tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79374547960762688322024-02-08T18:14:02.352-08:00Lucha VinoComparing Washington wines to the world.
Weekly wine matches will pit Washington wines against challengers from around the globe. Challengers are selected based on proximity to UCI cycling races.Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-51512262750729764232023-10-04T19:04:00.001-07:002023-10-04T19:04:14.466-07:00Washington Grenache v. Gigondas<p>Lucha Vino is showing some respect for Grenache on International Grenache Day. Grenache thrives in many wine regions world wide. In this matchup we will focus on the <a href="https://www.washingtonwine.org/resource/yakima-valley-ava/" target="_blank">Yakima Valley</a> in Washington state and <a href="https://www.winetourism.com/wine-appellation/gigondas/#:~:text=Gigondas%20is%20a%20type%20of,with%20notes%20of%20blackberry%20jam." target="_blank">Gigondas</a> in the Rhone Valley of France.</p><p>The Gigondas and Rhone Valley are frequent hosts of the Tour de France and other professional cycling races held in France. <a href="https://www.letour.fr/en/overall-route" target="_blank">Le Tour </a>did not visit Southern France in 2023, but that will not deter this challenge!</p><p>2017 <a href="https://www.kevinwhitewinery.com/" target="_blank">Kevin White Winery</a> Pionnier v. 2014 <a href="https://www.domainesaintdamien.com/vins/" target="_blank">Domaine Saint Damien</a> Gigondas Les Souteyrades</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b>Tale of the Tape</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBVHkcKYJO_lHSvRcnT9x97ZaNMnBbt3o1m4l_lqw8eplCAQ-3Z1MYXkfgcTreivVVmyyPEvllSKjmb8kAAWp2FPg0SAPmrPFiv71npH_AcCyUfXk9ZlrtwOtIkcCC1PhuSc75wB0ZHQk84SNqwfG5URzpiYOkX_fqQi14irQi6I7owh6YLCC/s2370/KevinWhite.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2370" data-original-width="1595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBVHkcKYJO_lHSvRcnT9x97ZaNMnBbt3o1m4l_lqw8eplCAQ-3Z1MYXkfgcTreivVVmyyPEvllSKjmb8kAAWp2FPg0SAPmrPFiv71npH_AcCyUfXk9ZlrtwOtIkcCC1PhuSc75wB0ZHQk84SNqwfG5URzpiYOkX_fqQi14irQi6I7owh6YLCC/s320/KevinWhite.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><a href="https://www.kevinwhitewinery.com/product/2021-Pionnier-Boushey-Vineyard" target="_blank">2017 Kevin White Winery Pionnier</a><div><br /></div><div>85% Grenache, 11% Mourvedre, 4% Syrah all from the Boushey Vineyard located in the Yakima Valley AVA</div><div><br /></div><div>Purchased from the winery for $40</div><div>(Note: The link is for the current vintage, which has a slightly different blend)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.domainesaintdamien.com/wp-content/uploads/fiche_gigondas_les_souteyrades_en.pdf" target="_blank">2014 Domain Saint Damian Gigondas Les Souteyrades</a> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoxZWkW38JP8S8o69egsMwhpWDOwSfdfl9-F2ZlRYNLFg7bGA1HQqH10XuIaKNWHJVJheUaqQjIWCmMdi1K9ae3YNbxR38OrPtuAMOfaAfrQnTpQvMjZn1UiQ_jUMQDl2GFHVXwfh1c4sm0KGKrzmH1RxmlmLjPi5KMzAIsvpp7s-2_xbDMOa/s2253/Gigondas.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2253" data-original-width="1444" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGoxZWkW38JP8S8o69egsMwhpWDOwSfdfl9-F2ZlRYNLFg7bGA1HQqH10XuIaKNWHJVJheUaqQjIWCmMdi1K9ae3YNbxR38OrPtuAMOfaAfrQnTpQvMjZn1UiQ_jUMQDl2GFHVXwfh1c4sm0KGKrzmH1RxmlmLjPi5KMzAIsvpp7s-2_xbDMOa/s320/Gigondas.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><br /></div><div><p>80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from vines planted in 1948 and 1977, respectively.</p><p>Aged for 12 months in oak barrels.</p><p>Newer vintages available at retail for $35-$40</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Round 1. First Opening</b></p><p>The Kevin White Pionnier luchador steps into the ring representing the Yakima Valley and right away you can see this grappler is all business. The Pionnier is going straight at the French challenger with a nose that features red and blue berries along with sultry olive brine. The palate follows with more blue fruits, cracked pepper and lighter tannins on the finish with hints of blueberry crumble. </p><p>St. Damien looks a bit dazed and confused by the Washington luchador's straight ahead style. The nose is showing dark red berry notes of raspberry and logan berry backed by candle wax, brambles and light savory notes. The palate brings out more red berries, tobacco leaf, white pepper and tart tannins on a dry finish.