2004 - 鹿谷的白葡萄酒

2006-03-14T23:08:00.000-08:00

Deer Valley Vineyards Chardonnay 2004
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: California
Price: $1.98
Dealer: Food4Less

Content Info:
13% Alco. by Vol.

Background Story:
Lack of Data

Official Comment:
Lack of Data

Personal Comment:
Sight: Light golden color. Tears are watery and don’t last long.
Nose: Light cedar aroma.
Taste: Light dry and less depth. Table wine!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Black Swan Vineyards Shiraz-Merlot 2004 - 黑天鵝

2006-03-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

Black Swan Vineyards Shiraz-Merlot South Eastern Australia 2004
Varietal: Shiraz, Merlot
Appellation: South Eastern Australia
WS: 85
Price: $4.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
69% Shiraz, 31% Merlot
13.5% Alco. By Vol.
Residual Sugar: 0.3 g/100mL
Acidity: 0.6g/100ml
pH: 3.42

Background Info:

Official Comment:
“Our Black Swan Shiraz-Merlot is a unique combination of Aussie favorites. The Shiraz provides dark berry flavours and hint of black pepper, while the Merlot adds sweet, ripe plum flavours and a soft, velvety mouth feel. Enjoy our Shiraz-Merlot with grilled meats and rich pastas.” - Website

WS Comment:
“Medium-bodied dark cherry and plum flavors are accented with black pepper and freshly cut herbs. A supple mouthful. Ready to drink now.”

Personal Comment:
Sight: Ruby red. Mid-size width tears.
Nose: Chocolate, smoky, and light mint herbal aromas.
Taste: Light sweet to medium dry red with short lingering. Medium-bodied. It is worthy to be considered as bulk wine for the dinner table. Taste once is enough though.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Yellow Tail 2003 Reserve Shiraz - 袋鼠酒又來了

2006-03-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

Yellow Tail 2003 Reserve Shiraz
Varietal: Shiraz
Appellation: Riverina, New South Wales, Australia
WA: 87
WS: 88
Price: $9.99
Dealer: WineLibrary

Content Info:
13.5% Alco. By Vol.

Background Story:

Official Comment:
“An intensely concentrated wine, the [yellow tail] Reserve Shiraz initially reveals aromas of ripe cherries, blackberries, chocolate and mocha. Delving deeper into this complex wine, cracked pepper and spice fragrance are apparent with sweet French oak aromas always present. The vanilla softness on the nose takes you into a full palate crammed with ripe fruits reminiscent of a basket of sweet summer berries. Seamless and well- structured tannins complete this full-bodied red wine.”- Website

WA Comment:
“The 2002 Shiraz The Reserve kicks it up several notches. Dense ruby-colored, richly fruity, medium to full-bodied, and silky-textured with smoky oak, this wine will provide abundant joy over ‘the next 12-24 months.’”

WS: Comment:
"Ripe and generous, not heavy but showing very ripe cherry, sweet spice and toasty oak flavors that persist on the plump finish. Drink now through 2008. 13,000 cases made." Oct 15, 2005

Personal Comment:
Sight: Medium wide of tears. Crimson red with brown rim.
Nose: Ripe, sweet, vanilla, and rich aromas. Light toasty flavors.
Taste: Smooth, slightly dry, and nice acidity. Medium-bodied. Silky-tannin taste but short on lingering. Good for smooth-preferable wine lovers.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Beringer 2004 White Zinfandel - 粉紅葡萄酒伴隨的情人節

2006-03-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Beringer 2004 White Zinfandel
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: St. Helena and Geyserville, California
Price: $1.98
Dealer: Food4Less

Content Info:
10.5% Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:

Official Comment:
When making Beringer's 2004 White Zinfandel, our focus was to highlight the fresh red berry, citrus and melon aromas and flavors and round these out with subtle hints of nutmeg and clove. The wine has a youthful exuberance that is appealing to anyone looking for an uncomplicated wine to accompany a meal.” -Ed Sbragia,

Personal Comment:
Sight: Transparent shining pink as Rose which slightly leans to be golden brown. Almost no tears. Tiny bubbles settling down in the bottom.
Nose: Apple, citrus, and tropical aromas. Feel like entire atmosphere is filled with fresh pink fascination.
Taste: Simple and easy to drink. Off-dry. Nice acidity. Low alcohol degree. This is the wine for Valentine’s date or regular date. Even you can say it is party wine. Price is super- affordable. Buy more for the later enjoyment.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Andre Quancard Pavillon De Beaudoine Bordeaux 2004 - 餐酒

2006-03-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

Andre Quancard Pavillon De Beaudoine Bordeaux 2004
Varietal: ?
Appellation: Bordeaux, France
Price: $?
Dealer: ?

Content Info:
Blanc Sec
11.5% Alco. By Vol.
Semillon + Sauvignon + Muscadelle

Background Info:
由於這款酒是名符其實的法國波爾多當地購買而得的餐酒, 所以引起我極大的興趣想知道, 在當地的法國人對於餐桌酒有著哪一種口感風味的傾向, 因為瓶身為法文酒標, 所以便請了懂法文並好心的Gloria作了以下詳盡的翻譯, "With its pale colour, this Bourdeaux Blanc Sec is fresher, livelier and fruitier. Having bouquet and supple in mouth, this is a wine to drink young." 簡而言之, 這段話便是下面Official Comment 的英文解說, 再次謝謝 Gloria.

Official Comment:
D’une couleur or pale, ce Bordeaux Blanc Sec est un vin frais, vif et fruite. Bouquete et souple en bouche, c’est un vin a boire jeune.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Brown yellow.
Nose: Toasty, light mint, and damped bread aromas.
Taste: Dry. Acidic, austere white table wine. Although the degree of alcohol isn’t high, the liquid enters throat turning into burning hot. A interesting table wine from France.
以酒標而言, 這瓶波爾多餐桌酒很清楚地貼出品嚐時機與食物的搭配, 給人一種清晰易懂也易飲的感覺, 說真的如果每款入門的酒都有這麼一個淺顯易懂的說明, 葡萄酒的入門便不再是難事.
淡淡的鵝黃色酒液, 輕輕的薄荷味, 並混合著燒烤與麵包的香, 在口中不斷地徘徊之後, 稍縱即逝的澀, 為這瓶餐酒帶來少許的欣慰, 可以喝但不建議買!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Russian River Wine Road 2006 Barrel Tasting Weekend Mar 4, 5 2006

2006-03-04T23:59:00.000-08:00

Russian River Wine Road 2006 BARREL TASTING WEEKEND PROGRAM
March 3, 4 & 5, 2006 ~ 11:00-4:00
110 Wineries!

No Ticket Required!
To taste, everyone must purchase our tasting glass for $5.00 at the first winery they visit. Lost, broken or misplaced glasses are $5.00 to replace.
參與酒莊如下:
Alexander Valley
Healdsburg – Tasting Rooms in Town
Alexander Valley Vineyards
Canyon Road *
Clos du Bois
Field Stone Winery *
Geyser Peak Winery *
Hanna Winery
Johnson’s Family Wines
Lancaster Estate
Locals Tasting Room *
The Meeker Vineyard
Mosaic Vineyards
Murphy-Goode Winery *
Robert Young Estate Winery
Sausal Winery *
Simi Winery *
Stonestreet Winery
Stryker Sonoma
Trentadue Winery
White Oak *
Camellia Cellars *
Chateau Felice
Davis Family
Grove Street
Holdredge
Huntington
Kendall-Jackson
La Crema Tasting Rm.
Lake Sonoma
Manzanita Creek *
Optima Cellars
Rosenblum
Sapphire Hill *
Selby *
Thumbprint
World Wine Estates
Dry Creek Valley
A. Rafanelli
Alderbrook Winery
Amphora Winery *
Armida Winery *
Bella Vineyards
Raymond Burr Vineyards
David Coffaro Vyd & Winery *
De La Montanya Winery *
Dry Creek Vineyard
Dutcher Crossing *
Everett Ridge Vyds & Winery *
Family Wineries DCV
Forchini Vineyards & Winery *
Frick Winery
Fritz Winery
Gallo of Sonoma (not on plaza)
Göpfrich Winery *
Lambert Bridge Winery *
Mauritson Family Winery *
Mazzocco Vineyards *
Michel-Schlumberger
Mill Creek Vineyards *
Nalle Winery *
Papapietro Perry *
Passalacqua Winery *
Pedroncelli *
Peterson Winery *
Pezzi King (new location)
Preston Quivira
Ridge Vineyards / Lytton Springs
Talty Winery * F. Teldeshi
Unti Vineyards *
Wilson Winery *
Russian River Valley
Acorn Winery *
Arista Winery
Balletto Vineyards *
Battaglini Estate Winery *
Belvedere Winery
Christopher Creek Winery *
Davis Bynum *
DeLoach Vineyards
Domaine St. George
Dutton Estate - Sebastopol
Dutton-Goldfield *
Foppiano
Hanna – Russian River
Hartford Family Wines
Harvest Moon Winery *
Hook & Ladder *
Hop Kiln *
Iron Horse *
J Vineyards & Winery *
Korbel Champagne
Kendall-Jackson
La Crema Winery
Limerick Lane *
Lynmar Winery
Marimar Estate
Martin Ray Winery
Martinelli *
Moshin Vineyards
Paradise Ridge *
Pellegrini Estate
Porter Creek *
River Road Vineyards *
Roshambo
Russian Hill Estate *
Siduri Wines
Rodney Strong
Sunce *
Joseph Swan *
Taft Street Winery

因為是免費品嚐110家酒莊, 所以我現在正在路上了.三天後見!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Delicato Merlot 2004

2006-03-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Delicato Merlot 2004
Varietal: Merlot
Appellation: Central Coast, California
WE: 86
Price: $4
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
13.5% Alco. By Vol.

Background Info:
GOLD MEDAL, 2005 International Eastern Wine Competition

Official Comment:

WE Comment:
"The 2004 Merlot has a soft nose of plum and dark berry fruits with oak and spice nuances. With layers of forward fruit on the palate, the wine opens up to flavors of cherry with a hint of vanilla and toasty notes. The finish is smooth and well-balanced making this Merlot supple and easy to drink."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Crimson red with wide width legs but sticky.
Nose: Caramel, vanilla, fresh, and fruity aromas. The last aroma I can get is multiple-berries.
Taste: Sweet flavor. Plum. Light dry. Medium to full-bodied merlot. This can be the elegant single wine taste or food pairing table wine. Price is also economical. Buy more if you prefer merlot as a nice dining company.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Blue Nun 2004 Qualitatswein Rheinhessen White Wine

2006-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Blue Nun 2004 Qualitatswein Rheinhessen White Wine
Varietal: Riesling
Appellation: Rheinhessen, H. Sichel Sohne, German
Price: $4.98
Dealer: Food4Less

Content Info:
9.5% Alco. by Vol.

Background Story:

Official Comment:
"Produced from grapes picked in the Rheinhessen region of Germany under careful scrutiny of our own winemaker who employs modern techniques as laid down by the Sichel Superior Vinification production methods. A refreshingly crisp wine, rich in ripe peach fruit flavors, full-bodied with a lingering aromatic finish. An ideal accompaniment with Ceasar Salads, Chicken, Seafood, particularly Sushi, both Thai and Chinese cuisine." - Winemaker

Other Comment:
"An easy-to-drink, refreshing white wine that may be consumed on its own or matched with seafood, white meats and spicy dishes, Blue Nun's colour is of pale straw. Its nose is quite subdued and gently floral. Refreshing grape and green apple flavours with hints of nectarines define its taste profile, with sufficient acidity providing well balanced structure. It is refreshing and crisp with a soft yet persistent finish."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Golden yellow with few tiny bubbles.
Nose: Apple, citrus and flowery aromas.
Taste: Nice acidity. Light toasty flavor. Sweetness is between light and medium. Low alcohol. Considered as entrance level for the Riesling tasting.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Peter Lehmann Wines 2003 Clancy's Red Gold Barossa Valley - 不錯的澳洲得獎酒莊

2006-02-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

Peter Lehmann Wines 2003 Clancy's Red Gold Barossa Valley
Varietal: Shiraz 42% + Cabernet Sauvignon 41% + Merlot 17%
ST: 89
Appellation: Barossa, Australia
Price: $14.99
Dealer: Costco

Content Info:
Shiraz 42% + Cabernet Sauvignon 41% + Merlot 17%
14% Alco. By Vol.

Background Story:
透過在澳洲品酒筆記裡, Alex 的強力推薦, 再加上其他 wine lovers 給予不錯的評價, 所以便在酒單裡加訂了這一款 Peter Lehmann 的紅酒, 在今年的農曆過年時, 小心翼翼地開瓶來喝, 口感果真不錯, 除此之外, Peter Lehmann wineries 的酒標呈現了僕克牌與紅酒結合的古典風格, 在品嘗的過程中, 便不斷地把玩瓶身, 有種令人沉醉在古色古香的中古世紀裡, 不知有多少人玩過世紀帝國, 那一邊品嘗紅酒一邊 conquer 的豪情壯志, 只能用說是:”一言難以道盡”.

Official Comment:
A softly textured, medium-bodied wine showing a harmonious balance of fruit and beautifully integrated oak, and finishing firm. It is a particularly attractive wine and very accessible in its youth.

Colour: Black cherry
Bouquet: Dominant Shiraz chocolate and ripe plums on the nose, with an underlying hint of fresh minty leafiness from the Cabernet and Merlot.
Palate: A softly textured, medium-bodied wine showing a harmonious balance of fruit and beautifully integrated oak, and finishing firm. It is a particularly attractive wine and very accessible in its youth and certainly a wine which can be enjoyed now.

ST Comment:
"Medium red. Redcurrant, dark cherry, spice cake, cinnamon and mint aromas on the distinctly cool, restrained nose. A silky midweight with crisp, focused red berry flavors accented by Asian spices and dried herbs. Quite poised, even elegant on the finish, where some well-judged oak spice slowly appears."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Ruby red with tight legs dripping slowly.
Nose: Licorice, caramel, minty, and chocolate aromas.
Taste: Smooth, silky, and litchi flavors. Medium to heavy dry. Crisp at the end with nice lingering. I think this red blend is worth to buy more and store for the celebration.
血色般地紅, 帶著狹長窄細的酒淚, 撲鼻而來的是強勁有力的甘油, 焦糖, 薄荷以及巧克力糖的芳香, 而在口中咀嚼則產生了柔順有如絲質般的細膩口感, 並隱約地散發出荔枝的風味, 這瓶酒對我而言是屬於偏重度的酒體, 不僅餘韻甚長, 那適度的單寧促使飲用過後的我, 感到甘爽清晰, 是一款值得多買的紅酒.

參考資料:Peter Lehmann Clancy's Red

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs - 沒錯, 就是那款可樂罐葡萄酒!!

2006-02-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

Sofia Mini Blanc de Blancs
Varietal: 70% Pinot Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscat Cannelli
Appellation: Monterey County, California
Price: $10.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
11.5% Alco. By Vol.
70% Pinot Blanc, 20% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscat Cannelli
Size: 187ml

Background Info:
(Cited from official Website) The grapes for Sofia are grown in northern Monterey County where gentle breezes from Monterey Bay contribute to the long, cool growing season. In this environment Pinot Blanc, the main component of Sofia, develops ripe flavors. Sauvignon Blanc grapes preserve the vibrant acidity of this wine, while the small addition of Muscat contributes a beautiful floral perfume and tropical fruit flavors.
這是一款我們曾提過的酒莊 Francis Ford Coppola, 專為搶攻年輕人市場為取向的酒款, 可樂罐裝雖已不再是令人驚豔的點子, 但這項創意已經帶給葡萄酒的飲用市場, 全新的包裝方式, 說不定在可見將來, 葡萄酒也能夠如可口可樂般地普及於每一個家庭.

Official Comment:
The Sofia Blanc de Blancs bursts with rich pear, honeysuckle, and exotic passion fruit aromas. Crisp apple, melon, and juicy tangerine flavors fill the palate, with notes of bright lemon and honey evident on the refreshing, mouth-tingling finish.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Pale golden yellow. Delicate bubbles ascend into smooth surface so intensely.
Nose: Toasty, citrus, melon aromas. Fresh. In addition, the smell of grapefruit is joined at the end.
Taste: Smoky and bread-like flavors. Pretty detectable acidity. Better keep it chilled before tasting. One of guest said it is just like beer with bitterness. Try it once that is quite enough!!
首先要提的是, Blanc de Blancs 意思為 white of white.

在第二次飲用過這罐可樂包裝的葡萄酒之後, 總算清楚地掌握到何時是最佳飲用時機, 雖然說想要在重要節慶拿這罐裝葡萄酒有如香檳般的享用, 但時機上卻需要拿捏地較為準確, 要喝這款葡萄酒, 首先要 decanted, 要不然整個酒體就好像沉睡一般, 有點迷迷濛濛地, 無法展現任何潛力, 在醒酒之後, Aroma 與 Taste 變的更有層次, 但一旦呼吸過久, 所有細緻的氣泡將消失殆盡, 真可說是魚與熊掌不可兼得,

為了清楚地欣賞到色澤的變化, 我便將其中的一罐倒入杯中, 效果卻頗為不錯, 連一旁不喝酒的朋友都感到意外的驚奇, 先是有如乳白泡沫般地氣泡盤聚了滿滿的上半個杯身, 以及那源源不絕湧出的氣泡, 有如澎湃的河水毫不停歇, 入鼻是陣陣地橡木桶味, 緊接的是橘類水果與香瓜的風味, 此外並伴隨著葡萄柚般的果香, 入口則是清晰的煙燻燒烤與麵包香, 在那酸度適中的呈現裡, 冰冰地喝將會是不錯的享受.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Yellow Tail 2003 Reserve Chardonnay - 小黃尾旋風

2006-01-22T08:19:00.000-08:00

Yellow Tail 2003 Reserve Chardonnay
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Australian Chardonnay
Price: $9.99
Dealer: Winelibrary
Food Pairing:
The Reserve [yellow tail] Chardonnay lends itself to an array of cuisines. Our winemaker's personal favourite is Grilled Chicken Salad.
Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

Background Story:
舊文兩條:
1. 到2005年三月中旬為止, Yellow Tail 黃尾袋鼠佔有外國葡萄酒對美國進口量第一名, 百分比為13.4%.
2. 黃尾袋鼠在日本竟然是 Sapporo 代理的, 看來 Yellow Tail 在日本應該也打下一片天地了才對.

Official Comment:
"A complex array of fragrant fruit aromas and luscious vanillan oak gives a wonderful first impression of the [yellow tail] Reserve Chardonnay. Peach, melon and tropical fruits are all in abundance, complimented by a creamy fullness given only by French Oak maturation. This flavoursome Chardonnay has a charming palate weight, with complex buttery undertones and soft balanced acidity. This wine has it all, finishing long and smooth...Being a complete wine, finishing with length and flavour, the Reserve Chardonnay can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to four years." - Website

Personal Comment:
Sight: Slightly light golden yellow. So many tiny bubbles standing around the bottom of the bottle.
Nose: Light toasty, and tropical aromas.
Taste: Silky, crisp, and sensitive citrus flavors. Medium dry and medium-bodied. Curvee style. Wonderful taste for me. Buy more if possible…..Cheers…
這款精選黃尾袋鼠的 Chardonnay 有著 Cuvee 般的風格, 為整體的品嚐感受更進一步地提升, 結論在此先述說, 那便是我非常地喜歡這款 Chardonnay 的展現方式, 也因此推薦給各位想要一嚐 Cuvee style 的 Chardonnay.
液身呈現淡而亮的金黃色, 許許多多細緻的氣泡們, 緊密地與杯身共舞, 香味在熱帶水果風情的席捲下, 或多或少地飄出煙燻味, 飲入時, 舌頭可以感覺到絲質般地滑膩, 與清新地柑橘味, 在輕微的澀度之後, 回甘的效應則是一湧而出, 層次的轉換接連不斷, 真是符合一瓶好的 Chardonnay 所應有的表現.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Kendall Jackson Grand Rs 2003 Chardonnay - 就是那個 Kendall Jackson 啦!!

2006-01-19T12:00:00.000-08:00

Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve 2003 Chardonnay
Vintage: 2003
Varietals: Chardonnay
Appellation: Monterey, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, California
WA: 90
Price: $ 12.99
Dealer: Costco

Content Info:
Monterey 53% + Santa Barbara 42% + Sonoma 5%
13.5% Alco. By Vol.

