by Pinchas L » Wed Apr 03, 2013 6:21 pm
Hi Harry,
Over the second days of Passover I had several bottles, but for the most part those that I chose for the first days were better than those I had over the latter.
Whites:
Hagafen Prix Sauvignon Blanc 2007 - The added years didn't turn this into an outstanding wine. That notwithstanding, that wine combines the oak and the fruit into a nice package, albeit not an exciting one. The fruit is mellow, providing notes that are predominantly pears, and the oak adds a nice dustiness with perhaps hints of vanilla. B/**/Y
Four Gates Chardonnay 2005 - The last bottle I had seemed to show more caramel and cream than this one, that at the time caused to me think that the wine wasn't going to last that much longer. However, this one did not show like that, at all. Instead, this bottle showed bright and firm fruit with lively acidity that wasn't overshadowed by the oak. It was a very nice bottle, even if not sublime. B/***/Y
Reds:
Brobdignagian Grenache 2010 - Perhaps it is that I am still tracing the learning curve required to fully appreciate the variety, but at this juncture I find it to show a considerable sanguine character coupled by some earthiness, with a stingy fruit profile. The wine tastes fresh, and doesn't show any overt oak influences. B/**/Y
Hagafen Prix Syrah 2005 - Overall I found this to be rather dull, paling in comparison to the 2001 version I liked so much. The wine possesses basic red fruit complimented by some spiciness, but not enough to warrant the Prix designation. C+/*/N
Shirah Power to the People 2009 - This is a Syrah blended from fruit sourced at 2 esteemed Californian vineyards. Unfortunately, there is not much that stuck to my mind about this wine. I typically don't like to get bogged down with comparisons, but if it helps people know that I liked it better than the Hagafen Prix Syrah 2005 then I'll state it, though that isn't saying much. Of the three Syrahs I had over the holiday, I liked the Flam best. B-/*/N
BR Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - This is a medium bodied wine that is drinking very well. I don't recall many details, but by my general impression was positive, considering a wine suitable for everyday drinking, not one I'd hold for a special occasion. For the price BR Cohn released it I would buy more, as I think that it compares nicely with many of the other kosher Californian wines selling for multiples of its price. B-/***/Y
Dessert:
Tzora Or 2006 - I loved its weight, the Gewurz spice and the honeyed stone fruit: apricot mostly. I think it is alive and well, and should be so for quite some time. A-/**/Y
Best,
-> Pinchas
Grading for quality: A - marvellous, B - good/intriguing, C - mediocre/uninspiring, D - subjectively flawed, F - objectively flawed
Grading for value: *** - it's a steal, ** - it's a reasonable deal, * - you've been robbed
Indication of further interest: Y - would purchase again, N - no desire to purchase more