</p><p>The Pionnier from Kevin White takes the first round. All business and no messing around.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Round 2. One Hour After Opening</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-iBgcsdLdfqxobQv3VrBBzEnUOnUdZtefpgcAezOG4vHpaWZxAOq3cxY8ZW5Hh0cmNtHOUMxwd2cYnhIx0nx6Dz5nmR9LRGVOWIdx2Sd8TnTlro8U2ZfGlICM9vwEiCZN6Ha_3naTjmHpxFMfXWR2KpD1vFiAQjIwd5eXD8CL3MhOgOgGGFS/s890/LuchaLibre-Headlock.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="890" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF-iBgcsdLdfqxobQv3VrBBzEnUOnUdZtefpgcAezOG4vHpaWZxAOq3cxY8ZW5Hh0cmNtHOUMxwd2cYnhIx0nx6Dz5nmR9LRGVOWIdx2Sd8TnTlro8U2ZfGlICM9vwEiCZN6Ha_3naTjmHpxFMfXWR2KpD1vFiAQjIwd5eXD8CL3MhOgOgGGFS/s320/LuchaLibre-Headlock.png" width="320" /></a></div>The Pionnier unleashes a lightning attack and quickly gets the St. Damien on the mat. The nose continues<br />to develop and draw out the notes of blueberry and olive brine. The palate is building strength with blue fruit, cracked pepper and savory notes with a finish featuring blueberry crumble and baking spices.<p></p><p>The St. Damien is fighting back and showing some grappling skills. The nose is evolving and adding complexity with notes of dark fruit, candle wax, violets and white pepper. The palate is also elevating its game with dark blue fruits, cracked pepper and a dry tannin spice finish.</p><p>Although the St. Damien showed some more aggression when fighting in close quarters, it was not enough to take the round. Round 2 goes to Pionnier and the Luchador from Kevin White winery takes a commanding 2-0 lead.</p><p><b>Round 3. One Day After Opening</b></p><p>Last chance saloon for the St. Damien Luchador. Trailing 2-0, let's see if the French challenger can flip the tables by knocking out the Pionnier.</p><p>The Pionnier is showing stamina and building strength with a nose showing blueberry, baking spices, violets and savory olive brine. The palate compliments the complexity of the nose with flavors of blueberry and tart pepper spices with a dry finish.</p><p>The French luchador from Gigondas is mounting a furious attack! The nose continues to build complexity with dark fruit, candle wax, slightly funky minerality and light floral notes. The palate is stepping things up too with notes of dark fruit, tobacco and herbal savoriness with a cracked pepper spicy tannin finish.</p><p>St. Damien takes the final round in a flury of action, but did not mount enough of an attack to subdue the Pionnier. Kevin White takes the match with a resounding 2-1 victory.</p><p><b>Wrap Up and Overall Observations</b></p><p>Both of these wines showcase the character of Grenache from their regions of the world. I would recommend both of these wines and both offer high quality at the $40 price point.</p><p> </p></div>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-73477150085851327992023-06-12T20:01:00.001-07:002023-06-12T20:02:13.057-07:00Washington Syrah v. Cote-Rotie<p>The <a href="https://www.letour.fr/en/landing-page" target="_blank">Tour de France</a> is fast approaching and the pros are putting the finishing touches on their form and fitness for the Grand Boucle. Many teams and riders like to prepare for the big race with shorter, week long, stage races that cover the same territory as le Tour.