Background Story:
記得 Kendall Jackson 的創辦人 Jess Jackson 說過這麼一句話, 讓我有著很深刻的感受, 意思上大致是這樣的: “當年法國人曾告訴我什麼是 Terroir (大地所賦予的風格與特色), 但我以我的頑固與堅持釀造出今天不同凡響的 Kendall Jackson.” (原文)”The French taught me about ‘terroir.’ I learned to be stubborn on my own” 這不就是今天被人們越來越重視的自我特色, 而不是國際化的大眾口味, 可以想像當年為了這份堅持, Jess Jackson 付出不知多少年的耐心與培養, 如今大大小小的酒商或大型商場都或多或少地呈列著 Kendall Jackson 的酒款, 最後更以今年為例, Kendall Jackson 在Wine & Spirits 的報告裡, 收集美國350家頂級餐廳所票選出前十名的酒廠名單中, 名列第三名, 我想這應該就是一種肯定與認同.

Official Comment:
“…Each vineyard lot is selected for intense and distinct flavor characteristics: Santa Barbara’s lush, tropical texture, Montery’s bright citrus notes, Sonoma’s ripe red apple flavors. Slow, cool barrel fermentation followed by eight months of twice monthly stirring and sur lie aging in French and American oak barrels creates a richly layered and elegant wine with a creamy texture.” – Jess Jackson, Founder

WA Comment:
"The 2003 Grand Reserve Chardonnay, which is accessed from Sonoma, Santa Barbara, and Monterey, sees about 30% new French oak, enjoys 100% malolactic in barrel, and is aged sur-lies. This gorgeous Chardonnay displays vanilla cream, white peach, lemon butter, and popcorn-like characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, with good underlying acidity, an alluring texture, and tremendous purity, it is a fine value and, there are 77,542 cases!"

Personal Comment:
Sight: Strong amber color. Beautiful vivid thin tears are nicely displayed.
Nose: A huge oaky aroma spreads out entire atmosphere. Smoky, buttery and citrus aromas.
Taste: Spicy, medium dry and creamy white wine. Full-bodied. If you don’t get offended with oaky aroma, this will be a nice choice. If not, don’t even try it.
在中文的個人品飲感想還未出爐前, Alex 的 Feedback 不經意地提醒我一下, 在 Barrel fermentation加上8個月熟成, 這款 Chardonnay 不就很是橡木桶味, 其實在一打開軟木塞地第一個印象便是濃郁的橡木味, 身旁的親人則形容是木頭腐朽壞掉的味道, 當然啦!!我的嗅覺並沒有對這橡木味有這如此強烈的反應, 只是在心中覺得, 嗯!!多了一味, 不錯!!不錯!!
琥珀般地金黃色, 酒柱於杯中均勻地環佈在杯壁之上, 似乎有著一種生動活潑躍躍欲出的感覺, 整個屋子的空氣早已瀰漫著 Chardonnay 的香氣, 室友在一進們便說: “The whole house is fulfilled with those white’s smell.” 可想而知, 這 Chardonnay 氣味早已迅速地散播著, 其中則包含著燒烤的煙燻, 濃郁的奶香, 以及熱帶水果味席捲而來, 在口中細細地來回品嚐, 微辛, 微澀, 並有牛奶般觸感在舌頭上滑動著, 對我而言是一款重度酒體的白葡萄酒, 應該是近來最夠味的一款白葡萄酒.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Cockburn’s Special Reserve Porto - 波特酒的進一步體驗

2006-01-17T00:00:00.000-08:00

Cockburn’s Special Reserve Porto
Vintage: NV(No Vintage)
Varietal: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca
Appellation: Douro River Valley, Oporto, Portugal
Price: $9.99
Dealer: Ralphs
Food Pairing:
“The classic way to serve Special Reserve is with aged Stilton cheese after dinner. Or enjoy with roasted almonds or walnuts and squares of rich, dark chocolate for a simple but elegant dessert.”

Content Info:
Varietals Contain: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Francesa, Tinto Cão,, Tinta Roriz and Tinta Barroca
20% Alco. By Vol.

Award obtained:
GOLD
2005 DALLAS MORNING NEWS WINE COMPETITION
GOLD
2005 CHALLENGE INTERNATIONAL DU VIN
SWEEPSTAKES GOLD
2004 SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL WINE COMPETITION

Background Story:
Cockburn’s 在1815年建廠, 波特酒的口味傾向於非濃膩甜度的酒款, 其酒款為下例的名稱:
Special Reserve
Vintage Port, Anno (Late Bottled Vintage)
Quinta dos Canais (Single Quinta Vintage)
Fine Ruby
Fine Tawny, and 10- and 20-year-old Tawnies.
由於波特酒可分類為木桶陳年與瓶中陳年兩大類, 今天喝的 Special Reserve 是屬於木桶陳年的一款, 主力在強調上市後即可飲用無需再陳年, 在混合波特酒成分中並包含了單一年份較久的波特酒調製而成, 這麼一來使得 Special Reserve 這招牌酒款的層次更加豐富, 與糖分的含量略低於一般的波特酒..

Cockburn’s Winery

Official Comment:
“Cockburn’s Special Reserve is the world’s most popular premium port. Special Reserve is a medium dark ruby color, with a deep garnet edge. The blend has a clean aroma, showing maturity and finesse, with a hint of dried plums. Off dry to medium sweet, Special Reserve has a rich, mellow texture and smooth tannin structure, with a long, satisfying finish.” - Website

Wine Access Comment:
David Lawrason, Score: 86
"…complex and cedary on the nose, signifying a blend a bit older than some. Wild, spirity and leathery with some baked chocolate chip cookie scent and dried plummy-strawberry fruit. Sweet, warm, fairly taut, tannic and hot on the palate. Very good length..."

Other Comment:
Cockburn's Porto Special Reserve shows bright acidity with stewed plum, raisin, and boysenberry; hot finish. Try with pecan pie.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Dark ruby red with thin, tight, and sticky tears. It represents its high percentage of resident suger and alcohol.
Nose: Ripe. Raisin, alcohol, and heavy vanilla aromas.
Taste: Caramel, licorice and lichi flavors. Sweet, of course, but not intense. Considerd as heavy-bodied red fortified wine. Bought it under one third discount. Good to buy it more when the price is low.
在經過輕輕搖晃(Swirling)之後, 杯身可以很清楚的欣賞到那有如狹長光柱般, 向下慢慢的沿著杯壁攀岩而下酒柱, 時而縱橫交錯, 五彩紛呈的視覺享受, 再再地顯示出這酒的酒精與糖分的濃度, 在香味飄入鼻中, 可以清楚地辨別出, 咖啡, 香草, 葡萄乾, 太妃糖, 和厚重的酒精味漫佈其中, 經過舌頭輕輕地攪拌之後, 濃郁的焦糖, 甘油, 荔枝味將舌頭包裹住, 當然甜味也在其中, 但並不會因此而感到過於膩, 這瓶波特酒帶給我不少的體驗與對波特新的認識, 有空想必會不時地開一瓶來跟朋友們分享一下.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

波特酒 – 17, 18世紀英法貿易戰爭下英國葡萄酒商的最大獲利來源

2006-01-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

餐後酒時間到…!!
有多少人喜歡香香甜甜的波特酒呢? 我常常在想波特酒為何稱之為 Port 呢? 是不是這種酒的產區是一個有港口碼頭(port)的城市, 經常也可以看到波特酒的另一個名稱為 Porto, 直到昨天在Winelibrary 的一篇介紹葡萄牙酒的介紹時才知, Porto(in English also Oporto) 果真是沿河靠海的一個港口城市, 而且是具有戰略地位的葡萄牙第二大城.

回到17世紀, 因為英法間的貿易衝突持續加溫, 除了深深地影響到法國酒出口到英國, 最後更導致了法國下令禁止出口法國酒到英國, 以及英國提高關稅來抵制法國酒的政治策略, 因此給了在葡萄牙的英國酒商一道署光, 將葡萄牙的酒大量地進口回英國, 到了18世紀的1703年, 在英國駐葡萄牙大使 John Methuen 推促之下, 進而簽定有助於波特酒貿易的條約, 例如減低貿易關稅…等等, 因而促成了波特酒的誕生.

波特酒的誕生還有另一個典故, 那即是當時的英商在運送葡萄酒的途中將白蘭地加入葡萄酒中, 除了增加了葡萄酒品質的保存, 使得葡萄牙葡萄酒的口感轉變為更滑順柔暢, 也因此保留住波特酒的濃郁香味與甜度, 此外由於這些葡萄牙酒都是透過葡萄牙沿海港口的碼頭(port)出口, 尤其是葡萄牙的北方大城: 波特(Porto), 在當地運送出口的葡萄酒也因而命名為波特酒(Port), 從此波特酒在葡萄酒的歷史上留下一席重要的地位.

在波特酒奠定了自己的名聲後, 葡萄牙政府便明令規定, 想要在瓶身貼上波特酒的酒標必須符合以下三個標準:
1. 葡萄的種植以及釀製過程中的白蘭地, 都必須是出自多羅河上游的產區 - Alto Douro.
2. 波特酒的基本陳年及儲存必須是在波特(Porto)南邊的姊妹市 Vila Nova de Gaia, 接著再由波特 (Porto) 的港口運送到各地去.
3. 最後但不是唯一的一點是酒精濃度, 在各式各樣的酒類都有自己酒精成分比的同時, 波特酒也不例外, 其濃度要求則是介於18度及約略30度之間.

對於第三點在此要略作說明, 因為酒類飲料在酒精成分低於16度時, 是無法抵擋空氣分子急劇的氧化作用及腐敗因素, 所以唯有在酒精濃度在18度以上, 才能使得波特酒在木桶裡適當地呼吸並陳年.

Don’t get me wrong!! 波特酒也有不甜以及非酒紅色的酒款.
Oaky!! 波特酒的典故暫時寫到這兒, 讓我們回到 Cockburn’s 這酒廠做個小小的簡介.

參考資料來源:
Port Wine
Portugal Rising
葡萄牙波特: 多羅河畔品酒香, 蘋果日報

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Straccali Chianti 2003 - 奇楊第的新體驗

2006-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

Straccali Chianti 2003
Vintage: 2003
Varietal: 85% Sangiovese + 15% Canaiolo and Merlot
Appellation: Denominazione Di Origine Controllata E Garantita – DOCG, Chianti, Tuscany(Tuscany’s Chianti zone, between Florence and Siena)
Price: $3.98
Dealer: Food4Less
Food Pairing:
Serve at room temperature. Enjoy with pastas, poultry and red meats.

Content Info:
85% Sangiovese + 15% Canaiolo and Merlot
12.5% Alco. By Vol.

Background Story:
義大利產區的分類與規劃非常地繁多, 以及標示的個性自主化, 使得在尋找確切的產區與品種時, 消耗掉頗為不少的時間, 而我僅僅能夠些微地認識少數的酒莊, 產地, 和葡萄種類, 過一些時候再好好地來將義大利的葡萄酒世界分析一下, 但基本劃分為:
"V.D.T.", "I.G.T.", "D.O.C.", "D.O.C.G.", 除了 "V.D.T." 清楚地被認定為餐酒外, 後三個等級的設定之中, 並沒有誰較優於誰的分別, 僅按照葡萄的品種、收穫量、栽培方法、土壤等標準來評定級數.

Official Comment:
Color: Vibrant ruby red.
Bouquet: Bright, youthful aromas of ripe red fruit.
Taste: Velvety and refreshing with good structure.

Wine Discoveries Comment:
Exceptional Value
(Arthur Damond)
This Chianti shows very high acidity, good fruit, ample oak and a very crisp finish. This could age a few years.

The Wine Report Comment:
Tasters felt its acidity made for an excellent food match. Try with spiced meat casseroles, lasagna or pizza with all the toppings.
Rating: 89 Points- Good Value

Oxford, MS Daily Comment:
(John Juergens)
My wine pick of the week is a classic Italian red wine. Straccali Chianti is one of those great inexpensive utilitarian wines that goes with lots of different kinds of foods. It has a good measure of the old world rustic character but with some good dark fruit to punch it up a bit. Pair it up with cheeses, burgers, pasta with red sauce, pizza, etc.

Other Comment:
This is a fruity wine (unlike my husband who is definitely not fruity) But like Bob, it was very smooth and easy on the palate. - Kimbob

Personal Comment:
Sight: Bright crimson red with light brown rim of the surface. Tight tears.
Nose: Earthy, ripe, light fruity and peppery aromas.
Taste: Nice acidity. Medium dry and medium-bodied red wine. Somehow slightly sweeter than merlot. Crisp for the good ending. Considerring with price issue, this could be the excellent red wine of the diner table. Definitely worth to buy more and cheers…
首先提的是“單寧細緻而溫和”, 讓這款奇楊第多了些與眾不同的風格.
亮麗深紅的色澤, 在液面杯缘間攜帶著淺淺的紅棕色, 果香及淡淡的辛香味, 並顯出成熟水果風味, 口感上則有著年輕酒般的適度酸, 以及中間程度的澀度, 那介於中度酒體, 在最後並展現出爽甘的感覺, 就好像 Pinot Noir 給我的第一印象, 有著美好的開始, 再加上價格的低廉, 真的是一款值得一買再買的 Chianti.
同時間並與 Columbia Crest Grand Estate 2001 Merlot 一並飲用, 雖然說兩款不同類型的葡萄品種不宜直接比較, 但稍稍地覺得 Chianti 似乎比 Merlot 來得更為細膩些, 您說呢?

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Redwood Creek by Frei Bros Pinot Noir 2004 - 細膩的品種 Pinot Noir!!

2006-01-11T23:09:00.000-08:00

Redwood Creek by Frei Bros Pinot Noir 2004
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Appellation: Modesto (North) California
Price: $5.99
Dealer: Ralphs
Food Pairing:
(Cited from Website)The Subtleties in the food-friendly 2004 pinot noir will accentuate the earthiness of wild mushrooms, vegetables like eggplant and vegetarian dishes emphasized by hard or savory cheeses.

Content Info:
13% Alco. By Vol.

Background Story:
Pinot Noir 在電影”杯酒人生(Sideway)”裡脫穎而出, 今年此品種的紅酒銷售量大幅提升了20幾個百分點, 也拜這部電影之賜, Pinot Noir 的價格整整一年居高不下, 直到最近才稍微找到幾家酒廠把價格給調降下來, 因此趕緊就這機會好好地品嚐此款葡萄酒風味, 看這葡萄品種是不是有如劇中男主角所描述, 體質纖膩, 需要多加心力地去種植與照顧, 而不像 Merlot 般地豐腴飽滿, 隨處可見.

Official Comment:
Our wines capture the natural fruit flavors and aromas of the grape while also maintaining overall balance. This 2004 Pinot noir is mediun-bodied with flavors of black cherry and blackcurrant, ripe plums enhanced by a smooth velvety finish.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Fresh bright garnet. Thin tears.
Nose: Blackberry, alcohol aromas.
Taste: Fruity and ripe dry pinot noir. Plum flavor comes after a while. Medium-bodied red wine. Price is affordable. Drink more if one likes it. Cheers…
這次對 Pinot Noir 整體的印象極佳, 口感非常地舒適而不膩, 有機會將會嚐試更多不同酒廠的 Pinot Noir.

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Delicato Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 - 華人釀酒師掌廚!!

2006-01-06T12:00:00.000-08:00

Delicato Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2004
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Price: $4
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
13.5% Alco. By Vol.
Residual Sugar: 0.12 g/100ml
Acidity: 0.6 g/100ml
PH: 3.63

Background Story:
"Our popular and award-winning Delicato Family Vineyards wines are made with an emphasis on concentrated varietal fruit expression. To accomplish this, we seek out premium grapes from select vineyards across California, employing both traditional and modern winemaking techniques and drawing upon the talents of a skilled team of winemakers whose motto is Over-Deliver on Quality."
– Tim Wong, Director of Winemaking
令我很訝異的是這家老酒廠的總釀酒師竟是華人, 相信成就這樣的名聲必定是來自不知多少的辛苦血汗換來的.

Official Comment:
從缺!!

Personal Comment:
Sight: Dark Ruby red with middle size width tears.
Nose: Licorice, plum, litchi and blackberry aromas.
Taste: Smoky, caramel flavors with tense tanny. Dry. Lingering. A nice full-bodied cab to be in the dinner table wine. Decant needed.
好一陣子沒有聊到紅酒, 今天就來談談加州 Central Coast 的 Delicato Family Vineyard 的酒款, 而會買這一瓶酒主要是因為有2瓶 for 8塊的特價, 所以在考量之下就買了這酒廠的2004年 Cabernet 和 Merlot, 而 Merlot 才是主要想喝的酒款, 但沒想到這 Cabernet 表現也是不凡, 所以絕不小看任何一款酒的實力. 讓我們就來細細地賞析這瓶酒:
深深地紅寶石紅, 帶著不細也不粗的酒柱淚痕, 酒杯在手中輕輕地搖晃之後, 是清晰的荔枝風味傳入嗅覺中, 然後才是甘油, 李子與黑莓果的香味相互交替地漫佈在空氣之中, 緊接著淺嚐一口杯中的酒液, 咀嚼其中滋味, 可以些微地嚐出煙燻味, 並加上焦糖與荔枝的香味, 此外單寧成分充足, 夠澀度及不錯的餘韻, 使得這款酒成為貨真價實的重度酒體卡本內.蘇維濃. 值得一喝再喝.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Moët & Chandon Dom Perignon 1998 - 98'香檳王

2006-01-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

Moët & Chandon Dom Perignon 1998
Varietal: Champagne Blend
Appellation: Champagne
IWC: 93
James Halliday: 98
Price: $99.99
Dealer: The Wine Stop

Background Story:
Jean Remy Moët is said to have built the Trianon and Chandon hôtels from 1805 onwards to host Napoléon and his numerous entourages. Today, the colonnades and marble floors still echo the footsteps of their illustrious guests who succeeded themselves over the centuries.
The love story began in 1745 when Louis XV’s favourite, The Marquise de Pompadour, who surrounded herself with the greatest artists and philosophers of the era, used to proclaim that “champagne is the only wine that leaves a woman beautiful after drinking”. Some of the greatest women in history have contributed to the celebrity of Moët & Chandon champagne. Both Napoleon’s mother and his wife, Josephine, were its powerful proponents under the First Empire.Madame de Pompadour.
Cornerstone of the Moët & Chandon heritage since 1801, this historic Moët family residence is beautifully situated on the Côte des Blancs at the intersection of the Marne Valley and the Montagne de Reims in the heart of the Moët & Chandon vineyards. – Website

由於這款酒的知名度極高, 在各個媒體或多或少都可以捉到一些影子, 所以在此我僅僅貼上原文故事內容, 有興趣的人不妨 Google 一下, 包保你滿載而歸, 到是它今年的宣傳照很有看頭, 在此把幾個我比較喜歡的連過來, 版權乃屬於 Dom Perignon, 敬請縱情欣賞.
(Cited from Dom Perignon 1998)

IWC Comment:
Pale yellow. An enticing blend of red berries, butter and toast on the nose; this settled down to an earthy, smoky character that reminded me of Batard-Montrachet. Full and rich, with flavors of musky yellow plum and ripe pear accented by crisp mineral notes. Really long and vibrant on the building finish, if not as precise or elegant as the 1996. Still, of the two vintages, this is the one I would prefer to drink over the next five or years or so.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Pale Golden color with medium thin tears. And elegant bubbles.
Nose: Citrus, and pear aromas. It brings up some essential freshness and soda drink flavors.
Taste: Slightly bitter companies with proper acidity. It transforms into crisp taste after all
酒液呈現金黃色澤而偏亮, 酒柱為中等的細緻度, 熱帶水果風味是第一印象你馬上可以感受得到的, 香味之中彷彿包含著淡淡的微大力汽水的味道, 並帶來少許的清新舒適, 稍稍淺嚐, 微苦, 微酸, 並攜帶著少許的澀度, 最後融合成一股甘爽甜美的口感, 在這整個品飲的過程中, 可以清楚的欣賞到杯中那極細緻氣泡輕輕盈盈地在往上游移, 持久不消退的泡泡, 更加提升了觀賞的樂趣, 此外濃郁的香味及充足的甜度, 很能讓人沉醉不已.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Moët & Chandon White Star - 女神降臨!!

2006-01-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Moët & Chandon White Star
Vintage: NV
French Non-Vintage Extra Dry Champagne
WS: 88
Price: $25.99
Dealer: Winelibrary
Food Pairing:
For aperitif. With cheese-based entrées, oysters, and fish dishes.The recipe of Bernard Dance - Chef at the Château de Saran : “Braised lobster with cabbage”.

