Daily Archives: May 9, 2007

2005 Ironstone Vineyards Symphony Obsession

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Price: $5.99 @ Trader Joe’s

What They Said:

Per sfgate.com Let’s conclude this tour of beautiful lightweights with two delicious oddities. The Symphony grape, a cross between Grenache Gris and Muscat of Alexandria, was developed by the late UC Davis viticulture professor Harold Olmo; the university patented Symphony in 1983. The idea was to add refreshing citrus fruit-like acidity to the floral character of Muscat. It has been slow to catch on, however, with only 911 acres planted in the state in 2005, according to the CASS.

The 2005 Ironstone Vineyards Obsession California Symphony ($8) is a nice tribute to Olmo’s memory. Its aroma is strongly floral, with some star anise. It’s very slightly sparkling (“frizzante” is the technical term), and its flavors are reminiscent of a good Gewurztraminer: strongly floral, with notes of Meyer lemon and prickles of pepper on the finish.

What I Think:

Wow, interesting histroy behind this one. As mentioned this is a mix of muscat and grenache gris (not sure what this is). I didn’t get the sparkling at all, did get the Gewurzt though. Flavors of peach stand out above all else initially. This makes it sweeter up front but it later fades to a tingly but non-tannic finish. The winery lists this at $8 a bottle and for $6 it is certainly worth the price of admission. Everyone should give it a try; even without the novelty this is a wine worth drinking.

Rating: Buy it

2005 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Carmenere

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2008 Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo CarmenerePrice: $6.99 @ Trader Joe’s imported by Excelsior Wine & Spirits

What They Said:

Per wine.com: “Looking for an amazing value, delicious and new wine? This wine was what Bordeaux was originally primarily made from, now its found almost exclusively in Chile. This is a delicious example of this incredible variety, which combines the best of Cabernet and Merlot – Concha y Toro makes the best examples of this unique variety in the world.

Dark and deep red. Attractive aromas of dark plums, blackcurrant and chocolate, with hints of coffee and toasted American oak. Notes of dark plums and spice, with a generous touch of toasted American oak and a soft and well structured mouthfilling texture.

Enjoy with fresh light dishes based on meat and vegetables. Also a good accompaniment to ripe cheese.”

What I Think:

Well lets get his one started by saying there is no doubt that I think this is the best value priced red wine at TJ’s. It is a blend of 85% Carménère, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah. At one point I thought Carmenere was a Chilean grape but later learned it hails from Bordeaux though it is seldom found there nowadays. The first few works that come to mind are “dark and deep”. In more detail, smoky tobacco, loads of dark fruit and hints of coffee with some spice to boot. Nice from the first sip all the way through the long lingering finish. If you haven’t had it yet go get yourself some and if you have go get more. Just don’t tell too many people, I don’t want this one to go away.

Rating: Bulk Buy

2003 Caronne Ste Gemme – Haut-Medoc

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Price: $17.99 @ K&L Wines

What They Said:

Per K&L Wines The 2003 Caronne Ste. Gemme was awarded 4 Stars in the November 2006 Decanter blind tasting and 5 Stars from the prestigious Revue des Vins de France. According to Food & Wine magazine’s Wine Guide: ** (very good – distinctive) “Abundant fruit & herb flavors are competing for attention, but they’ll work it out in 3-12 years…” Clive Coates writes: “Good colour. Good plump fruit here on the nose. Very well-made. Medium to medium-full. Plenty of ripe, ample, stylish fruit. Good tannins. Plenty of grip. All very well put together. No undue astringency at all. Good plus. From 2008.” (June 2004)

What I Think:

Guess I should have read what they were saying above before popping the cork on this one…Day 1 this wine was not quite for me. After sitting for two days this seemed to be a whole different ball game, real dark fruit that lasted in the mouth for a long time before fading away to an herbal finish that lasts for a while. Hardly any tannins at all, aren’t wiines that need aging to “sort it out” usually laced with tannins? Maybe they are there but surpressed by the lushness of the fruit, there is enough of it that it makes it is hard to hone in on any of them. Seems like on the lighter side there may be some cherries and certainly some darker fruit and just a hint of something spicier, seems like black pepper to me. At this point it was certainly a nice wine, would love to see what it does after a couple more years of lying down. Just not so sure I want to pay the price to find out. Don’t think so, but if I do I will change the rating.

Rating: Pricey