Content Info:
Assemblage : Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Background Story:
(摘自Art On Line)
Moët & Chandon White Star
Moët & Chandon Dry Imperial
1899
Colored Lithograph; 58 x 19,5
Parigi, Bibliothèque Nationale (White Star)
Praga, Jiri Mucha Collection (Dry Imperial)
Towards the end of the century Mucha received many commissions to design advertising posters for various products, from biscuits to beer, from cigarette papers to champagne. He designed these lithographs in which he used two female models who were characteristic of his work for Moët & Chandon, one of the most famous French winemakers. One of the models is as ethereal and fresh as the shower of white petals around her, the other is haughty, mysterious, and dressed in lavish clothes, like an Oriental princess. These posters were so successful that the publisher in Champagne decided to publish a series of postcards for Moët & Chandon in 1900, with the most beautiful pictures ever used in advertising.
在網路上找到這篇有趣的海報設計, Moët & Chandon White Star 這款香檳與當年的另一款名為 Dry Imperial 的香檳, 在1899年時Jiri Mucha 接受 Moët & Chandon 的聘請, 對 White Star 的部分, 他如此詮釋著, 它像是一位輕盈與清新亮麗的仕女, 身旁圍繞著許許多多的白花, 再在地顯現出她的落落大方, 由於這幾款的海報不凡的設計, 在1900年Moët & Chandon 的出版商更近一步將這些海報翻印成明信片, 使得這美麗的設計能夠更加廣為流傳.
參考資料: Art On Line

Official Comment:
“White Star, a balanced blend of the three vines varieties, reveals a harmonious succession of sensations, a soft maturity, elegant lines, offering you sensations which can be shared and celebrated at any time…
Colour : golden yellow with shades of amber.
Aroma : aroma of flowers, hazelnuts, and biscuits.
Palate : soft with a fruity finish, evoking the peach.” - Website

WS Comment:
Rich and a touch sweet, exuding citrus and honey flavors on an easygoing frame. Medium-bodied, with moderate intensity, it picks up a mushroom note on the finish. Drink now. Oct 15, 2001.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Light golden color with big bubbles.
Nose: Not too much of aromas.
Taste: Light acidity to start. Crisp at finish. Bubbles are gone too fast.
此款香檳的顏色呈現淡淡的亮黃色, 汽泡略顯粗造而不夠細膩, 飲入後氣泡便消失無蹤, 有所謂來去皆匆匆, 尾聲則是那些微的酸澀度轉為甘爽宜人. 是款有趣的香檳但僅嚐試一次即可.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial millésime 1999 - 別被價錢給騙了

2006-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial millésime 1999
Vintage: 1999
French Brut
Price: $36.7
Food Pairing:
Pascal Tingaud, Chef at the Château de Saran and Bernard Dance, Chef at Trianon :
"- King prawns marinated in citrus fruit (lemon, grapefruit, orange) and grilled.
- Smoked haddock with aniseed butter and pureed fennel"

Content Info:
Assemblage : 31 % Chardonnay, 38 % Pinot Noir and 31 % Pinot Meunier

Background Story:
Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial millésime 1999 乃是今晚中階酒款中最貴的一瓶, 但卻是最不討人喜歡的一瓶, 幾乎在座的老老少少都公認如此, 所以就連在打上這篇文章都有那麼一點而厭煩, 但畢竟它是繼香檳王之後的第二把交椅, 只好多少在此要給個交代.

Official Comment:
“Moët & Chandon Vintage 1999 is the 66th vintage from the Maison. The last harvest of the century was one of excellence. It offered grapes of extraordinary and paradoxical maturity, combining both intensity and roundness…
Colour : Pale gold.
Aromas : White fresh fruits (peach, pear), dried fruits, hints of toasted and malt notes.
Tasting : One is immediately seduced by a forceful sensation, an inviting and savoury presence, affirming a radiant, ample and fleshy fruitiness. This generosity grows, stretching to a firmness of caramelised and almost mineralised citrus fruits.” - Website

Personal Comment:
Sight: Pale golden color, agree….!! Biggest bubble of the night.
Nose: Fresh citrus aromas.
Taste: At the beginning, nice acidity and off-dry taste. It feels like beer without bitter part
亮淡金黃色, 汽泡是今晚最大顆的冠軍, 清新的水果香, 微酸帶澀, 初嚐有如啤酒但不會苦, 在澀過後卻漸漸轉為苦味, 放久了之後, 苦味更是濃冽, 大泡泡們也都流失的很快, 最後所換得的結論是:”別被價錢給騙了.”

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial - 那晚的最愛

2006-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial
French Demi-Sec Champagne
Vintage: NV
WS: 87
Price: $31.00
Dealer: Winelibrary
Food Paring:
With foie gras, blue cheese made from cow’s milk, peach based desserts, dried fruits, mixed nuts.The recipe of Bernard Dance - Chef at the Château de Saran : “Escalope of duck foie gras with caramelised root vegetables”.

Content Info:
Assemblage of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Background Story:
這次是款 Demi-Sec 甜度的香檳, Demi-Sec 又可稱做 Rich, 如果從 Rich 的字面來看, 便更容易一點了解甜份的程度, 依照 Eden Wine 的解說, “Demi-Sec or Rich (每公升含糖份35～50公克)”, 在香檳的甜度等級中僅比 Doux 稍微低一點.

Official Comment:
“Nectar Impérial is a champagne to please the senses. The assemblage is built around the structure of the Pinot Noir : supple and smooth. Nectar Impérial is both a refined and sophisticated wine whose richness turns into sensuality…
Colour : medium golden yellow.
Aroma : dried fruits, barley sugar, ripe wheat.
Palate : balanced and supple. Finish on raisins.” - Website

WS Comment:
A soft, sweet, dessert-style Champagne, with easy flavors of pear, vanilla and almond that linger on the finish.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Bright golden Amber color with slightly smaller bubble than it rose.
Nose: Fruity, and licorice aroma.
Taste: Rich, off-dry or close to sweet, and proper acidity.
此款 Champagne 是我當天的最愛!!
金黃琥珀色的酒液中蘊含著偏細的氣泡, 伴隨著甘油的香味, 入口後感到豐腴梢酸而無澀度, 並帶著微甜且香味濃郁, 配上當晚的火腿, 使的整個口感更加不錯, 到是不知誰沾了誰的光就是了!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Rosé - 綿綿粉粉過新年 for 2006

2006-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Rosé
French Brut Rose
Price: $37.00
Dealer: WineLibrary
Food Pairing:
The ideal aperitif wine. With simple lamb dishes, or suckling pig, tomatoes, or aubergines garnished with thyme and olives.The recipe of Bernard Dance - Chef at the Château de Saran : “Tomato consommé, basil ravioles”.

Content Info:
Assemblage of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

Background Story:
首先介紹的粉紅香檳是 Moet & Chandon 酒款 Brut Imperial Rose NV, 在眾多的場合可以看到 Brut 和 Champagne的字眼出現, 但直到這次才真正體驗出為何稱為 Brut, 從定義中 Brut 在香檳的等級中代表著每公升的液體有著0到15公克含糖量, 僅有 Extra Brut 比 Brut 更為不甜, 其他的像是 Extra Dry 或是 Dry 都比 Brut 甜.
參考資料: Eden Wine [葡萄酒樂園]

Official Comment:
"Brut Rosé is a seductive wine : the assemblage, which is formed around Pinot Noir, is both spontaneous and balanced, emphasising fruity liveliness. It is zestful, with great suppleness. The assemblage with red wine also gives it feminine, coppery shades…
Colour : rosé with shades of copper.
Aroma : lively, expressive, dominated by the scent of wild strawberries.
Palate : full-bodied, zestful, assertive fruitiness." -Website

Personal Comment:
Sight: Salmon’s style of reddish. Bubble displays between size of small to medium.
Nose: Fruity. Grapefruit white aromas with light alcohol smell.
Taste: Nice acidity which can be categorized between dry and off-dry. Lingering lasts around 10 seconds. A nice wine of aperitif.
此款粉紅香檳呈現鮭魚魚肉色澤般的紅棕色, 將整個品酒會的氣氛迅速地活絡起來, 在氣泡上, 泡泡們表現的體型略為適中偏纖細, 將杯子置於桌上, 欣賞著泡泡們在粉紅的酒液中綿綿不絕地往上流竄著, 難怪上次在 Costco 聽到一位太太說:”想要將 White Zinfandel 裝入小噴水池裡觀賞.” 絕對賞心悅目. 淡淡的葡萄柚味細細地飄出杯身之外, 並帶著微量的酒精味, 是那種清新的飄香喚醒大家的熱情, 在口中咬到那充足澀度, 更使得這款香檳回味無窮, 餘韻則持續約10秒鍾. 價格不斐, 但蠻適合用來打開 Ice age of a party.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Woodbridge 2004 Mosel Riesling - Riesling 配薑母雞和臘肉

2005-12-20T18:24:00.000-08:00

Woodbridge 2004 Mosel Riesling
Varietal: Riesling
Appellation: Lodi AVA (American Viticultural Area), California
WE: 84
Price: $3.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
Residual Sugar: 2.5 g/100ml
Total Acidity: 0.74
Alcohol: 11.5% By Vol.
Final pH: 3.33
Blend: 100% Riesling

Background Story:
Woodbridge 它是羅伯蒙代維的副牌酒廠, 專為搶攻低價市場而誕生的酒廠, 今天要品嚐的是2004年 Woodbridge 的 Riesling, 該酒莊的 General Manager, Brad Alderson, 嘗試著在 Lodi AVA, Califonia 種植出古典的 Riesling, 在數度試驗之後, 決定將德國 Mosel 法定產區的 Riesling 移植到此, 在順利的栽植後, Brad 更期待著他的 Riesling 能夠蘊含著礦物般的特色, 使得這款 Riesling 有著豐富的層次, 而給于品嚐的愛酒人士們更多的享受.

Official Comment:
"Our 2004 Riesling displays the classic flavors of grapes grown on the picturesque terraced vineyards of Germany’s Mosel River Valley. The wine’s enticing citrus, apricot, mineral and orange blossom character is delicately laced with sweet spice and beeswax nuances. We love the charming, balanced flavors of this wine with appetizers, salads, cold cuts and other lighter fare. The light sweetness of the wine provides a tantalizing interplay with salty flavors, such as aged cheese, smoked meats and Pacific Rim dishes. For a perfect picnic, pack a basket with a chilled bottling of our Riesling, blue cheese, ripe pears, smoked trout and a crusty baguette." - Winemaker

WE Comment:
"Fruity and clean with flowery. Peach and apple flavors, and good acidity."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Shining light golden color without tears.
Nose: Citrus, mineral, and fresh berry aromas.
Taste: Sweet, light spicy, and low acidity. Provide certain degree of crisp flavor. A medium-bodied white wine. Worth to buy more as daily aperitif. Cheers….
閃亮的亮金黃色酒液, 好像灌了水的維大力喔!! 少許的泡泡慢慢地從杯底浮出液面, 在冬日陽光軟軟地照耀之下, 給于人有如深處在熱帶水域裡浮淺般愉悅, 讓我深深地愛上欣賞 Riesling 的酒液, 酒的氣味交雜著柑橘類的熱帶水果風味, 與淡淡的礦物氣味, 還攜帶著清晰的莓果香, 此款酒是中度酒體的白葡萄酒, 飲在口中有著香甜的口感, 少許的酸度和辣味增添了不少的層次與深度, 帶來甘爽不甜膩的餘韻, 我想這款酒若在餘韻上的時間再加長一點, 應該可以擠身九十分的酒款行列, 結論是值得一買再買的餐前開胃酒, 又或是單獨品飲也不錯.
今晚我拿這款酒來配薑母雞和臘肉開胃菜, 猜猜看結果如何呢?

參考網頁: Woodbridge 2004 Riesling

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2005 - 2005薄酒萊新酒 Party Time!!

2005-12-19T13:55:00.000-08:00

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2005
Varietal: Gamay
Appellation: Beaujolais, Fance
WS: 86
Price: $8.79
Dealer: Costco

Content Info:
100% Gamay
12% Alco. By Vol.

Background Story:
在 Gamay 這個品種歷經了百多年歷史的掙扎於1937年正式有了薄酒萊(Beaujolais) 法定產區的誕生, 而 Beaujolais-Village 則在1950年成為正式的法定產區, 一年後並由薄酒萊之父 – 喬治杜伯夫, 正式將薄酒萊新酒的享用氣氛,推廣到整個法國, 進而使得人們有如慶祝嘉年華般地滿心期待這一天的到來, 但到由於今天的國際市場的發達, 超過半數的薄酒萊產量倒是出口到世界各個國家去, 特別是外銷到亞洲.
詳細資料請參閱Http://beaujolaisnouveautime.com/ - “It’s Beaujolais Nouveau Time”

Personal Comment:
Sight: Fresh pomegranate red without any tears.
WS Comment:
This generous red delivers black cherry and plum flavors, with notes of banana and vanilla, light tannins and balanced acidity. Drink now. 200,000 cases made. —T.M.
Nose: Perfume-like newly fresh grape flavor. Licorice, banana, and vanilla aromas.
Taste: I can’t taste the tannins in it. But for sure of acidity like young ripe red wine. Somehow I leave it overnight, then it tastes like vinegar. A light-medium bodied red.
薄酒萊上市一個月整了, 在各大超市都找不到2005薄酒萊新酒時, Costco 總算賣了一款薄酒萊新酒, 今晚終於有機會嚐試這一罐Georges Duboeuf, 反正是第一次喝薄酒萊, 只要不要期待太高, 應該不會失望太多, 之前我還有在 Ralphs 看到2004薄酒萊(舊)新酒在架上, 在找不到2005薄酒萊新酒的難受情緒下, 差點就把2004的買下來!!

開瓶後, 大家對於2005喬治杜伯夫的薄酒萊第一印象, 即是有著水果香水般的魔力, 瀰漫著整個客廳, 馬上有人提議將賒一點酒作為室內清香香水, 酒液的顏色展現出有如石榴般地新鮮亮麗紅, 但酒柱卻一點也不在杯壁留下任何足跡, 有如新鮮葡萄香水般的酒香, 伴隨著香蕉, 甘油, 和香草的風味, 這時我心中在想著, 甘油的氣味總藏在香蕉氣味裡, 而香草也總能在甘油的氣味裡找到, 一入口大家口徑一致地道:”好酸喔!!” 對我來說, 這樣已經足夠了, 這就是一年一度的薄酒萊新酒, 有趣而芬芳!!

"Le Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrivé".
“It’s Beaujolais Nouveau Time”.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Meridian Cabernet Sauvignon California 2002 - 免費酒套的附帶酒

2005-12-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

Meridian Cabernet Sauvignon California 2002
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Price: $8.99(5.67)
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
13.8% Alco. by Vol.

Background Story:
上網查資料, 這款酒並沒有太多的評價, 就連官方網站都沒有這款酒的資訊, 唯一少少零零星星的酒商網站會貼上品飲資料, 所以只好先來寫上我手頭上僅有的資料, 會買這瓶酒其實還有另一個更大的原因, 就是不知怎的在瓶身竟有一個免費的(B.V.)酒套袋子, 當場忍不住心動地把它買下來, 事後還是覺得衝動買酒不是明智之舉, Anyhooo, Let’s enjoy this wine!!

Winery’s History:
What would inspire a veteran winemaker to leave the Napa and Sonoma valleys behind-and head for the sleepy town of Paso Robles? For Chuck Ortman, it was a unique opportunity to make memorable, premium wines from an emerging region-and to make a little history, too.
What caught Chuck's eye-and nose and palate-about California's Central Coast region was obvious. Back in the early '80s, he noticed that Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of phenomenal quality were being created from grapes grown in the cool-climate areas of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. He continued to build his reputation as a premium winemaker in the Napa and Sonoma valleys, while never losing sight of the potential for creating premium wines in the Central Coast.
Then, in 1988, came Chuck's big opportunity. Wine World Estates (now Beringer Blass Wine Estates) told him they'd invest in his new Meridian label, and asked him where he'd like to take it. "Down Highway 101, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles" was his reply, and off he went. First, he purchased the old Estrella River Winery in Paso Robles, and completely remodeled its natural stone buildings. There, he began to produce a variety of premium wines from vineyards located in Santa Barbara County, Edna Valley, and Paso Robles.
Today, at Meridian, we still grow and harvest our own grapes from these same three appellations. Each one has its own distinct climate, terrain, and soil type, providing a complex palette for creating wines that have captured over 200 gold medals in the past decade alone. With Meridian wines, Chuck's dreams of superior wines from the Central Coast region have truly come to fruition.

Other Comments:
"Ruby in color, with good legs, this wine has an attractive nose of burnt sugar, cassis, and strawberry. Medium bodied and dry, it delivers sour-cherry flavors that are fleeting and end abruptly with spice. A lighter Cab. Best served with beef."

"This is a sturdy wine that shows layers of blackberry and currant aromas with ripe plum flavors; the Meridian Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice to enjoy now with a rib-eye steak."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Dark ruby red with wide tears.
Nose: First attemp is grass, and mint’s flavor after being decanted for hours long. Then it comes out decent bread’s flavor.
Taste: Some berry aroma. It is truly medium-bodied wine. Try it once is enough!!
深寶石紅的色澤, 酒柱呈現些微鬆散地寬, 在香氣的表現是青草香帶著少許的薄荷味, 在置放小時多後, 可以很清楚聞到麵包香, 有種可口的香氣, 入口後僅嚐到少許的莓果味, 中度酒體僅值嚐試一次即可.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Fonseca Porto Bin No27 Finest Reserve - 甜點的好伴侶

2005-12-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Fonseca Porto Bin No27 Finest Reserve
Vintage: NV
Varietal: Port
Appellation: Portugal, Portugal
WS: 85
WE:88
W&S:90
ST: 87
Price:$ 11.99
Dealer: Costco

Background Story:
(cited from: www.fonseca.pt)Fonseca Bin nº27 was created over a century ago for family consumption, and only released commercially in 1972. It is produced primarily from wines from Fonseca’s own quintas in the Cima Corgo and thus shows an exceptional quality and consistency from year to year. Blended from reserve wines selected for their superb fruit character and depth of color, it’s well-knit structure, rich, velvety full body and luscious blackcurrant and cherry flavors, also dominant in the bouquet, finish on an intense, lingering note.
這款波特酒原是該酒莊的家族用酒, 直到1972才正式地轉行為商業銷售的酒款, 再加上使用不同年份地精選葡萄酒液調製而成, 使得酒本身除了蘊含著豐富的水果特質與色澤, 並擁有著陳年酒款的芬芳.

Additional information:
Country: Portugal - Although quite small, Portugal produces a great variety of wines ranging from light and fizzy Vinho Verde to hearty and tannic Port. Portugal is Europe's fourth-largest wine-producing region, and has been exporting its wine since the 14th century. The Douro Valley of Portugal is the original and current home for the world's finest Port. The valley spans from east of the city of Oporto all the way to the border of Spain and is the country’s best known wine region. Lesser-appreciated DOCs like Bairrada and Dão area also emerging for their fine, rustic reds.
Sub-Region: Port - Port is a fortified wine made by stopping the fermentation with brandy. The result is a heavy sweet wine, most often red, that is dense, rich and high in alcohol. Port is made all over the world with some great results in Australia and South Africa, but the most famous of these dessert wines come from Portugal. The great port houses (or lodges) are located along the Duoro River on the steep slate slopes high above the valley floor. There are several styles of port, including Ruby, Tawny, Vintage Character, Late Bottle Vintage, Colheita, and Single Quinta. Vintage ports are made in special years that the houses declare.

Official Commnet:
“Blended from reserve wines selected for their superb fruit character and depth of color, it’s well-knit structure, rich, velvety full body and luscious blackcurrant and cherry flavors, also dominant in the bouquet, finish on an intense, lingering note.”

WS Comment:
"A little rough, but this is juicy, rich and youthful. Vivid, ripe berry and peppery character and rather undeveloped tannins. Better with a year or two of bottle age."

ST comment:
"Good medium-deep red. Aromas of red fruits, tar and smoked meat. Fat, lush and sweet; flavors of black cherry and earth. Slightly fiery but persistent back end." -- Steve Tanzer (87 points)

Personal Comment:
Sight: Dark ruby red with tight and sticky tears.
Nose: Licorice, alcohol, blackberry, and bouquet aromas.
Taste: Sweet full-bodied red wine. Spicy, persimmon and silky-like texture. Mouth-filling. It is worth to buy more as dessert or apertif, even try it alone.
一直想要試試波特酒的滋味, 終於如願以償, 由於事先沒有很多的期待, 品嚐結果反到出乎意料之外的好, 可見品酒就好像看人一般, 若有成見在先, 心中就很難發覺其他的優點或驚喜, 好吧!! 回到主題, Fonseca Porto Bin No27 波酒的品評與心得.
Fonseca Porto Bin No27 的瓶身漆黑中帶著閃亮, 給于人陳年酒的質感與新酒的亮麗, 酒液呈現深深地紅寶石色澤, Tear 則呈現細細地柱狀有著粘滯係數很高的表現, 氣味上先是散發著濃濃的酒精味, 緊接著是甘油, 黑莓與有點年份地酒味, 入口後是強烈的酒精感攜帶著甜味一起上市, 再三地在口中來回的咀嚼, 絲綢般地口感中夾雜著少許的辛辣, 再嚐一口竟出現柿子的味道, 而圓潤的單寧更加地增添整體層次的精采度, 重度酒體, 唯一缺少的是酸澀度, 是一款很能搭配甜度高的點心或是用來當開胃酒, 值得再買一些來喝!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Terrazas de los Andes Reserva 2003 Malbec

2005-12-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Terrazas de los Andes Reserva 2003 Malbec
Varietal: Malbec
Appellation: Mendoza, Argentina
WS: 90
Price: $12.49
Dealer: Costco

Background Story:
(摘自 Wine & Champagne)
Bodegas Terrazas de Los Andes ── 阿根廷酒廠，Malbec 做的很好，這幾年開始與 Cheval Blanc 合作，釀製 Cheval des Andes. 同屬 LVMH (Louis Vuitton + Moet Hennessy) 集團.

Official Comment:
Color: Intense red, brillian with blue shades.
Aroma: Powerful and very complex. Notes of red fruits such as raspberry, red currant and plum are perceived. Aromas of vanilla and caramel stem from its ageing in oak barrels.
Taste: Of great structure, this wine stands out for its meatiness and intense rich flavor. Its well established tannins give it character and lively personality. Its greasy and round finish makers it a kind wine.
Comsumption suggestions: Enjoy it with red meats

WS Comment:
"Rich and muscular, with lots of cocoa, plum, blackberry and briar flavors. Thick, fleshy finish shows lots of loam and fruit. Needs a touch of cellaring, but all the pieces are in place. Best from 2006 through 2008. 28,000 cases imported. —J.M."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Crimson and tight tears.
Nose: Blackberry, fruity, licorice and vanilla aromas.
Taste: Toasty, Plum, off-dry medium-bodied wine. Short at finishing.
我想這款酒要用 Thick 與 Rich 來概括地描述出整體的感覺, 最為恰當.
豐富的果香, 有著黑莓果, 李子, 甘油, 香草的風味, 飲入口中呈現煙薰及烏梅的口感, 是一款中度酒體的 Malbec, 偏微甜, 適度的單寧使得酒易飲而順口.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

對中國生產的葡萄酒及亞洲人飲用葡萄酒的量, 您知多少?

2005-11-28T00:21:00.000-08:00

在 Robert Parker 的論壇裡, 有些愛酒人士最近曾經討論過一個問題, 那即是今天你擁有一個藏酒櫃, 而這個酒櫃的藏酒量需要依照全球葡萄酒各生產國的產量來做分配, 而總共只能儲藏217瓶酒, 當然這基本上是一個假設性的問題, 我們對藏酒並不會以這樣的方式來決定, 目的只是為了增加趣味性, 所以各位則姑且看之, 各個產酒國的分配量如下:
53罐從法國
50罐從義大利
30罐從西班牙
21罐從美國
16罐從阿根廷
11罐從中國
10罐從澳洲
8罐從德國
7罐從葡萄牙
6罐從南非
5罐從智利
是否有注意到中國的產量竟比澳洲跟德國還多, 更別說是葡萄牙, 南非或是智利.

此外根據富比士今年11月12號的文章報導, Wine Sellers Say Demand in Asia Growing 裡曾提及這樣的描述:”The event's organizers say wine market in Asia is set to grow by 20 percent from 2003-08.” 打從兩年前(現在是2005年底)到現在, 整體的亞洲葡萄酒市場成長了20%, 就以數據上的分析, 成長的空間將不止於如此, 很大的可能性會急劇的上升, 還有今年的薄酒萊到目前為止, 亞洲的銷售量早已遠超過飲用葡萄酒的大國美國及英國.

有一篇文章的作者就下著這樣的定論:
“1980年代的後期, 我們曾經目睹亞洲經濟奇蹟般的蓬勃發展.
2000年代的後期, 我們也將會見到亞洲葡萄酒業的蓬勃發展.”

參考資料:
Forbes
The Asia Effect

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

再次會見 Grand Estates Merlot - Columbia Crest 2000 Grand Estates Merlot

2005-11-27T16:48:00.000-08:00

Columbia Crest 2000 Grand Estates Merlot
Columbia Valley, Washington
WS: 88
Price: $6.91
Dealer: Food4Less/Costco
Food Pairing:
Rack of lamb, spaghetti with meatballs.

Content Info:
90% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Acidity 0.58 g/100 ml
pH 3.60
Alcohol 13.5%

Background Story:
首先請先到 Stephen 的”我的葡萄酒飲用記錄”參閱此款酒的前一個年份Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 1999, 然後在參考一我的 Blog 裡, 下一個年份的記載
Columbia Crest 2001 Grand Estates Merlot, #52 Of Wine Spectator 2004 top 100 wines
一起做一個三年的垂直年份分析. Wine Spectator 給 Columbia Crest 從1999年的87分, 2000年的88分, 到2001年的90分, 並名列 WS 的2004年 Top 52, 可以很清楚地看出 Columbia Crest 年年在進步, 配合上 Costco 的促銷, 該酒廠國際市場的銷售路線和野心, 可以說是很有計畫性地在經營與擴張, 雖然我們可以稍稍地挑剔 Columbia Crest 的瑕疵, 那就是很商業化地釀製它的酒款, 但卻也因此造福了廣大的愛酒人士, 使得好喝易飲的酒款價格合理化, 相信很多人必定可以看到 Columbia Crest 的酒在好市多, 大型倉儲, 專賣店, 甚至超市都在廣泛地販賣著, 前幾天在 Ralphs 隨意晃晃時, 不經意地發現 Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2002年的 Merlot 已在市場上悄悄地上市了, 在此期待2002年的 Merlot 也會有好的表現.

Official Comment:
“Blueberry and cocoa aromas continue in the mouth. Velvety softness trails across the palate leaving a rich fruity finish.”

WS Comment:
“Light in texture and ripe in flavor, with a nice package of cherry, tobacco and cedar flavors lasting impressively through the fine-grained finish. Drink now through 2005. From Washington. 255,000 cases made. --H.S.”

Personal Comment:
Sight: Crimson with very tigh tears.
Nose: Grassy, peppermint, and licorice aromas. Ripe, and blackberry flavors after a while.
Taste: Strong alcohol. Toasty, and caramel flavours while hitting the tongue. A full-body wine. It is worth to buy more. Cheers…
在喝過這麼多的 Columbia Crest 酒廠的酒款後, 便決定好好地為這款酒作個清楚的品嚐記錄與分析, 在查查先前的文章時, 發現這款 Merlot 近來有著漸入佳境的趨勢, 更下定了決心, 作個小小的垂直年份分享, 腦中便浮現 Stephen 的葡萄酒飲用記錄裡, 好像有著類似的酒款描述, 結果翻閱之後一看是1999年的年份, 簡直是好的不能再好的垂直年份記錄, 所以在 Background Story 裡, 馬上放了一個連結, 讓各位也能夠分享一下 Stephen 的感性分析, 而以下則是我對2000年的品酒分析.
今天出現了近來罕見的低溫, 所以在飲酒的溫度而言可以說是偏低的情況, 所以需要多一點時間來醒酒, 要不然縱使這種年輕易飲的 Merlot 也會沉睡不醒.
注入酒杯之後, 酒在色澤上竟呈現偏暗的寶石紅, 味道上有著細膩而清晰的青草, 薄荷, 甘油的香氣, 可說是我的第一款聞得出青草味的酒款, 之後在口中任由 Merlot 任意地衝擊我的味蕾, 可能是我喝的太大口, 酒精味之強勢, 真的很難讓我想像它竟有著那溫柔細緻的青草及薄荷香, 入喉之後, 伴隨而來的是煙薰, 焦糖及香草的味道, 最後要引用 Nicolas Cage在電影”The Family Man” 中曾說過的話:”You want to talk about turkey. Let’s talk about turkey.” 在酒的層次而言, 對我來說, 這款酒真的很有層次, 是值得一品再品的酒款. 讓我們一起舉杯說乾杯啦!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

很商業化的酒款 - Beringer Founder's Estate 2002 Merlot

2005-11-26T23:00:00.000-08:00

Beringer Founder's Estate 2002 Merlot
Varietal: Merlot
Appellation: San Luis Obispo, California
Price: $8.99
Dealer: Food4Less

Background Story:
在 Beringer 的首頁除了列上21歲才准進入外, 此外還僅多放有兩行字:
“Drink resposibly.
Drive resposibly.”
想必大家在中文的網頁也常見類似的抬頭語,
“酒後不開車,
開車不喝酒.”
願大家共勉之.

酒廠的原文介紹, 請自翻:
BERINGER FOUNDERS' ESTATE
Beringer Founders' Estate wines combine Beringer's legacy of quality with everyday value. Their flavorful and approachable style is indeed a fitting tribute to founders, Jacob and Frederick Beringer. Created through the teamwork of Beringer Vineyards' wine and food masters, the Founders' Estate wines marry seamlessly with a variety of culinary tastes. The wines are crafted from premium California grapes sourced from coastal vineyards ranging from Santa Barbara north to Mendocino.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Crimson with thin tears.
Nose: Fruity. Pineapple, and caramel aromas.
Taste: Long lingering and intense sweet smell like tropical fruit.
最初買的幾瓶酒之一, 後來才知道, 以這樣的價錢, 已經可以買到很多 WS 或 WA 推薦的好酒, 甚至上90幾分的酒款都多有可選.
鳳梨, 奶香, 及焦糖的香味, 澀度很夠, 餘韻也很長.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

德國來的 Riesling - Schmitt Sohne 2004 Blue Riesling

2005-11-25T23:59:00.000-08:00

Schmitt Sohne 2004 Blue Riesling
Varietal: Riesling
Appellation: Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Price: $5.99
Dealer: Ralphs
Food Paring:
Pork, ham, fish or poultry.

Content Info:
8.5% ~ 9% Alco. by Vol.
Acidity: 7.5 - 8.6 gr./L
Residual Sugar: 34 - 38 gr./L

Background story:
These wines originate from the wine-growing area Mosel-Saar-Ruwer and grow in the "Mosel-typical" slate-soil, which provides a unique benefit: it stores the heat of the sun during day time and gives it back to the vines at night and by doing this stimulates growth in a natural way.
A desirable balance of sweetness and acidity, this Riesling has pronounced flavor characteristics and an elegance which has endeared it to wine lovers all over the world.
酒莊的網頁裡提及到這酒莊所採用的 Riesling, 在德國經典的葡萄種裡, 有著葡萄皇后的美譽, Riesling 的體積偏小, 屬於中小型的葡萄種類, 並在成熟的時間上要比Silvaner 或是 Müller-Thurgau 的葡萄種還要來得晚, 而由於這晚來的成熟給予了 Riesling 更豐富的甜度與酸度.

Officical Comment:
"This medium bodied Riesling has peach and russet apple aromas, a firm and fruity palate, and crisp acidity that results in a well balanced, easy to drink wine. Is perfect as an aperitif or to complement a wide array of foods from pork and ham to fish and poultry." - Schmitt Winery.
Company Website:
Schmitt Sohne

Personal Comment:
Sight: Light golden yellow.
Nose: Mineral, fruity, and cider aromas consistently.
Taste: Light toasty, fresh, low accidity. Baked bread flavour. Crisp. Very low alcohol as medium bodied Riesling. Good to accompany with turkey meal in Thanksgiving Day.
這瓶 Riesling 起初在買的時後, 並沒有給予太多的期待, 在飲用過後, 確體驗到德國 Riesling 的精采動人處, 不論是我或是一起品嚐的朋友都是不斷的續杯., 來讚美它的
好喝.
入眼是一般 Riesling 的淡淡金黃色, 起初近近地聞還不大能夠嗅到清楚的香味, 經過一段時間的培養, 酒杯可是陣陣地飄出清新但不濃郁的礦物味, 蘋果汁, 及水果般的香味, 有種如沐春風的感受, 而這樣的描述並絕不誇大, 在酒含入口中之後, 先是輕輕的薰烤香味, 然後才是烤麵包的氣味, 酒液本身帶著不強烈的酸度, 並給予爽甘的後續效應, 是一款輕到中度酒體的酒款, 後來並搭配著火雞大餐一起享用, 似乎並沒有單品來的效果好, 將來有機會會在多買幾瓶回來飲用, 在夏日裡當清涼解暑的酒來喝.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

哥倫比亞酒廠的 Cabernet Sauvignon - Columbia Crest 2001 Grand Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

2005-11-24T23:59:00.000-08:00

Columbia Crest 2001 Grand Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
WS: 88
Price: $8.99
Dealer: Ralphs
Food Pairing:
Steak, pasta with red sauce, Vegetable stews.

Content Info:
Acidity: 0.59g/100ml
pH: 3.67
Alcohol: 13.5%

Background Story:
(摘自大同亞瑟頓)
Columbia Crest酒廠的酒款共分成三個等級，從基本的 “Two Vines”、 “Grand Estates” 到最頂級的 “ Single Vineyard ” 單一葡萄園。其中“ Two Vines” 不僅價格合理，品質更深受全球酒評家肯定。“Grand Estates” 則是由華盛頓州 Columbia Valley 最佳葡萄園生產的葡萄釀造，完美地呈現出一般入門酒所欠缺的獨特豐厚果味以及複雜度，令人不忍釋杯。此系列最著名的是 Cabernet Sauvignon 與 Chardonnay。

在 Columbia Crest 的主網頁的描述, 似乎 Single Vineyward 已不在使用, 取而代之的是 Reserve 的名稱, 而 Columbia Crest 對我來說常常會跟 Columbiawinery 搞混, 其實他們並不屬於同一個集團底下的酒廠.

Official Comment:
“Cherry, strawberry and cocoa aromas introduce a complex palate of caramel, chocolate and ripe fruit. This wine is plush and seductive in the mouth, and the fruit and oak are perfectly harmonious throughout the lingering finish.”

WS Comment:
“Bright and open-textured, with minty blackberry and currant flavors, shaded with hints of pepper and spice as the flavors echo gently on the refined finish. Drink now through 2005”

Personal Comment:
Sight: Darked red.
Bose: Smoky, oaky, caramel, and fruity aromas. In 10 minutes the caramel and oaky aromas swap to appear consistently.
Taste: Little bit of sweet and little tannin. Off-dry overall. Lingering with fresh feeling.
此款是剛學飲用葡萄酒時喝的, 所以沒有任何的中文解說. 倒是回頭看一看, 還真是喝了不少 Columbia Crest 的酒款, 2001年的還差 Chardonnay 没喝到. 2001的 Chardonnay 好像已經不容易在各大市場裡找到, 總之會想辦法買到.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

感恩節, 火雞與烏鴉的共舞 - Ravenswood 2002 Vintners Blend Zinfandel

2005-11-23T23:59:00.000-08:00

Ravenswood 2002 Vintners Blend Zinfandel
Varietal: Zinfandel 76%, Carignan 9%, Petite Sirah 8%, Agiorgitiko 7%
Appellation: California, California
Price: $7.99
Dealer: Stater Brother
ST Score: 85
WN Score: 86

Content Info:
13.5% Alco. by Vol.

Background Story:
為何這次我在法定產區上打上California, California, 兩遍呢? 猜猜看猜得到嗎?
在我一再在 Google 裡想要想要找到相關的產地訊息總是找不到, 最後在總算在酒廠網站裡讀出個所以然來, 原來在瓶身已經清楚的寫明 – Vintners Blend, 中文應翻作”酒商, 釀酒師兼葡萄酒包商的精選”, 怎麼說呢? 酒商大部分只賣酒, 釀酒師則是把手中葡萄酒的特色發揮到極至, 而葡萄酒包商則是每年要到各產地去品嚐各個果園的葡萄酒, 然後最後再決定購買哪一個或哪幾個果園的酒來釀製出當年的酒款, 薄酒萊之父 – Georges Duboeuf, 便是此行中的佼佼者, 此外還有Guigal, Jaboulet, Jadot, Drouhin 和 Laboure-Roi 都是 negociant. 他們的職業有一個特定的稱號 – negociant, 而他們有如古代練金術的職業技能又稱為negociant-eleveur.

Official Comment:
"The Vintners Blend has a rich, somewhat soft, moderately complex, spicy, ripe, raspberry aroma. The flavors are those of black cherries, mint and vanilla with a sturdy, slightly astringent finish. The freshness and youth that we strive for in the Vintners Blend allows it to be released with slightly less barrel and bottle age. This forceful but friendly wine is a wonderful complement to pasta, poultry, red meats and other highly-flavored dishes." - Winemaker

ST Comment:
"Medium red. Aromas of black raspberry, mocha, smoke and bitter chocolate. Sweet, simple berry and chocolate flavors nicely firmed by ripe acidity." - Stephen Tanzer

Personal Comment:
Sight: Crimson with dark red in the center.
Nose: Black berry, vanilla, peppery and toasty aromas. Occassionally comes out bread flavor.
Taste: Light sweet, nice acidity, and enough tannin. Lingering is around 5 to 10 seconds. Medium to full body. Do not like fully loaded Zinfandel style So not greasy at all.
相較起 Woodbridge 的那款Zinfandel, 這一款可說是較為清瘦, 整體而言, 不會過分濃郁, 已經從淡淡甜味偏向輕度的澀感, 在感恩節的時刻搭配上火雞大餐, 蠻適合的, 這好像也是大部分 Zinfandel 的特色.
酒的顏色偏向深紅色並有些微地帶紫墨色, 酒香上則是包含了黑莓果, 香草, 胡椒及薰烤的香味, 而且不時地飄出麵包的香味, 有一定的層次感, 縱使是飲入口中也不會呈現一般 Zinfandel 的甜膩, 而以適度的酸以及單寧來作結尾, 餘韻不錯, 頗適合配上雞肉類的餐點.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

風華已逝, 餘韻猶存的 Chenin Blanc - Milat Vineyards 2004 Chenin Blanc

2005-11-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

Milat Vineyards 2004 Chenin Blanc
Varietal: Chenin Blanc
Appellation: Milat Vineyards, st. Helena, Napa Valley, California
Price: $18
Dealer: Milat Vineyards
Food Pairing: Serve chilled, pre-meal or with light and/or spicy food.

Content Info:
1.6% Residual Sugar.
12.5% Alcohol.

Background Story:
This varietal is most recognized as one of the two primary white wines of the Loire Valley in western France. We enjoy the bright, fruity flavors of this wine so much that we have produced it since our first vintage in 1986. We balance the naturally high acids with some residual sugar - it is our only non-dry wine. The higher acids and lower alcohol give the wine a crisp, refreshing taste, while the sugar brings out the floral aromas and provides a nice, ripe fruit feel.
為何說風華已逝, 餘韻猶存? 早在’70及’80年代加州風行羅亞河兩個主流 White Wine 的品種之一 Chenin Blanc, 在那個年代, 整個加州有高達近乎45,000英畝在種植 Chenin Blanc, 而在2002重新調查加州葡萄種植品種的數據報告顯示, 僅只剩原本的三分之一, 約15,799英畝, 可想見任何一個非主流的葡萄品種, 很容易漸漸地被人們遺忘, 以至乎絕跡絕種. 之後我們再來深入地討論 Chenin Blanc 這個 Loire Valley 著名的品種.

Official Comment:
Bright, floral aromas with flavors of melon and pear.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Light yellow.
Nose: Fresh fruity with floral aromas.
Taste: Light alcohol with medium body. Off-dry and good lingering.
會在 Napa Valley 買起葡萄酒, 這款酒就是罪魁禍首, 那時不會喝酒的我, 在嚐了一口 Chenin Blanc 之後, 深深地被他那清新爽口的口感所吸引著, 有種入魔般地迷惑感, 也因此種下了開始飲用葡萄酒的液亂情迷史.
這款酒還有一瓶庫存, 所以詳細的中文酒評將會在適當的時機, 再一一清楚地描述出來. 好像再把初戀那清澀的感受重新再呈現在自己的眼前, 真的很期待又困惑. 哈!! 還有照片也是將來再附上, 當然不是初戀情人啦!!她好像已成為某報社的記者的樣子. 痛... >_*

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

羅伯霥代維的 Woodbridge Zinfandel 2003 的品嚐驚喜

2005-11-21T23:59:00.000-08:00

Woodbridge 2003 Zinfandel by Robert Mondavi
Varietal: Zinfandel
Appellation: Woodbridge, California
Price: $2.98
Dealer: Food4Less

Recipes inspired by this wine:
"Grilled Sausages with Polenta and Tomato-Red Pepper Sauce"
"Grilled Lamb Loin with Asparagus - Avocado and Tomato Salads"
"Black Bean Relish"
"Parmesan Risotto with Spring Vegetables"
"Seafood Jambalaya"

Content Info:
89 % Zinfandel, 4% Syrah, 4% Barbera, 3% Petite Sirah
13.5% Alco. Vol.

Background Story:
在之前介紹 Inglenook 的回顧時, 曾提及這個酒廠, 它是羅伯蒙代維的副牌酒廠, 專為搶攻低價市場而誕生的酒廠, 還記得曾提及 Casillero del Diablo 每年產量高達一百萬箱, 這數字對 Woodbridge 來說僅僅只達它產量的一半, 也就是說 Woodbridge 每年生產近兩百萬箱的酒, 無怪乎在大街小巷, 無論是超市或是酒櫃專賣店抑或是大型倉儲, 或多或少都會進他的酒款來賣, 但這並不代表說他的酒款就是粗製濫造, 若拿這款酒來跟 Yellow Tail 黃尾袋鼠相比較之下, 不但價錢便宜, 口感更比那葡萄果汁有一定曾度上的好. 在這當然我沒有要貶抑黃尾袋鼠, 其實我也蠻喜歡袋鼠那有趣的酒標.其他酒款的酒評可以參考: Woodbridge 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon by Ken, 有很多夢的男孩, 希望這樣的描述作者不會反對. >_*
Official Comment:
"Our Woodbridge 2001 Zinfandel is crafted from grapes grown in California’s Lodi region, where this variety has a long, rich history dating to the Gold Rush era. Lodi’s unique sandy loam soils and delta breezes create soft, approachable Zinfandel wines with lush, spicy flavors. This wine has vibrant plum and dried cherry notes with intriguing hints of cedar and sweet fall spices, such as clove and nutmeg. Subtle vanilla nuances, from aging in new American oak barrels, linger on the finish. The ripe fruit flavors and velvety, fully mature tannins make our Zinfandel an easy wine to love."

Other People’s Comment:(因為這是一款低價酒, 大致上不會有 WS 或 RP 的分數, 所以我特別加上其他人對這款酒的評價)
This inexpensive Zin from Mondavi is far from an award winner by a stretch, but its price, palate impact, and very peppery nature make it a scorcher. Not what you're looking for? There are other fish in the sea. However, this powerful Zin is priced such that its easily bought, and is a perfect compliment to a pizza. I enjoyed it!

Personal Comment:
Sight: An old term – Ruby red, but more like bloody red. Young bright surface.
Nose: Licorice, blackberry aromas. Didn’t get the spicy flavors though.
Taste: Tasting takes most part of this note. Why I say that? Because it is so smooth that somehow I doubt I am drinking red wine. But indeed it is a “Zinfandel.” Thus, it must be rich and ripe almost close to juice. Medium-body with certain amount of tannics. With price such low, it is worthy to buy more and get it chilled for hot weather. Cheers!!
為何說這款酒有令我驚喜的感覺呢! 首先價格上, 幾近乎無人能敵, 其次口感上的柔順, 或許對喝慣陳年又或是對過分濃郁酒款不喜的愛酒人士們, 對它一笑以置之, 對一個新手的我來說, 再適合也不過了, 也許將來的我可能會對這款嗤之以鼻, 但現在可說是非常的恰當.
現在就來解剖這款酒, 年輕的寶石紅, 感覺上有點像血液般的鮮紅色, 咱們來茹毛飲血吧! 沒有很充分的果香並不像其他年輕的酒, 但適當的搖晃還是可以聞到香草, 甘油和黑莓果的香氣, 入口後非常的滑順, 甜柔, 有餘韻但不長, 也有單寧卻也不多, 可別期待有太多的層次, 在夏天冰涼的喝可比 Riesling 的清爽, 但不包含 Riesling 其他的優點.
這兩天都拿這款酒來當起床酒, 讓我清醒但不會醉, 試著拿來配水餃, 也不會打亂主從間的關係, 不錯!! 就好像 Ken 所說的:”…是款十分十分超值的紅酒,讓我想買一箱回來放著!”

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

暗黑壞神Diablo 來了, 別害怕, 把它喝了再說 - 2004 Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon

2005-11-20T23:44:00.000-08:00

Concha Y Toro 2004 Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Valle Central, Chile
Price: $7.99
Dealer: Ralphs
Food paring: Red meat, lamb, pasta with red sauces, paella, rabbit, and Gruyère cheese

Content Info:
Blend: Rapel Valley 37%, Maipo Valley 32%, Maule Valley 31%.
13.5% Alco. by Vol.

Background Story:
在這款酒的瓶身描述著Casillero del Diablo 名稱的起源, 可以回朔到1891年, (Diablo 在西班牙文裡代表著邪惡的暗黑破壞神或是魔鬼之王的代名詞), 由於 Concha y Toro 酒莊莊主不斷的發現自己的酒窖藏酒被偷走, 為了嚇阻宵小的偷竊行徑, 他決定將自己的酒莊命名為Casillero del Diablo 又或是惡魔的酒窖 Devil’s Cellar, 並散播謠言說:”有魔鬼住在他的酒莊裡.” 如今在國際市場行銷通路下, 這款酒在2002年之後, 銷售已遍佈100多個國家, 而年產量更高達1,000,000箱. 請參閱它的官方網站, 裡面有著頗為令人驚悚的佈景, 蠻有趣的.

Official Comment:
"Bright and dark red. Ripe cherries, blackcurrant, dark plums and a touch of vanilla and toasted American oak. Medium bodied with smooth and friendly tannins." - Winemaker

Personal Comment:
Sight: Crimson with bright surface.
Nose: Licorice, herbal, and blackberry aromas.
Taste: Medium body. After tasting, dark plums and toasty flavours come out. A young wine with many tannics when lingering. Not really friendly as official comment described.
飲後第一感覺便是單寧強烈而粗曠, 在細細地聞的過程裡, 有著明顯的青草香, 甘油, 與黑莓果的味道, 入口後更有烏梅味留連在口腔中, 這款酒跟他的次一級的酒款相比較下, 似乎顯得有些較為扎口不易飲, 需要多一點 decant 的時間. WS 通常會給這個酒款85分上下的分數, 但今年還未評過, 請屏息以待. 我有一次在 Costco 聽到墨西哥人說著 "Casillero del Diablo" 的語音, 聽起來真的蠻有韻味的. 讓我也來說一遍吧! 暗黑壞神Diablo 來了!!(別害怕, 把它喝了再說)

參考資料:
Casillero del Diablo

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Francis Ford Coppola 和他的 Niebaum-Coppola 酒莊

2005-11-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

作者: CSDany
Sofia Coppola
先來補述 Sofia Coppola 曾經參與的電影, 那就是教父三裡的 Mary Corleone, 教父 Michael Corleone 的女兒, 她飾演的角色是一位期待父愛, 又不諒解父親對自己婚姻決定的女兒, 最終卻意外地為 Mickael Corleone 擋了暗殺者的子彈, 而死在教父的懷中, 教父為此終身不能釋懷, 僅能以無聲的吶喊抒發心中難以壓抑的痛, Al Pacino 那一幕手抱著女兒死去的哀慟, 直到現在仍然縈繞在我的思緒之中-那種心愛的女人死在懷裡的痛...

Francis Ford Coppola's Niebaum-Coppola
在1975 年, Francis Ford Coppola 與他的妻子 Eleanor Coppola 買下了 Niebaum 維多利亞式的葡萄酒莊, 其面積含括了120英畝的葡萄園, 來培養與拓展他在釀製葡萄酒的才能, 酒莊的詳細內容可參閱, 其官方網站的介紹 "Niebaum-Coppola",更在1995年, 買下了原屬於 Inglenook 的 Grand Inglenook Chateau 與其相鄰的葡萄酒園 Heitz’s Martha’s Vineyard 及 Beaulieu’s Georges de Latour. 在他有心的計畫與經營, 逐步地將歷史莊園 Inglenook 重現在愛酒人仕的眼前, 就像他曾說的一句話:"In America, so few things that are broken apart are ever put back together. Reuniting this property is truly a dream come true, both for my family and for Napa Valley."

Niebaum-Coppola 的 Signature 酒
Coppola 對於這個酒莊有著極大的期許, 就如同他所敘說的:"在我們擁有了這片土地之後, 我們也擁有了果實. 而在整個家族的用心經營之下, 這果實釀製的葡萄酒也將會成為品質, 正統與榮耀的代言." ("We have the land, and if you have the land, you have the fruit," says Coppola. "If we had a family crest it would be quality, authenticity, and pleasure.") Rubicon 是這個酒莊的旗艦酒, 打從1978年第一款酒誕生之後, 產量從每年1000箱增加到1999年的每年20,000箱, 除了象徵了 Coppola 葡萄酒王國的成功, 並帶來了無比的財富, 此外這酒莊還出產了下列的幾個酒款:
Blancaneaux
Cabernet Franc
CASK Cabernet
Edizione-Pennino(此酒莊在1988年第一次發行的 Zinfandel )
Merlot
RC Reserve Syrah
Rubicon
Sofia Blanc de Blancs
Sofia Rose

Inglenook 前任擁有者的女兒 Robin Daniel Lail 就在 Inglenook 的品嚐會中, 對著 Coppola 問了一個恭維性的問題:"Will your wines be memorable in 50 years?" 隨即地, 她為這個問題下了一個肯定性的回答:"I know they will."

參考資料如下:
Francis Ford Coppola
Francis Ford Coppola
Niebaum-Coppola Winery
"Niebaum-Coppola Acquires Neighboring J.J. Cohn Vineyard"

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

再談 Francis Ford Coppola

2005-11-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

作者: CSDany
Francis Coppola 2004 Sofia Blanc De Blancs
前一陣子很想要買一瓶Rose或是香檳來增添酒藏的多樣性, 不經意的在超市裡看到 Francis Coppola 2004 Sofia Blanc De Blancs, 價格比網路上還要低, 再加上10% off 的優惠, 連稅都省下來了, 它的瓶身非常的女性化, 有著與眾不同的格調, 更顯出它的清麗脫俗, 在結帳時, 連身旁不懂得喝酒的美妹們, 都把它拿來把玩一番, 興沖沖地也想要去買一瓶, 只可惜都 under age.

Coppola Family
Sofia Blanc De Blancs 的 Sofia 取自 Francis Ford Coppola 女兒的名字 Sofia Coppola, 整個 Coppola 家族出了很多位電影界的名人, 舉 Francis Ford Coppola 本人來說, 想必許多人聽過看過甚至奉教父這部電影的三個系列為圭臬, 可說是在人們心中深深地烙印了黑手黨的具體形象, 拍攝這三部教父的大導演就是 Francis Ford Coppola, 他與 George Lucas 和 Steven Spielberg 儼然是平起平坐的電影界元老級人物, 而他的女兒 Sofia Coppola 也是演藝界的女明星與編劇, 就連近幾年紅透半邊天的 Nicolas Cage, 也是 Coppola 的姪子, 雖然 Coppola 不再導演任何一部電影, 但他卻未曾間斷地活躍在電影界, 並成為很多部電影的製片, 除此之外, 早在70年代的他便已漸漸地涉足在加州 Napa Valley 酒莊 Niebaum-Coppola 的經營, 在經歷了三十多年風風雨雨的葡萄酒業, 如今的 Niebaum-Coppola 酒莊已成為可以與 Robert Mondavi 的酒廠在葡萄園的購買競爭上一較長短, 詳細的競爭內容可參閱 Deetsang 的舊微醺站台 "Coppola擊退Mondavi購得Cohn Vineyard".

Nicolas Cage 之 Chateau Lafite 1982
在電影-扭轉奇蹟"The Family Man"裡, 一個非常成功的有錢工作狂 Nicolas Cage，在某一天起床後 (a glimpse), 突然發現自己身處于一個與以往完全不同的生活形態, 在這個 glimpse 的夢中扮演著輪胎 Salesman 的他, 忘了自己與妻子的結婚週年紀念, 為了好好地彌補這個缺憾, 慎重地帶著親愛的老婆去一家高級的法式餐廳用餐, 在點酒時不自覺地點了一瓶 Chateau Lafite 1982, 但他卻忘了他在 glimpse 中並不像他在另一個生活裡的角色般地富有, 他的老婆便隨即提醒他一句:"親愛的, 這是一瓶$800元的酒", 在經歷了一番的掙扎之後, 他只好不情願地說:"就給我們來一瓶簡單的紅酒吧! 並別忘了附上酒杯..." 他那失望的表情, 真的很令人叫噱. 也在這時我才知道 Lafite '82 在餐廳裡要賣這麼地貴! 台幣27,000塊加稅再加服務費! 哇! My God!!

接著我們要聊的是 Francis Ford Coppola 和他的 Niebaum-Coppola 酒莊.
待續...

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

Le Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrivé 薄酒萊新酒真的來了嗎?

2005-11-17T00:56:00.000-08:00

先來 Exploring Beaujolais, 體會一下薄酒萊在歷史上點點滴滴的精采故事:
Wine Into: Exploring Beaujolais
因為原文太過繁多, 就用 Google 的語文翻譯工具整篇的翻, 保證可以迅速的瀏覽過一遍, 在看完整個 Website 的解說之後, 不禁要問, "薄酒萊新酒真的來到了嗎?"
現在時間已是凌晨一點, 剛剛隨意地在 Google 裡尋找 Beaujolais Nouveau party 的字眼, 看看是否有如在台灣的媒體般炒的那麼熱絡, 結果卻不幸的很, 幾乎找不到什麼非常熱的薄酒萊新酒新聞!!有點令人感傷.
到是在愛戀葡萄酒的網站裡, 可以清楚地嗅到戰火的煙硝味,
薄酒萊新酒上市了！Louis Jadot Beaujolais Villages Primeur 2005

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

薄酒萊新酒前一日, Jacob's Creek 2003 Shiraz 嚐新嚐鮮

2005-11-16T22:58:00.000-08:00

Jacob's Creek 2003 Shiraz
Varietal: Shiraz
Appellation: Barossa Valley, South Eastern Australian
WS: 86
Price: $5.98
Dealer: Ralphs

Contect Info:
Alcohol: 13.8% alc/vol
Acidity: 6.3 g/L
pH: 3.54

Food Pairing:
Beef, Cheese, Lamb

Background Story:
Jacob’s Creek 這家酒廠基本上百分之八十的酒款是外銷, 並且遍佈六十多個國家, 就好像羅伯孟代維酒廠一般, 款式上屬於較商業化的葡萄種類, 但在其酒廠的葡萄莊園確有著歷史性的紀念價值, 其時間可以追朔回1846年老莊主Johann Gramp從德國移民至澳洲的Barossa Valley, 他在Jacob’s Creek的湖岸旁種植葡萄與經營葡萄園酒莊, 可堪稱是Barossa Valley的首位先驅者, 而這名為Ironstone的酒莊到了今天已成為南澳酒莊之旅或品酒之旅的必經景點之一.

Official Comment:
Colour: Full depth crimson with purple hues indicating freshness.
Bouquet: Excellent fruit lift, showing violets, dark berries and black pepper.
Palate: Rich, ripe blackberry, blood-plum and spice with a full, fleshy mid-palate. Outstanding depth of fruit flavour supported by subtle coffee-like oak notes and fine velvety tannins. A very distinctive example of Australian Shiraz.

WS Comment:
資料從缺. Lack of Data.

Personal Comment:
Sight: A young ruby red.
Nose: After swirling, black berry, black currant, licorice and ripe fresh aromas rush out of the cup.
Taste: First attemp, closed, and indeed it needs time to be decanted. After being decanted, peppery spice and strong alcohol hit onto the tongue. A full-body wine.
嘗試著找WS給予86分的評價, 但 Google 不到, 所以僅能用酒莊的酒評來作依據, 將來有機會也還記得的話, 再來補上這個缺憾, 這款 Shiraz 並未帶給我很不同的感覺, 換句說, 就是一款經典的澳洲Shiraz 的表現, 這酒款熟睡的樣子就像Chateau st Michelle 2001 Syrah 的模樣, 但睡醒後, 這款酒的活力卻很驚人, 有點精力過剩的樣子.
酒液擠進酒杯之後, 呈現出清新亮麗的寶石紅, 那新鮮的色澤, 就好像爆炸般的火焰地強烈, 心頭不禁愣了一愣, 想當然爾, 這還是能喝的葡萄酒液, 手中的紅酒杯輕輕的Swirling, 甘油, 黑莓果, 黑加崙, 還有那新鮮的果味通通都一股腦兒地湧上來, 整體而言就是一個鮮字概括之, 入口也是那年輕有力的動感, 辣而酒精味強烈, 堪稱是重度酒體的典型, 前面幾口有點兒招架不住, 後來卻漸入佳境, 順口起來, 單寧的適時演出, 把整款酒帶進高潮, 並持續了兩個多小時還不肯落幕.
邊打著下面這排字, 心中正想著 Shiraz 應該就是這樣的演出方式吧!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

一家NapaValley老酒廠的興亡回顧 - Inglenook

2005-11-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

作者: CSDany 圖片: California Wine and Food
或許人們未曾聽過 Inglenook 的酒款, 但在 Napa Valley 的葡萄酒業中, 如果要形容一個企業或葡萄酒園由盛轉衰, 人們就會用 Inglenooked 或是 Inglenooking 的字彙來形容, 大家可別小看 Inglenook, 1933年美國政府取消了釀酒的禁令之後, Inglenook 這家酒廠的酒款, 不斷在品質與價格上不停的提升, 在1941年更榮獲 Wine Spectator 給予100分的最高分, 由其是在30, 40, 及50年代的地位可比今日的 Opus One.

但好景不在, 如今 Inglenook 已成為超市裡低價酒的代名詞, 一瓶1.5升的售價往往不需超過美金4塊錢, 而在酒價不斷低落的同時, 酒園也換了主人, 在1975年由 Francis Ford Coppla 夫婦給購買過去, 故事說到這裡, 不禁讓人們唏噓, 為何當年的 Opus One 會成為今天的 Jug Wine?

若要一言以庇之, 那就是企業的過度膨脹與不當的經營策略, 怎麼說呢? Inglenook 的前任擁有者 Heublein, 因為葡萄產量的逐漸增多, 便打算以 Napa Valley 的響亮名號搶攻低價酒市場, 首先最大的錯誤便是將 Inglenook 的標籤, 印在這些低價位酒的瓶身, (雖說羅伯孟戴維 (Robert Mondavi) 也行相似的策略, 但它並不直接將自己的名號印在新酒款的瓶身, 而以 Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi 的名稱來代替), 在廣大的消費者市場而言, 人們對於酒款的複雜與多樣式並無深刻的了解, 所以直接地將 Inglenook 與廉價酒畫上等號, 時間一久後, 大家便也漸漸地忘掉了 Inglenook 也曾是100分的酒.(Robert Parker
那時還是個國中生, 呵呵呵呵...,
還不到喝酒的年齡, 而要等到他
成名也是在20年後的事了)

在寫完這篇回顧之後, 去超市買了一瓶1.5升 Inglenook Cabernet Sauvignon 的 Jug Wine , 竟只要2.98美元. 所以說啊!!再回首已是百年身.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

參考資料: Inglenook 33, 34, 41, 43, 58, 59, 63年份的品嚐會

11/05/05 EL Coto 2001 Rioja DOC 頭款西班牙紅酒嚐試

2005-11-05T01:46:00.000-08:00

El Coto, 2001 Rosado, La Rioja
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2001
Appellation: La Rioja, Rioja, Spain
WN: 89
Price: $8.69
Dealer: Costco

Content Info:
Tempranillo 100% from Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa.

Background Story:
Rioja分為西部的Rioja Alta、北部的Rioja Alavesa以及東部的Rioja Baja 等三個區域, Rioja Alavesa 氣候則略微涼爽，特別適合品質優異的Tempranillo 品種生長.
(Cited from Beekman Wines & Liquors)
El Coto de Rioja vinified its first grapes in 1970, and the first bottling was released in 1975. The bodega is now the number-one wine brand in Spain and is one of the top-selling Spanish wines throughout Europe. El Coto owns nearly 70,000 American oak barrels which they use for eight years. The winery was completely overhauled in 1996 with state-of-the-art equipment. El Coto’s vineyards are northwest-facing on mostly ferric clay soil in Cenicero (Rioja Alta) next to the east bank of the river Najerilla. Additional grapes come from selected vineyard owners from the Rioja Alavesa. All facilities at the bodega are humidity and temperature controlled so that both the oak cask and bottle aging processes take place in optimal conditions. Rioja Crianza must be aged in oak for a minimum of 12 months. Reservas require 24 months.

Official Comment:
Red ruby colour, harmonic, well balanced, with vanilla and oak hints. Soft and long in the mouth, shows a fantastic fruit concentration combining the subtle strawberry aromas so typical of the Rioja Tempranillo with the notorious vanilla bouquet of the American oak.

WN Comment:
"Pale, rusty, salmon. Fresh nose of cherry-strawberry. Lively, delicious flavors of cherry and strawberry fruit, spicy cinnamon and lemon; nice mouth-feel with a clean, dry, mineral-laced finish. A serious, full-flavored yet lovely wine and a fine example of a classically styled"

>Personal Comment:
Sight: Youngthful ruby red.
Nose: Very fresh berry and citrus aromas. It makes me feel that it is a very young wine. Before it goes into my month, vanilla flavor with slightly oaky run out together.
Taste: This wine tastes dry and gives me the refreshing feeling. It provides me the idea how Tempranillo tastes like. A very interesting experience. Try it once!! Cheers!
心中並未期待著飲用Rioja不會有任何不同於Cabernet的口感, 覺果卻蠻令我驚訝, 倒入酒杯中則呈現非常年輕的紅寶石色, 一股活力充沛的感覺打從心中湧出, 而那香味更充斥著年輕水果的動感, 香草, 莓果, 和柑橘類的果香陣陣傳來, 入口後則是很清楚的澀, 似乎是有點兒粗礦, 讓我不禁覺得這款酒是不是餐酒, 但時間慢慢地證明, 回甘的滋味逐漸地擴散到每一吋味蕾, 真的感到有點驚喜.

這款酒有著很年輕的感受, 讓我想像著薄酒萊新酒是不是就是這樣子的呢?

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

09/18/05 Chateau Ste Michelle 2004 Riesling 改名了!!

2005-11-03T15:32:00.000-08:00

Chateau Ste Michelle 2004 Riesling
Varietal: Riesling
Vintage: 2004
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA
WS: 85
Price: $5.98
Dealer: Food4Less

Content Info:
Acidity: 0.65 g/100 ml
pH 3.20
ResidualSugar 1.65 g/100 ml
Alcohol 12.0%

Background Story:
(摘自21世紀經濟報道)
雷司令葡萄(Riesling)原產於德國，是德國最為高貴的葡萄品種，法國阿爾薩斯地區曾經被德國佔領，同時與德國的自然條件類似，雷司令也就成了這裡最重要的品種之一。現在，雖然雷司令在美國、澳大利亞、加拿大等國家均有種植，但是最為名貴的雷司令葡萄酒依然來自法國的阿爾薩斯和德國莫舍爾及萊茵河流域。　雷司令葡萄是非常耐寒的品種，她十分喜愛在有著漫長寒涼的秋冬季地方生長，適宜在寒冷的地區栽種，德國一些葡萄酒產區按照緯度來看，和中國東北地區相同，在如此高緯度地區，雷司令依然能夠很好地生長。這個地方的雷司令穫得了長時間緩慢成熟的最大恩惠，芳香、細膩，又保持了極高的自然酸度。雷司令葡萄酒就是把這種秋冬季涼爽裝入瓶中，等待別人在打開瓶塞的時候，去享受留存在瓶中的清涼。
(Cited from Chateau Ste Michelle official website)

Label Change: Starting with this 2004 bottling, the term “Johannisberg” will no longer be used as a part of the varietal name of our Riesling. In the United States, Riesling has often been called JohannisbergRiesling, after the German city of Johannisberg, which is famous for Riesling. The term has also been used as an indicator of an off-dry style of Riesling. However, it is not a true varietal designation and no longer considered an appropriate designation according to federal alcohol regulations. The style of our popular Riesling will remain the same.

Official Comment:
Fans of Chateau Ste. Michelle Riesling can count on our Columbia Valley Riesling to be an inviting, easy to drink, off-dry Riesling vintage after vintage. With the 2004 bottling, we took the word “Johannisberg” off the label, but rest assured that the wine style didn’t change. This Riesling consistently delivers classic Washington state Riesling characters of juicy peach, apricot, ripe pear and sweet citrus, with subtle slate and mineral notes. This is our every day Riesling that is versatile and simply a pleasure to drink.

WS Comment:
Light and tangy, modestly sweet, with refreshing apple and melon flavors.

Personal Comment:
Sight: Light gold color, somehow looks like soda drink without bubble.
Nose: A freshing lime and apple aromas.
Taste: Certain degree of sweetness and proper temperature makes this wine so tasteful that it can be apertif or dessert wine. A fabulous riesling as entrance level of german white wine. Buy it for celeberation or romatic dinner night!!
當初會買這款Riesling, 也是抱著多方嘗試的心情去添購這酒款, 但在許多中文的文章中並未找到有人有清楚的品評紀錄, 所以在買的時候也蠻提心吊膽的, 但品嚐結果卻令我感到很滿意, 最主要是Riesling不但可以單品, 在餐點的搭配上, 範圍也很廣範, 在冷藏之後, 我將它拿來與中東樣式的晚餐共舞, 因為主菜是以牛肉跟雞肉為主, 不但襯托出雞肉的甜, 並將烤牛肉條香味發揮的淋漓盡致, 晚餐之後, 我特意的留下大致上一杯的Riesling來好好的享用和分析.
從色澤上, 可以看到淡淡的金黃色, 心中正想著如果再加上一點點氣泡, 會讓我有喝維大力的聯想, 香味則是在開瓶之後, 便瀰漫在空氣之中, 但不是很誇張式的強烈, 那香氣可以說是持續不斷地蘋果與萊姆清香的混合體, 好比想像著將自己沉浸在一陣清爽的水果香味之中, 而那天然的香味卻一點也不令人感到太濃郁, 飲入口中之後那適度的甜份與少少的澀度, 會讓人不禁想要馬上再嚐一口.
這款酒很適合在炎炎夏日的午後來飲用.
在官方的說明中有提到新酒標的變動, 由於美國酒類的規範, 這款Riesling必需將Johannisberg的標示拿掉, 以因應確切的地理位置, 口感, 與品種的表達, 這更可以讓我們清楚的了解, 個人的口味喜好是什麼….

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

11/02/05 Concannon Selected Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Note

2005-11-02T18:02:00.000-08:00

Concannon Selected Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2003
Appellation: Central Coast, California
Price: $7.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Background Story:
( 摘自愛戀葡萄酒 ) 康佳能 Concannon 酒廠由愛爾蘭移民 James Concannon 創立於1883 年，在舊金山灣的 Livermore Valley 擁有220 英畝的葡萄園，其特色為擁有豐富而怡人果味及口感，因其精湛的釀酒調配技術，使康佳農酒廠獲得《 Wine & Spirits 》雜誌所評選之「1995年度最佳酒廠」的殊榮，及「1996年全美排名第十得獎最多的酒廠」 (38項產品共穫得170個獎牌)。釀酒師 Tom Lane 以「非傳統」的釀酒方式聞名於業界，並於1995年及1996年獲得釀酒師的最高榮譽「年度最佳釀酒師」，並且在2003年被挖角到 Livermore Valley 的另一家知名酒廠Stony Ridge。
Concannon Selected Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 ，具有成熟的櫻桃及莓果醬果香，香氣豐富濃郁，酒體紮實飽滿，結構緊緻，口感圓潤，一款典型高雅的Cabernet Sauvignon.

Official Comment:
Our Central Coast Cabernet Sauvignon is full bodied, rich and fruitful. A complex Cabernet with black cherry and vanilla-oak flavors and a rich, smooth finish. Enjoy with a filet mignon or your favorite red meat dish.

Personal Commnet:
Sight: Bright ruby red with delightful shinning.
Nose: Light oaky. An obvious vanilla and berry aromas. Also show the flavor of citrus. Before first attemp ends, the vanilla flavor gets stronger.
Taste: Toasty and bold taste with heavy tannins. The dry lasts slightly longer in the mouth. A full-body dry wine. Just try it once. Second day's try out. In fact, the tannin gets softer and easy to drink.
這款酒在最近的每一次進入winelover的網站都大致上看得到, 因此前幾天就去買了2003年份來嚐試, 由於期待有點的高, 所以在失望的時候, 也跌的更深, 香氣確實很濃郁, 可以很清楚的聞到香草與莓果的味道, 但在口感上單寧似乎有點強烈, 使整個酒呈現澀味, 或許這2003年份需要更多的時間去 Decant 它, 希望過一些時日後, 口感會更加的圓潤, 這款重酒體的卡本內.蘇維濃, 下次再試試看吧!!
後記: 兩天之間, 不斷地去品嚐這瓶酒, 可以清楚的感到, 酒液在口裡越來越綿密而漸不扎口, 看來此酒款還太年輕地去飲用, 在給他多一些時間去長大吧!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/30/05 Yellow Tail Shiraz 2004 黃尾袋鼠品嚐之二

2005-10-31T17:25:00.000-08:00

Yellow Tail 2004 Shiraz
Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah
Appellation: Riverina, New South Wales, Australia
Volume: 1.5L
Price: $7.99
Dealer: Costco

Background Story:
(Cited it from http://www.yellowtailwineusa.com/about/)
what's with the name?
We get lots of questions about the name of our wine. And while sushi is a pretty good guess, the true namesake is the yellow-footed rock wallaby, a small, colorful breed of kangaroo that's known to roam the Casella vineyards.

Official Comment:
"Impressive spice, licorice and red berry aromas. This wine is perfectly balanced with silky tannins, accompanied by big, ripe fruit flavors." –Winemaker

Personal Comment:
Sight: A shining bloody red.
Nose: Swirl it lightly then berry with a lot of licorice aromas come out.
Taste: Spicy from the frist taste. Sweet ripe flavors with light tannins. Off-dry wine. It turns totally sweet after a while. It has a medium body, and it is considered as juice rather than a red wine. Easy to drink for a rookie like me.
清亮的紅色, 香味蠻直接且容易辨別, 輕輕地搖晃酒杯, 可以明顯的聞到莓果的香味, 飲入口中之後, 雖說帶著些微的單寧, 整體的感覺頗甜, 似乎是有點像果汁, 冰冰的喝應是較為爽口, 而不需期待有太多的層次與香氣能夠伴隨的時間而來, 易飲...
黃尾袋鼠對想嚐試著各式各樣葡萄酒的新手我來說, 有著一定程度地容易上手, 我想也是這個原因, 黃尾袋鼠在市場上的銷售量一直居高不下, 但以價位來說, 黃尾袋鼠並不像餐酒地般的低廉, 之後, 我會介紹Inglenook, Napa Valley的酒款, 那可絕對地說是低價位的餐酒, 而Inglenook本身更有著一段血淚史, 敬請期待.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/29/05 Concha Y Toro 2004 Frontera 餐酒酒款評

2005-10-29T15:21:00.000-07:00

Concha Y Toro 2004 Frontera
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2004
Appellation: Valle Central, Chile
Price: $ 3.21
Dealer: Food4Less

Content Info:
85% Cabernet Sauvigon and 15% Merlot
Alco Vol.: 13%

Background Story:
New Winery, it is hard to dig out more fantastic story from its hirstory.

Official Comment:
Sight: Ruby red.
Nose: Fruity, chocolate, red plumes and vanilla aromas.
Taste: Soft tannins, medium body, harmonic and with good aftertaste.
Food Pairing: Red meats and slightly fermented cheese.

Hugh Johnson ’04 Guide For The Winemaker:
"Mammoth but quality-minded operation, good value. Top wines: increasingly subtle Amelia Chard (Casablanca); rich chocolatey Marques de Casa Conacha Merlot (Rapel); inky Don Melchor Cab (Rapel); and silky Terrunyo Pinor Noir (Casablanca). Impressive Winemaker Lot on some markets. Copper Range, Trio, Explorer and Casillero Del Diablo (incl fine new Viognier)."

Personal Comment:
Sight: Light ruby. Legs are not tied, kind of watery.
Nose: Fruity, toasty, oaky and berry aromas.
Taste: A little bit dry but sweet afterall. Ripe with nice lingering. A medium body.
It seems like this wine has everyting built-in a little bit, but costs very low. For a table wine, I think it is a very good offer. However, some people might say this wine is not worthy and is the lowest notch in the Concha Y Toro family (following by Xplorado, Casillro del Diablo, and Marques de Casa Concha). In fact, I have whole series of this family. As I concern, this wine is well balanced and price talks. Therefore, it is worth to try.
這款酒原本打算來喝消遣的, 一邊編寫著之前酒評的標準一邊嚐這支酒, 並沒有想要認真地去品評它, 但很令我驚喜的是, 這支酒竟蠻對我的口感, 隨即很快地把這款酒的背景資料查上一查, 並看看其他人對這酒的評論, 結果卻大失所望, 有一個人甚至給與如此的評語:"I deemed CyT "plonk" but I was referring their 'Frontera' line of $5.99 liter-and-a-half bottles of Cab/Merlot, Chardonnay, etc". 這是一個plonk的酒款, 真是令我傷心啊!!好在Hugh Johnson對這釀酒者有著蠻好的評語, 總算能些些地彌補一下心中的傷痛. 以下便是我對這款酒的看法:
酒色迷人, 新鮮如紅寶石般的亮紅色, 這種色澤對我有很大的吸引力, 豐富的果香就如同它的色澤般地亮麗, 有種百花爭艷的迷人感受, 伴隨著莓果, 燻烤與橡木的香味, 就好像冬天裡的火鍋般, 什麼都有那麼一點的, 當然也可以說是過度加工的產品, 口感整體上稍稍的偏甜味, 但並未完全失去應該有的單寧甘澀度, 是一款物美價廉的餐酒, ...我好像拿來單品就是了...
Concha Y Toro還有一整系列的家族, 在卡本內.蘇維濃的部分, 除了Xplorado沒收集到之外, 其他的都各擁有一支, 真的蠻期待其他款式的品嚐, 我想一有時間就會拿她們來祭旗吧!!敬請期待!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/28/05 酒評學習的過程 - 評酒的標準 A Learning Algorithm For Wine Tasting

2005-10-28T00:18:00.000-07:00

氣味以下的話題有點嚴肅而且很公式化, 但對於全面性地認識葡萄酒與品酒的
學習過程有著很大的幫助.

品酒的理論架構(A Wine Tasting Algorithm):
有所謂"工欲善其事, 必先利其器", 唯有透過適當的工具才能引發使用者與其
他人的興趣, 比如說, 以馬克杯盛滿著最昂貴的法國Bordeaux葡萄酒, 首先在
色澤欣賞與觀察上, 就會少掉了一份樂趣與體會, 而適當的杯子在觀賞之餘也會
給予相對的樂趣.
紅葡萄酒用, 波爾多酒杯
紅葡萄酒用, 布根地酒杯
白葡萄酒用, 布根地酒杯
香檳, 氣泡酒杯

(圖片來自香港紅酒網)

更有許多造型的酒杯在市面上販售與使用著, 在這謹列舉我認為較為實際與運用
廣泛的酒杯.
先跳過品酒的其他器具(例如: 葡萄酒開瓶器, Decanter等等), 相信以有很多
相關資訊, 不妨用Google尋找, 應可以滿足大多數人的要求與品味的追尋,在來
所要談論的就是主題-評酒的標準:
首先我們要訂定一套標準, 而這套標準將可廣泛地套用在日常生活中各個款式葡
萄酒, 我則是參閱了Emile Peynaud的"The Taste of WINE The Art and
Science of Wine Appreciation", 來訂定一個可前後連貫與清楚易懂的品
酒標準, 但由於每一個人對於品酒有著不同的喜好, 所以有著多元化的品酒角度
, 則更可以適度地增加或減少個人認為較有特色的不同觀點, 以下乃是我的評酒
的標準:

1. 色澤的表現(Sight)

葡萄酒的顏色將會是我們接觸一瓶葡萄酒的第一印象, 而這第一印象往往給于人
非常深刻的感受, 且在買酒的過程中, 除了瓶身的設計外, 酒的色澤也佔據著很
重要的地位, 所以在這我要列舉各個顏色表達方式:
紅酒多是以紅色系列為主-淺紅色, 粉紅色, 亮紅色, 新鮮的紅色,
紅寶石的紅色, 深紅色, 暗紅色, 紅色帶紫, 紅色帶著墨般的綠或
是某種水果般的紅以至於血紅色..等等

白酒則是以金黃色系列為主-淺黃色, 淡黃色, 亮黃色,
金黃色, 琥珀色, 深黃色又或是水果般的黃, 水水的黃
..等等

香檳或是氣泡酒則較偏向白酒的顏色

2. 氣味的種類與層次(Nose)

由於氣味的種類繁多, 在這我僅僅列舉一些較常出現的說法:
烤吐司(Toasty), 奶油(Butter), 菸草(Tobacco), 鉛筆心味(Pencil
lead), 皮革味(Leather), 莓果味(black, blue, boysen-, rasp-, red,
straw-berry), 乾果味, 李子味(Plum), 橡木味(Oaky), 咖啡味(Coffee),
太妃糖味(Taffy), 葡萄品種的香氣(Aroma), 陳年酒香(Bouquent), 礦物味
(mineral), 麵包味(Bread), 香草(Vanilla), 黑加崙(Black Currants)
, 胡椒味(Black, White Pepper)...等等.
至於氣味的層次我則採用摘自Nectar Corner作者Aaron這篇文章的一段:
"基本上一瓶好酒在口中的滋味應該是一層又一層的延綿不斷，而且就算酒離開
口中後酒的味道也沒有馬上消失。法語有一個單字叫做caudalies (來自拉丁
文 cauda 意思是尾巴) 類似英文的second，法國人用這一個字來計算酒從離
開口中到味道消失這一段時間。有這種形容方式: 最好的酒在口中的感覺應該
像孔雀開屏一樣一層一層的充滿整個口中 (opened like a peacock’s
tail)。" 層次越多將可更增添我們對品酒的樂趣, 但過多的氣味與層次則會
使人感到有一種加工過於精細, 所以要拿捏這個尺寸是需要時間與經驗來培養.
好酒的另一個定義: Aromatic Persistence

3. 口感與餘韻(Taste)

入口後的感受也包含了層次的表達, 所以在很多方面Nose和Taste是相輔相成:
甜味(Sweet), 酸味(Dry), 甘味(Crisp), 苦味(Bitter), 辣味(Spicy),
油膩(Oily), 酸度(Acidity), 成熟度(Maturity)...等, 也因此來判斷一
瓶葡萄酒本身的酒體, 從而對酒款作出Light, Medium, Full Body(酒體)的
判別. 最後還要加上一個很重要的要素-餘韻(Length), 這也是為何大家會對
陳年老酒的讚賞, 因為好的餘韻往往來自陳年酒裡的單寧(Tannin)表現, 也唯
有適度的單寧, 才能把酒的品質襯托地更加精采萬分.

4. 價格(Price)

這是最為爭議的一項標準, 有人曾說90分一百塊的酒與90分十塊的酒是不一樣的
, 其解釋是這樣的, 90分十塊的酒因為物美價廉, 所以原本可能只有87到88分,但
因價格漂亮, 多加上幾分, 所以綜觀WS或WA的給分方式, 凡是價格低廉但分數剛
好擠身90分的行列, 其原因往往不外乎如此.

在此下一個結論, 認真地喝葡萄酒真的不容易,
是一項需要時間與經驗來烘培的興趣, 難怪許
多新世界的酒都強調簡單易飲的取向, 試圖打
入較為年輕的消費者市場.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/03/05 Franciscan 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting Note

2005-10-27T04:51:00.000-07:00

Franciscan Oakville Estate 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
RP: 86-88. WS: 87. WE: 91.
Price: $18.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Contect Info:
76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Acidity: 5.9 g/L
Alco Vol.: 13.5%
pH: 3.68

Background Story:
WS Top #72 of 2003: FRANCISCAN OAKVILLE ESTATE Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2000. WS: 90 (這款酒的2000年份, 曾排名在Wine Spectator的2003年裡, 百大好酒的第72名)
(来源：中国葡萄酒信息网作者：卫平)无论从地理位置，还是从酿造高档葡萄酒的酒园集中程度来看，Oakville是那帕的心脏。在长54公里的那帕，Oakville位于中心。 Oakville长约3.5公里，宽约5公里，产区不大，葡萄园面积为2,024公顷，占整个那帕产区的百分之十四。气候特点是即可享受旧金山-圣帕布罗湾凉爽的太平洋晨雾，又可享受下午温暖的阳光。年有效积温为1,835C°，年降雨量为760-890毫米。比北部的St. Helena到Calistoga区的1350-1520毫米少。Oakville的土壤西部是玛雅肯玛斯山冲刷到那帕河的块土和黏土，东部则是富含铁的火山灰土，渗水性好，葡萄根可以扎到30米深。...从那帕历史发展来看，Oakville由于距离葡萄酒最早起源地St. Helena很近，成为早期发展的葡萄产区之一。那帕葡萄酒史上的传奇人物海明顿·克瑞伯(Hamilton W. Crabb) 就是从Oakville开始了他的宏大葡萄酒事业。海明顿于1853年来到加州，1868年在Oakville买下97公顷土地，到1877年发展了57 公顷葡萄园，成为Oakville最早的葡萄园。他将葡萄园命名为“To Kalon” ，即希腊文“最美丽” 的意思。到1884年，海明顿在上那帕拥有最大的酒园，年产量达40万加仑，到1880年产量番了一番。海明顿不仅在葡萄酒产量上居首位，而且还大量收集各品种葡萄，1880年他收集的葡萄品种达四百多种，当时可称为世界第一。海明顿还是那帕最早推广高档品种葡萄酒的人，当时他推广的一种意大利品种 Refosco就被大家以他的名字称为“克瑞伯的黑勃艮地(Crabb ‘s Black Burgundy) ” 。1886年，他又开始发展全国性的葡萄酒品牌，就以自己最著名的葡萄园名字命名──To Kalon。由于海明顿在发展葡萄园和推广高质量葡萄酒的努力，《芝加哥先驱报》称他为“太平洋坡地的葡萄酒王” ，To Kalon也成为那帕高质葡萄园的象征。现在，大部分的To Kalon葡萄园为罗伯特·蒙大菲酒园(Robert Mondavi Winery)拥有。

Official Comment:
Ruby red. Aromas of rich chocolate, coffee, cassis, mixed dark fruit and hints of raspberry. Super rich and mouth filling with flavors of cassis coffee and toasted oak that lends to a great body and texture with rich, ripe supple tannins on the lingering finish.

RP Comment:
"The Cabernet Sauvignon offers up a briery, cedary, tobacco leaf-tinged black currant fruit flavor in a medium-bodied, slightly oaky style. There are 100,000 cases produced of this reliable, but unexciting red."

WS Comment:
This powerful Cabernet Sauvignon captures the essence of Napa Valley's Oakville Region. Loaded with rich, ripe black cherry and plum flavors that are nicely balanced with hints of sweet toasted oak. Small percentages of Cabernet Franc and Merlot are added to enhance the wines depth and complexity.

WE Comment:
"Exemplifies its terroir and vintage with its impeccable balance, and the way the ripe, sophisticated tannins wrap around the fleshy black currant, olive, chocolate and herb flavors. Finishes with some sweetness from charry oak."

Personal Comment:
(I type this when I was sleeping!!)
Sight: Crimson. Sticky Tears with long tied legs.
Nose: Light oaky smell at the beginning. It also provides black currant flavor.
Taste: A middle level of dry taste comes with flavor of tabacco. After 10 mins, taste becomes more crisp and has very pretty long lingerring.
It is a dry and medium bodied Napa cab. Worthy to drink more. Cheers...
其實這一款卡本內. 蘇維濃在喝過後給予我很清爽的感覺, 尤其是比起剛開始品嚐的時候, 那股酸澀的強烈對比, 到後來整個口感來個180度的一大轉變, 較具體的描述應該就是"Crisp"-酸爽而甘甜, 這可說是我對Cabernet Sauvignon的新體驗, 不但拓展了我對味覺的新領域(酸也可以是很甘甜爽口的), 更是物超所值. 以下是對這款酒的詳細分析:
視覺上, 它的顏色屬於偏紅色, 有那麼一點深沉, 就好比Robert Parker所說的"unexciting red". 一句很生動的表達, "一點也無法令人激賞的紅色", 但是卻有著很緊密的Tears, 可以想像它的濃度應該較高.
在香味上的表達, 相對于比較組的Columbia Crest Grand Estates的Cabernet Sauvignon(同時間開瓶相互作比對), Franciscan的香味似乎沒有著那麼多層次的表現, 但整體而言, 可以聞到莓果與菸草的味道, 並微微帶著煙燻燒烤的香甜滋味, 沒錯!!就是淡淡的甜味.
一入口後, 澀感迅速的流竄全身, 是那種可以讓人顫抖的澀, 但隨著時間的轉動, 漸漸地在口中蘊釀出甘甜甘甜的新感受, 有所謂是"回味無窮". 而那一入口的澀感也就成為了一種迫切的期待, 等待著"驚喜萬分"的到來.
Franciscan的卡本內.蘇維濃展現出dry酒款的甘甜, 所以雖是中等的酒體, 但在口感上漸入佳境的表現, 讓我對Napa Valley的Cabernet Sauvignon給予很高度的激賞與期待. 在品完之後, 我又隨即為衣櫃裡的庫藏增添了一款名叫Fanciscan的卡本內.蘇維濃.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/26/05 Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2004 Sauvignon Blanc 嚐試

2005-10-26T20:02:00.000-07:00

Robert Mondavi 2004 Private Selection Sauvignon Blanc
Varietal/Type: Fume Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc
Central Coast, California
WS: 94
Price: $6.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
99% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Semillon
Acidity: 0.55%
Alcohol Vol: 13.5%
pH: 3.4

Background Story:
(主题：加州中央海岸葡萄酒乡行 Author: willieyu880) 用中央海岸带葡萄酿出的酒一般都标着Coastal，这在加州许多酒园的酒标上可以见到。也有独特的，Robert Mondavi Private Selection (罗伯特·蒙大菲私选) 就是从Coastal演变过来，为的是强调用来自最好葡萄园的葡萄酿出的酒。酿罗伯特·蒙大菲私选的葡萄来自沙林纳斯谷的葡萄园。除了中央海岸葡萄园的葡萄外，还有用加州北海岸带的葡萄，调配成私选。
酿酒总监杰夫 ·卡萨万 (Jeff Kasavan) 就生在沙林纳斯谷，长在沙林纳斯谷，可谓对这里的土壤和环境熟之又熟了。杰夫大学毕业后就进入酒园工作，成为酿酒师，并具有丰富的国际市场经验。进入 Robert Mondavi 后，一直酿酒，做到酿酒总监，对酿酒全面负责。

Official Commnet:
Our Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2002 Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing wine crafted from grapes grown in California’s Central Coast appellation. The cool Pacific Ocean breezes slow ripening of Sauvignon Blanc grapes in the vineyards of Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties, giving this wine vibrant citrus, melon, tropical fruit, mineral and floral character. Aging on the yeast (sur lie) provides a rich texture to balance the bright acidity. Served lightly chilled, our Sauvignon Blanc is delicious to sip with appetizers, salads and many entrees, especially grilled seafood, pork and chicken. Our favorites include rare grilled ahi tuna coated with sesame seeds, calamari, and lemon chicken. Oysters on the half shell with our Sauvignon Blanc? Definitely!

WS Comment:
Exhibits vibrant flavors and crisp acidity with fruit aromas that remind you of citrus, pear and melon. This North Coast wine has a hint of spice that adds interest with each sip. We often call Sauvignon Blanc the chameleon wine because it matches with so many foods, each bringing out the wines nuances.

Personal Commnet:
Sight: Light golden like color of sparkling drink without bubble. Cork has very classie design from touching although it is made by plastic material.
Nose: Butter with light toast oaky aroma. Also, it is very fruity with tropical style assorted. In addition, this aroma is composed of apple, flora and mineral flavors.
Taste: Spicy from the first attempt. High volume of alcohol is running out together. Later on, it contains light sweet and crisp taste. Pretty refreshing. A full-body wine. Recommend this as a good party companion.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/21/05 兩款Syrah (Columbia Crest 2001 Grand Estate Syrah V.S Chat. Ste. Michelle 2001 Syrah) 的飲後感想與酒款的解讀-故事二

2005-10-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

Chateau st Michelle 2001 Syrah
Columbia Valley, Washington State, USA
WE:88
Price: $7.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
90% Syrah,
7% Cabernet Sauvignon,
3% Grenache
Acidity: 0.58 g/100 ml
pH 3.73
Alcohol 13.9%

Food Pairing:
Foods: beef, grilled salmon, strongly flavored cheeses
Herbs: basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme

Background Story:
(Cited from大同亞瑟頓) Ch. Ste Michelle 成立於 1934 年，其釀酒歷史可追溯至美國禁酒令解除後，始於西北部初次嘗試釀酒，是美國華盛頓州最古老的酒莊。1967年在酒評家 Leon Adams 及加州傳奇釀酒大師 Andre Techelistcheff 的鼓勵下，醞釀了第一支以聖蜜雪兒城堡為名的品種酒。Chateau Ste Michelle 生產的酒品數量龐大且種類繁多，包括 Chardonnay、Merlot、Cabernet Sauvignon 等等，在許多國際大賽中，贏得專業人士好評；其中 Cold Creek、Indian Wells 和 Horse Heaven 單一葡萄園酒更是代表之作，酒廠並榮獲 Wine Enthusiast 評選為 2004 美國年度風雲酒廠。
Columbia Crest 和 Ch. Ste Michelle 同屬美國 Ste Michelle 葡萄酒集團

Official Commnet:
The Chateau Ste. Michelle Syrah offers exotic spice aromas and rich flavors of raspberry, plum and cola. This is a complex Syrah with a full mouth feel, balanced by soft tannins for a supple finish.

WE Comment:
"An engaging, quaffable style, which sports pretty berry/cherry fruit and a nice peppery middle. It doesn''t overpower the palate with fruit or oak, but shows good varietal character. Taste this and you will see why Syrah is the most exciting new red wine in the Columbia Valley."
"Deep garnet hue. Aromas of stewed plum, dust and new oak with hints of licorice and nutmeg. Dense flavors of blackberry, chocolate and black pepper. Black pepper-spiked finish."

Personal Comment:
Bright crimson red with inky powders staying in the bottom of the bottle. It needs to be filtered before being decanted. The aroma is somehow very conservative at the beginning. Few mins of decanting, there exists aroma of light berry with pepper flavors. Taste like spicy and sweet berry with pepper favor, too. It seems like tannins didn’t perform itselt enough. Actually couple days later, it tastes much better than first day of trying. I think the score from WE is slightly high. It should adjust down a little bit. Price is affordable as a table wine. Unnecessary to try it second time.
試Columbia Crest’s Syrah的同時, 也打開這款Chat. Ste. Michelle的Syrah, 在相對比較之下, 這款酒顯得比較沉悶, 需要更多的時間去decant它, 酒的色澤帶點亮麗的深紅色, 杯底累積著些微的沉澱物, 這也是第一瓶酒讓我喝的滿嘴唇的墨色, 舌頭更是不用講的inky啊!! 蠻有趣的第一次. 香味上並沒有非常顯著的特色, 可以說是莓果的氣味攜帶著少許的辛辣, 可說是有點沉重以致於呼吸困難, 口感也如其香味般似的, 無法脫離相同的範疇, 整體上那些WE似乎給于這款酒過高的分數, 這瓶酒也是作餐酒嫌太貴, 單品又得考慮是不是搆得著那等級. 總而言之, 這次的Syrah品嚐並不如預期的理想, 希望不會因此就對Syrah不報任何希望.
As a result, like Kevin Yen said: " 花在失敗的酒,不滿意的酒錢,可以讓你喝好多次的五大,滿足一些虛榮心了..." Thus, I am going to concentrate on good quality wine as much as I can

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/21/05 兩款Syrah (Columbia Crest 2001 Grand Estate Syrah V.S Chat. Ste. Michelle 2001 Syrah) 的飲後感想與酒款的解讀-故事一

2005-10-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

Columbia Crest 2001 Grand Estate Syrah
Columbia Valley, Washington
WE: 88(82)
Price: $8.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Content Info:
84% Syrah
16% Grenache
Total acidity 0.60 g/100 ml
pH 3.70
Alcohol 13.99%

Food pairings: Leg of lamb, beef stew

Background Story:
(Cited from大同亞瑟頓) Columbia Crest 不僅是華盛頓州最大的酒廠且為美國最暢銷的酒廠之一。酒廠獨特之處在於佔有相當的地理優勢，位於日照充足的東華盛頓州，周邊圍繞著 2,000 英畝品質極佳的葡萄園。排水性佳的土質與晝暖夜涼的氣候，正適合釀出兼具新世界與古典型優點之高品質美酒。2004 年 9 月世界權威品酒雜誌 Wine Spectator 選出全球最超值的紅酒，Columbia Crest Shiraz 在 150 款佳釀中名列第一，Columbia Crest 酒廠總共有 7 款酒入榜；而 2004 年 Wine Spectator 評選百大珍釀中，Columbia Crest 酒廠更有2款酒分別入選，非常難得，Wine Spectator 並盛讚 Columbia Crest 為最超值的酒廠之一。
Columbia Crest 和 Ch. Ste Michelle 同屬美國 Ste Michelle 葡萄酒集團

Official Comment:
“This Rhone-style wine features fresh rose, ripe strawberry and white pepper aromas. A terrific balance between fruit and cocoa flavors delivers a soft, well-integrated wine with a lush, lingering finish.”
The wine aged for 11 months in French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels. Barrel-to-barrel racking occurred every four months. Grenache was blended in to create a fruitier, Rhone-like wine style.
The Grand Estates Syrah is harvested predominantly from vineyards located on the Horse Heaven Hills (balance and complexity), Wahluke Slope (texture and body), and Yakima Valley (aromatics).

WE Comment:
“The '01 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Syrah is a juicy effort; lovely, spicy wine seamlessly mixes bright berry and smooth chocolate, with hints of earth and pepper.”

Personal Comment:
A ruby color as the sight. With couple mins of being decanted, it comes out slightly jammy aroma. When close to smell it, black pepper follows by berry. Sweetness built-in the taste provides the whole wine slightly fruity. As far as I concern, it is a medium body wine. However, the same year’s merlot has better performance than this syrah. Kind of expensive for the table wine. Drink once is enough.
事實上這是我第一次品嚐Syrah的品種, 本是期待著像大家所描訴的澳洲Syrah般地獲得一定的感動, 結果卻是無法令人很興奮, 但比起同時品的Chat. Ste. Michelle 2001 Syrah, 似乎程度上要好一些.
開瓶後並無豐富的酒香飄出, 在經過一段時間的Decanted, 是有醬果的味道, 並陪伴著些微的胡椒般地辛香味, 飲入口中有著蠻充足的甜度, 但沒有足夠的餘味與澀度漫佈餘口與舌之間, 中度的酒體, 可以成為不錯的餐酒, 可是價位上又比一般的餐酒貴.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/20/2005 Columbia Crest 2001 Grand Estates Merlot, #52 Of Wine Spectator 2004 top 100 wines

2005-10-20T23:51:00.000-07:00

Columbia Crest 2001 Grand Estate Merlot
Columbia Valley, Washington
WS: 90
”Number 52 on Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2004!”
Price: $6.91
Dealer: Costco

Contect Info:
85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc,
5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Total acidity 0.53 g/100 ml
pH 3.65
Alcohol 13.5%

Official Comment:
“Blackberry and threads of raspberry and cocoa aromatics continue onto the palate. Velvety soft in the mouth, the Grand Estates Merlot offers a complex, seductive balance of fruit and toasty oak on the lingering finish.”

WS comment:
Consistently warm temperatures July through September yielded Merlot brimming with ripe, concentrated varietal character. Lots were crushed and destemmed, then each was fermented separately on the skins for five days. Certain lots then were designated to undergo extended contact with the skins to extract additional color, flavor and tannin. The wine was racked by gravity flow to predominantly new French and American oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and 16 months aging. During this time, barrel to barrel racking was done every three months with biweekly topping. After aging, the winemaker sampled each component wine and created a master blend featuring 60% of all fruit initially harvested for the Grand Estates program. A small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc also were added to the blend to broaden flavor complexity. The wine offers a chewy raspberry-blueberry core that is cloaked in toasty coconut. A structure of medium-plus tannins presents a velvety texture on the middle palate.

Personal Comment:
First of all, this merlot is at ranking 52 in the 2004 WS top 100 wines. Eventually it must provide certain degree of performance. It was opened under a very proper temperature condition. Without any further decanted, the aroma is already full of raspberry and bluerry flavor. Since few amount of Cabernet Savuignon and Cabernet Franc were mixed during the blending, the taste gives us sweet but slightly crisp, and velvety texture. So far, as I concern, it is a medium-body wine. Also the low price is represented as a part of good qualities for this merlot. Thus, I will recomment to buy now and drink it more …Cheers….
這是一款2001年份的Merlot是WineSpectator 2004年top100的第52名, 也是我進來喝過最清新可口又果香味充足的Merlot, 非常容易入口, 所以在喝完第一瓶後, 隨即就去Costco買了六罐回家, 作為招待親朋好友的紅酒, 現在就來談談品嚐的經過.
當天的氣溫很適合品嚐紅酒,軟木塞”啵”的一聲,隨即帶來滿室芬芳的強烈感受,注入杯中之後,石榴般的紅寶石色,給予新鮮亮麗的色澤感,新鮮的果香裡,包含著藍莓(Blueberry)的香氣,且帶著些微的煙薰味,含在口中那少少的單寧隨即地發揮作用,使得豐富的甜味變變得更加的爽口,而不會膩,這款酒整體的層次上不複雜,非常容易入口,在喝完一罐,朋友馬上又慫恿再來一罐,真是越喝越過癮, 簡直是欲罷不能.
兩天過後, 把整瓶喝完, 原本燻烤的味道更加的濃郁了, 而果香依舊仍然存在, 真是一款不錯的Merlot.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/19/2005 澳洲餐後酒Campbells Rutherglen Muscat甜蜜蜜的太妃酒

2005-10-19T20:31:00.001-07:00

Campbells Rutherglen Muscat
酒類: 澳洲餐後酒, Muscat
年份: NV
產區: Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia
分數: RP: 92, WA: 95, WE: 94
Dealer: Winelibrary
價格: $10.04

Winery Info:
Campbells Rutherglen Muscat is a wonderful "sticky" from Campbells Wines, in the renowned Rutherglen region of Victoria. Founded in 1870, Campbells is owned and operated by 4th generation brothers Malcolm (viticulturist) and Colin (winemaker). Robert Parker calls this dessert wine “a remarkable effort with levels of texture and richness that must be tasted to be believed.” Indulge yourself!

RP Comment:
"The dense amber-colored non-vintage Muscat exhibits a sweet nose of toffee, maple syrup, and figs along with huge body, and no cloying sweetness because of good acidity."

Personal Comment:
昨晚試著想要把小酒櫃的空間騰出, 有所謂:"柿子檢軟的吃, 酒從小罐的下手." 那就以此款的酒先嚐為快, 酒液呈現蜂蜜琥珀的色澤, 輕輕的搖晃會有那瓊漿玉液濃稠的深刻感受, 開瓶後, 香味五彩紛呈, 幾乎是一擁而上, 有種甜蜜蜜幾近乎令人窒息, 這時心有所感, "濃情密意乃是人間一大樂事, 但是要如何拿捏分寸與長久的維持, 可就需要時間與智慧去揣摩." 酒一入口, 太妃糖, 蜂蜜, 還有那少許薑母般的辣, 與焦糖般的甜不斷地在舌上徘廻不已, 更難能可貴的是, 它帶著些微的酸度, 有如撥雲見日般, 使得膩的化不開的甜味, 得以適度的舒緩下來, 這不就是愛情的真實寫照嗎? 只可惜我只懂得那膩的化不開的甜, 而學不會適時地掌握那撥雲見日的酸, 所以總是品嚐的很辛苦.
這款酒還有一個姊妹, 名為Tokay, 都是Full-Body type of dessert wine, 也都很值得去細細品味.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/18/05 尋覓多時的發現-$9.99的開瓶組

2005-10-19T01:33:00.000-07:00

整組中讓我最滿意的就是他的價錢, 那可是我踏破多少雙鞋才找到這便宜又大碗的組合, 可惜的是, 到現在還是弄不清如何使用, 每次把開瓶器壓進去後就拔不出來了, 真希望有人教教我怎麼用.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/16/05 兩款Merlot (William Hill V.S Cristian Moueix) 的品嚐比對-個人觀感

2005-10-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

William Hill 2001 Merlot是我在一開始接觸葡萄酒時參考眾多的賣酒網站挑選出來的, 就以瓶身設計而言, 那一片葉子的呈現, 讓我感到非常有質感. 就標籤整體而言, 很是很美國風 - 淺顯易懂, 剛好適合剛入門的我去挑選. 不知為何, 最近開的葡萄酒在色澤上的表現都偏向深紅色, 這瓶也不例外, 在經過10到20分鐘的decanted約是華氏65到70度, 攝氏18到21度間, 可明顯地聞出多樣的水果香蜂擁而出, 除了各式各樣的莓果味之外, 還帶著淡淡的薄荷草本植物味, 剛入口, 舌頭上味覺會感到澀澀的, 不一會, 酸澀的味道隨即被圓潤的甘甜味為所取代, 會所以如此, 正是來自洽當而不過多的單寧表現. 据酒莊方面的解釋, 她們採用Partial whole berry fermentation去適度的將單寧軟化, 使整體表現更加的和諧圓融, 若能夠品嚐個一到兩個小時, 還會有強烈的香草薄荷味不時的湧現. 對這款酒的結論是值得一再品嚐, 而價格更是在可接受的範圍內.

這款是在好市多為了湊滿12罐一箱買進的, 飲用感受如下:
這瓶波爾多的Merlot酒精味強烈, 官方述說的味道並沒有真正展現出來, 些微的草香味漂出, 但最後還是變成了麵包味. 同時間開了一瓶William Hill 2001 Merlot(Napa Valley), 簡直是地獄和天堂的強烈對比, 好有衝動地想要把剩下的三罐退回去喔. 最好是她們還沒睡醒. 下面是別人的Note描述98’和00’的Merlot:

I drank the 1998 Cristian Moueix (paid $8.00 in 03 and drank in Spring 05'. I believe that I caught it at its peak as it is not a long ager & also 98' wasn't an exceptional year. I was very impressed. I had with pork roast & baby red potatoes and it paired up beautifully. Soft, ripe fruit balancing the little tannins it had. Overall great value. - Blue Benz
Not that I'm an aggressive woman, mind you. But damn, this wine is good and it goes so well with food! And not just any food. It was surprisingly a better match for broiled halibut in a smoked paprika and lemon sauce than was an unoaked Aussie viognier. Not overly complex and a bit tart by California standards for Merlot, it speaks of cassis with green herbs. The short finish will improve with time, but for now what makes this mildly awkward as a sipping wine is lovely with food. $7 at Costco: definitely better than average wine for a very average price IF you enjoy the difference between Bordeaux and California Cabernet. I do. - Jenise

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/16/05 兩款Merlot (William Hill V.S Cristian Moueix) 的品嚐比對-官方說明

2005-10-16T06:06:00.000-07:00

對這兩瓶Merlot, 先來個官方說明:

酒款一:
William Hill 2001 Merlot
Napa Valley, CA, USA
WE Score: 91
Price: $15.99

Content Info:
ACID/pH: 0.50/3.70 - RESIDUAL SUGAR: 0.02% (Dry) - ALCOHOL: 13.7%
CASES PRODUCED: 14,425 - BOTTLED: May 2003 - RELEASED: November 2004
Official Comment:
Partial whole berry fermentation softens tannins, allowing the fruit flavors and succulent texture to shine on the palate. The 2001 Napa Valley Merlot shows forward flavors of boysenberry and blueberry that are complemented by spice, toasty oak and soft vanilla nuances. This is a full-bodied Merlot with a silky mouthfeel and rich lush texture.
WE Comment:
"Wow, this is a good wine. It's filled with succulent blackberry and cherry flavors, and the oak is just right. It's dry, balanced and harmonious, with equisitely soft, sweet tannins..." - Wine Enthusiast

酒款二:
Christian Moueix 2003 Merlot
Bordeaux, France
Price: $5.99
Official Comment:
Christian Moueix Merlot is the personal cuvÉe of the dynamic, charismatic figure whose name it bears. Christian Moueix has brought the complete expression of the Merlot grape a step nearer perfection in this wine, selected and blended to show the ripe, rich fruit, seductive fragrance and elegant balance of the Bordelaise interpretation of the variety.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/14/05 Milat Vineyards 2003 Merlot 品嚐回憶錄

2005-10-14T19:02:00.000-07:00

9/12/2005
Milat Vineyards 2003 Merlot
Price:$26, Dealer: Milat Vineyards, st. Helena, Napa Valley, CA, USA
135 Cases produced
Officical Comment: Intense aromas of herbal mint and sage compliments the flavors of ripe fruit flavors of cherry and plum make this an incredible wine. The smooth finish is round and soft on your palate. Pairs well with lamb or grilled vegetables. 13.8% alcohol
More Info: In 1989, we started a twelve-year process of replanting the older blocks of vines to newer rootstock and clonal combinations. We also decided to add, for the first time, a block of Merlot, one of the five main varietals of traditional Bordeaux wines. Our first Merlot harvest was in 1991, but we sold the fruit until we believed the vines were mature enough to produce the quality of fruit we desired. In 1998, we finally began to keep the fruit and produced our first Merlot. We age our Merlot for fourteen to eighteen months, in predominantly French oak barrels, and generally maintain a lower percentage of new oak to allow the fruit to be more pronounced. Our Merlots tend to have very consistent aromas and flavors of bright cherry and rosemary. The latter character is attributable to the grove of 100+ -year-old Eucalyptus trees that drop leaves and bark on the corner of the property where our Merlot block is located. (When this section was planted to Cabernet, it also exhibited this herbal character.)

Personal Comment: After finishing, the whole mouth's feeling is refresh and clear without any awkward side effect. Smooth fruity aroma and flavour at the end in mouth and in the glass (light sweet).

這是我的第一瓶紅酒品嚐, 所以很用力的試著分析每一口間的差距, 並試著了解如何解讀葡萄酒與紀錄每一個細節.
這瓶Merlot給于充分的blackberry果香味, 嚐起來順口而帶微微的甜味, 据其他的Note說這瓶還帶著eucaliptus的味道, 很可惜我沒有任何的印象桉樹是什麼味道, 喝完後倒是非常的爽口, 可惜餘香並不維持很久, 第二天後再去喝她, 竟存在淡淡的花香.
第一次認真的買葡萄酒, 也是到現在手上最貴的Merlot, 唯一的遺憾是並沒有同時在開另一罐Merlot作對比, 因此在之後的葡萄酒品嚐, 都試著一次開兩瓶同一產區同一類型的酒款, 又或是至少同一類型的酒款, 以免無法做出任何的比對.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/13/05 Napa Valley歸後, 飲酒的第一個月省思02

2005-10-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

說到停酒, 好像也沒徹底地去做. 上網找找資料, 然後就開了一瓶Columbia Crest Grand Estate 2002 Chardonnay, 好在過敏沒有更加的嚴重, 反而消退了. 回到主題, 從小到大看著許多人的酗酒, 嘔吐, 醉後的醜態, 還有臉紅通通的還充斥的酒精的味道, 雖然家裡放置了許多樣式的酒類, 就從沒想過要喝他們, 唯一的機會就是親愛的母親用整桶的米酒頭來煮雞酒. 除此之外, 只要有人提起喝酒, 我都是避而遠之或是以果汁代替. 還記得上次去酒莊品酒, 我是車上唯一清醒著, 沿著一號海岸線一路開著車, 靜靜地聆聽海浪拍打岸邊的怒吼聲, 那一刻寧靜的感受就好像"刺激1995"裡, 男主角們在監獄的陽台上, 享用著沁心冰涼的啤酒, 彷彿時間就停在那一瞬間, 只有大自然和自己和平地相處著.
葡萄酒如今竟也悄悄的進駐我的世界裡, 心中卻默默地禱告著, 可千萬不要有喝的濫醉如泥的那麼一天, 只希望能夠在品嚐葡萄酒的天地裡, 更加豐富我們的人生而不是增加更多的負擔, 願以此與所有愛戀葡萄酒的人們共勉之.

打著打著又喝完半杯Chardonnay...

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/13/05 請問有人有興趣參與Online (Tasting) 品酒會的活動嗎?

2005-10-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

好幾次看著各位大佬前輩辦的品酒會, 只能羨慕無緣參與.
在經過上個禮拜搜尋了好久的google.
不經意的找到一票人嘗試著在籌畫一個月一次的Online Tasting.
因為大家彼此都住的非常遙遠, 唯一有機會能夠分享每一個人的經驗
對來自同一個產區, 同一個種類, 不同的酒莊, 不同的年份, 不同
的成熟度(從kabinett, spatlese, 到auslese) 的酒, 就是透過
類似Online Tasting的方法, 來交流感受一下不同的體驗.
下面是這票人把這個月要品嚐的酒所定的方向, 我把內容整理了一下,
請各位有興趣的wine lover參考參考:

********************************************************

本月封面故事:
Background Story:

THE MISUNDERSTOOD GREAT: German riesling, specifically
those that come from the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer region,
which is known to be one of the few vinicultural
erogenous zones on earth. Not only you will be tasting
pure terroir, but you will also be tasting deep tradition and history.

THE NOBLE & NEWLY REBORN: Hungary. Tokaj, to be exact.
This is the area that once used to produce “Vinum regum
rex vinorum” (the wine of kings, the king of wines), and
then temporarily interrupted (1944-1989) by the communist
regime, and now again produces exceptional noble sweet
wines, the Tokaj Aszu. The history behind the craft of
making this sweet noble wines is lengthy and predates
Germany as well as Sauternes

********************************************************

"十月份將品嚐來自德國Mosel-Saar-Ruwer產區的Riesling"
OCTOBER TASTING: Mosel-Saar-Ruwer’s Riesling
Thursday October 27, 2005

The more I think about how we should go about
experimenting with German rieslings, the more I realize
there is no one best approach. There are so many angles:
different ripeness levels (from Kabinett to TBA),
winemaking differences (more than one producers own
subplots of the same vineyard), vineyard differences
(terroir), and of course vintage difference. So let’s
keep it simple and stick to one method that combines
together horizontal and level tasting, or “horizon level”.

********************************************************

基本的找酒方向如下:(大致上兩瓶以上)
HOW IT GOES. The idea is to taste (at least) 2 wines of
different ripeness levels from one vintage, made by one
producer, from one vineyard. Because this is not a dessert
wine tasting, let’s limit ourselves to these three levels
(from less ripe to more ripe): kabinett, spatlese, and
auslese.

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遊戲規則:
5 BASIC RULES that I’d like to impose in order to limit incoherence in our postings:
1. Still Riesling (no sparkling Sekt) from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer
2. Within these 3 ripeness levels only: Kabinett, Spatlese and Auslese
3. One producer (I will post a list of reliable producers later)
4. One vintage (try to avoid 2000…bad year), and
5. One vineyard

對於一次只想品嚐一瓶的wine lovers, 就盡力即可, 但可別忘了Share
一下品嚐的體驗喔!!
NOT ONLY THAT…! Now, those of us who would like to enjoy
just a bottle of riesling for good fun certainly shouldn’t
feel left out! Just follow the basic rules above and
let’s exchange notes!!! All in good fun and learning!

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製造商推薦( 按照字母順序排列 ):
CONCISE GUIDE TO WINES OF MOSEL-SAAR-RUWER
Some respectable Mosel-Saar-Ruwer producers ( 藍色, 表示較推
薦的製造商)

酒莊推薦( 按照字母順序排列 ):
Some of highly regarded vineyards ( 藍色, 表示較推
薦的酒莊)

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如何解讀Riesling的酒標 :
Sample Label on The Bottle

也請參考下面的網頁:
http://www.luxuryweb.com/html/riesling_wine_labels.html

最近的年份建議:
Recent Vintages Ratings
WA WS
1999 86 90
2000 76 82 avoid(避免)
2001 95 98
2002 92 93
2003 91 94
2004 93 90+

Link: http://www.thewinedoctor.com/regionalguides/germany.shtml

Levels of Ripeness on QmP Rieslings

資料來源出處

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/12/05 Columbia Crest Grand Estates 2002 Chardonnay Tasting

2005-10-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

Columbia Crest 2002 Grand Estates Chardonnay
Varietal: Chardonnay
Appellation: Columbia Valley, WA, USA
WS Score: 89, WE Score: 90
Price: $8.99
Dealer: Ralphs

Official Comment: "Ripe and generous, a bright mouthful of lemon-scented pear and kiwi flavors shaded with just enough buttery oak to make it feel rich. Drink now through 2008"

WS Comment:
Ripe and generous, a bright mouthful of lemon-scented pear and kiwi flavors shaded with just enough buttery oak to make it feel rich. Drink now through 2008.

Personal Comment: “Smoky oak with butter favor. Sweet without acidity. Lingering around 30 seconds.”
燻烤的香味讓人會有想要馬上嚐一口 BBQ 的衝動. 帶了非常充足的奶香. 需要冰冰的冷冷的喝, 應該甜甜蠻好喝的. 檸檬的香氣也在最後才聞出來.

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/12/05 Napa Valley歸後, 飲酒的第一個月省思01

2005-10-12T00:25:00.000-07:00

從Napa Valley回來後今天正好滿一個月, 正式開始喝葡萄酒也大概有20多天吧. 去Napa Valley是因為朋友Antony想進一些Napa的酒回台灣賣賣看, 和順道去漁人碼頭享用大螃蟹. 去之前也做了好多準備功課, 想著要如何好好的將Napa Valley的風光明媚完完全全的納入我的全美之旅的收集(4-6月間大約花了兩個月完成了環美鐵路之旅, 20到30個最大的城市, 約40個州, 詳細內容, 再一個一個城市的整理出來)裡, 對葡萄酒茫然無知的我就從沒想過會有這麼一天我會認認真真的品嚐葡萄酒. 到今天為止, 已收集了72瓶, 喝掉了14瓶, 想想大約是每兩天就結束掉一瓶. 葡萄酒的文章也不知看了多少篇, 從如何品紅酒, 什麼酒配什麼食物, 溫度多少喝最適當, 喝了會有多健康抑或有什麼害處, 到酒杯要買什麼形狀的, 該買什麼樣的wine cellar, decantor, 還有瞭解不完的產區, 看不完的年份酒評論(到目前為止, Robert Parker評的算是最令我滿意). 想著想著心中就決定來寫篇飲酒的反省報告吧!!真正的原因是今天可憐的手掌竟起了好多的過敏性紅疹子, 癢到心坎裡去(我的媽呀)!!應該是黃尾袋鼠Chardonney惹的禍. 可能要停酒個一兩天才會好吧!!
Continuing....

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/07/05 好市多紅酒亂搶購Costco Crazy Wine Shopping - Round 2

2005-10-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

Chateau Lagrange Saint Julien 2002, Region: St. Julien, Year: 2002, RP Score: 89, WS Score: 92, ST Score: 90, Price: $29.99
**Rober Parker Comment: "Deep ruby/purple with considerable amounts of toasty new oak blasting out of the glass, this wine’s heavy-handed vanilla oakiness conceals its relatively extracted, rich, tannic flavors. It remains dumb and closed, but offers excellent depth, power, and richness. While there is plenty here, patience is required. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2020. Score: 89. —Robert Parker, April 2005."
WS Comment: "Pretty aromas of blackberries and currants, with hints of lead pencil. Full-bodied, yet very balanced, with a solid core of fruit and ultrafine tannins. Really well-crafted wine. Lagrange often excels in less than easy vintages, like 2002. Excellent. Best after 2008. Score: 92. —James Suckling, March 31, 2005."
ST Comment: "Bright ruby-red. Brisk aromas of currant, cedar and minerals. Firmly built, complex and aromatic, with lovely flavor definition and excellent palate coverage. Finishes with mouthcoating tannins and very good length. An excellent vintage for Lagrange. In comparison to this wine, the young 2004 seems more medicinal and austere, with a larger structure. Score: 90. —Stephen Tanzer, May 2005.**

El Coto 2001 Rosado La Rioja, Region: Rioja Spain, Year: 2001, WN Score: 89, Price: $8.69
**WN comment: "Pale, rusty, salmon. Fresh nose of cherry-strawberry. Lively, delicious flavors of cherry and strawberry fruit, spicy cinnamon and lemon; nice mouth-feel with a clean, dry, mineral-laced finish. A serious, full-flavored yet lovely wine and a fine example of a classically styled."**

Peter Lehmann Wines Clancy's Gold Barossa Valley 2003 Shiraz, Region: Australian Shiraz/syrah, Year: 2003, ST Score: 89, Price: $14.99
**ST Comment: "Medium red. Redcurrant, dark cherry, spice cake, cinnamon and mint aromas on the distinctly cool, restrained nose. A silky midweight with crisp, focused red berry flavors accented by Asian spices and dried herbs. Quite poised, even elegant on the finish, where some well-judged oak spice slowly appears."**

Schild Estate Barossa Shiraz 2003, Region: Barossa Valley South Australia, Year: 2003, Price: $ 15.69
**WS Comment for 2002: "2002 Barossa Shiraz - A big, bold Barossa Shiraz nose with aromas of black pepper, licorice and ripe plums. Full bodied and opulent, the palate has firm tannins, flavours of vanilla drived from American oak and a finish of ripe cherries. Score of 94 from Halliday and 92 from Wine Spectator. Cellar to 10 years."**

Terrabianca Campaccio 2001, Region: Italia, Year: 2001, WS Score: 91, Price: $24.99
**WS Comment: "Wonderful aromas of plums, berries and vanilla. Medium to full bodied, with velvety tannins and a pretty toasted oak and vanilla aftertaste. Very smoky finish. Always outstanding. Best after 2006."**

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/07/05 好市多紅酒亂搶購Costco Crazy Wine Shopping - Round 1

2005-10-10T18:02:00.000-07:00

三天前拿到一張新的costco card.
衝動地就跑去買他的酒.
因為不知道如何選, 就把所有的90分上下的酒都買了一支.(真是敗家啊)
更重要的是, 還抱了一個可愛的木箱子回家.(其實啊!!我是想要這個木箱子, 酒是附帶的啦)
詳細的價格列表如下:

Christian Moueix 2001 Merlot, Region: Bordeaux France, Year:2001, Price: $5.99
**Winery Comment: "Christian Moueix Merlot is the personal cuvÉe of the dynamic, charismatic figure whose name it bears. Christian Moueix has brought the complete expression of the Merlot grape a step nearer perfection in this wine, selected and blended to show the ripe, rich fruit, seductive fragrance and elegant balance of the Bordelaise interpretation of the variety."**

Fonseca NV Bin 27 Port, Region: Portugal Portugal, Year: NV, WS Score: 85, ST Score: 87, Price: $11.99
**ST (Steve Tanzer) Comment: "Good medium-deep red. Aromas of red fruits, tar and smoked meat. Fat, lush and sweet; flavors of black cherry and earth. Slightly fiery but persistent back end."**

Reynella Old Cave Tawny Port, Region: Australia Port, Year: NV, WS Score: 92, Price: $12.99
**WS Comment: "Smooth and refined, an elegant profile with a wonderful range of exotic spice, dried citrus peel, almond and, way down deep in the very center, pretty raspberry notes. Everything floats beautifully through the finish, which remains rich and plush."**

Terrazas de los Andes Reserva 2003 Malbec, Region: Argentine Malbec, Year 2003, WS Score: 90, Price: $12.49
**WS Comment: "Rich and muscular, with lots of cocoa, plum, blackberry and briar flavors. Thick, fleshy finish shows lots of loam and fruit. Needs a touch of cellaring, but all the pieces are in place. Best from 2006 through 2008."**

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...

10/10/05 我的第一次Chardonney品嚐 - Yellow Tail

2005-10-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

黃尾袋鼠葡萄酒的藍海策略
澳洲卡塞拉釀酒廠（Casella Wines）的黃尾袋鼠（yellow tail）葡萄酒在供過於求的美國葡萄酒市場中，開創了無人競爭的藍色商機，成為銷售冠軍，2003年銷售量更達到四百五十萬箱。
黃尾袋鼠把原來不喝葡萄酒的人，包括那些只喝啤酒和現成雞尾酒的消費者，引進葡萄酒市場。
傳統葡萄酒廠商的行銷手法，大多強打莊園和城堡稱號，以及產業歷史，並且在酒瓶上印上深奧難懂的調配丹寧酸、橡木和熟化程序的技巧，讓一般消費者雖然想要購買，但是望之卻步。
卡塞拉釀酒廠則從非傳統葡萄酒客群的觀點來思考，創造出三個新的因素：容易下口、容易選擇、有趣而又帶有冒險意味。因此，黃尾袋鼠對葡萄酒的特性做全新的調配，形成一種毫不複雜的葡萄酒結構，立刻受到眾多酒客喜愛。黃尾袋鼠葡萄酒像現成雞尾酒和啤酒一樣口味柔和，很有親和力，一入口就可以感受明顯的水果風味，不必花幾年功夫鑽研培養鑑賞力。
再者，卡塞拉釀酒廠大肆減少產品種類，只製造兩種葡萄酒：美國最流行的夏多娜白葡萄酒（Chardonnay），以及喜若紅葡萄酒（Shiraz）。它把酒瓶上的釀酒術語全部刪除，採用顯眼而又簡單的非傳統標籤，在漆黑的底色上，用鮮艷的橘色和黃色印上一隻袋鼠。酒瓶上根本沒有提到葡萄園，成為惹眼而又平易近人的展示招牌。（摘自《藍海策略》）

哈哈!!
終於在今天把我的第一個Chardonney Taste給了yellow tail.
每次看到"濃縮果汁"字眼, 感覺就怕怕的.
結果今天下午天氣有點熱, 一覺醒來糊裡糊塗地就把他打開來消暑解熱.
半杯喝完, 就像各位說的一樣:
淡淡的金黃色, 微辣, 甜味重, 跟 icewine 的感覺有點像, 倒是喝完後人就醒的一半, 冰冰的喝, 是有點像果汁.

Price: $5.66 (With Tax)
Dealer: WineLibrary (Costco can find around this price too)

新手上路請多多指較!!

飲葡萄酒的歷史, 又翻開新的一頁...