</p><p>Two of the more popular races are <a href="https://www.paris-nice.fr/en" target="_blank">Paris-Nice</a> and the <a href="https://www.criterium-du-dauphine.fr/en/" target="_blank">Criterium du Dauphine</a>. <a href="https://www.paris-nice.fr/en/stage-5" target="_blank">Stage 5</a> of this year's Paris-Nice passed through the <a href="https://www.winetourism.com/wine-region/rhone/" target="_blank">Rhone</a> valley giving the sprinters a final chance to battle for victory. Olav Kooij from the Jumbo Visma squad took the win as his team prepares to support last year's Tour champion <a href="https://www.letour.fr/en/rider/18/jumbo-visma/jonas-vingegaard" target="_blank">Jonas Vingegaard</a> in pursuit of back-to-back victories.</p><p>These tune ups are also a great time for Lucha Vino to prepare for this year's challenge with a throw down featuring a Washington Syrah duking it out with a French challenger from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C3%B4te-R%C3%B4tie_AOC" target="_blank">Cote-Rotie AOC</a>.</p><p>2020 <a href="https://successionwines.com/" target="_blank">Succession Wines</a> Syrah v. 2018 <a href="https://www.rarewineco.com/producer/rostaing-cote-rotie/" target="_blank">Domaine-Rostaing</a> Ampodium</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b>Tale of the Tape</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxQaNPW1S5DFj6qd6KL9xKnPFf9sidnaUGA-s6uHgrIErw890wb8yte1fif_VqvEvYz7vEPmh6Y4yhAgim-tpd62ODxRKloJ8sNTD-Lna6moL8giijvGDZMMpnFOboY8Eo5uzEWCxpz29gDeTKXsl6R53j2ysNqIppmSdXPMHTTtp9M_7ag/s2527/Succession-Syrah.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2527" data-original-width="1615" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxQaNPW1S5DFj6qd6KL9xKnPFf9sidnaUGA-s6uHgrIErw890wb8yte1fif_VqvEvYz7vEPmh6Y4yhAgim-tpd62ODxRKloJ8sNTD-Lna6moL8giijvGDZMMpnFOboY8Eo5uzEWCxpz29gDeTKXsl6R53j2ysNqIppmSdXPMHTTtp9M_7ag/s320/Succession-Syrah.jpg" width="205" /></a></div><a href="https://successionwines.orderport.net/product-details/0240/2020-Syrah" target="_blank">2020 Succession Wines Syrah<br /></a><p>100% Syrah aged for 15 months in a combination of Puncheons and Barriques</p><p>Sourced from the following vineyards:</p><p></p><ul><li>47% Quintessence Vineyards - Red Mountain AVA</li><li>44% Candy Mountain Vineyards - Candy Mountain AVA</li><li>8% Ancient Stones Vineyard - Walla Walla Valley AVA (The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater)</li><li>1% Antoine Creek Vineyards - Columbia Valley AVA</li></ul><p></p><p>Provided as a sample by the winery</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.wine-searcher.com/find/dom+rene+rostaing+cuvee+cls+ampodium+cote+rotie+rhone+france/2018/usa-wa-y#t2" target="_blank">2018 Domain-Rostaing Ampodium</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU_rG7LdiFKlxBxBNyuqm7l3Q-D-fqb0BZzYRNkY_d_Whhe81TeKxmyHtF7R_o46hYrk42wGGINleJt0VeKCN4X8P2W4O0hvNFJud7zzeRzP7aC0wL8UWcxIcl1f3kKj44VxhrAYZvps4o8UELeuw2fsbB1q3G0-AjcRfr_wd7R94WqVwHQ/s2178/DomRostaing-Syrah.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2178" data-original-width="1631" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixU_rG7LdiFKlxBxBNyuqm7l3Q-D-fqb0BZzYRNkY_d_Whhe81TeKxmyHtF7R_o46hYrk42wGGINleJt0VeKCN4X8P2W4O0hvNFJud7zzeRzP7aC0wL8UWcxIcl1f3kKj44VxhrAYZvps4o8UELeuw2fsbB1q3G0-AjcRfr_wd7R94WqVwHQ/s320/DomRostaing-Syrah.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Made from grapes sourced from 13 sites within the Cote-Rotie AOC<br /><p></p><p>Aged for 24 months in 228 litre Burgundy barrels and 600 litre demi-muids with minimal new oak.</p><p>Purchased at auction from <a href="https://www.winebid.com/" target="_blank">WineBid</a> for $50</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Round 1. First Opening</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hx-gJhBUfTOPmY-KE0_xrMi4rRzmObAAlzW09GK33N4PUwV7Uw95ZbKkaxP1RJcKhdL-0-PaVvtKg7RL9rGv-ti2-PE-0zy4219pia12X-T8TcFUuvMVSyRPbgBGnTvCZGEazNhZi8_FlDJPTeW024KIszm796bc7tiTbNjWpSGRYaFi8g/s1312/Rick-Flair.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="1312" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hx-gJhBUfTOPmY-KE0_xrMi4rRzmObAAlzW09GK33N4PUwV7Uw95ZbKkaxP1RJcKhdL-0-PaVvtKg7RL9rGv-ti2-PE-0zy4219pia12X-T8TcFUuvMVSyRPbgBGnTvCZGEazNhZi8_FlDJPTeW024KIszm796bc7tiTbNjWpSGRYaFi8g/s320/Rick-Flair.png" width="320" /></a></div>The Succession Luchador from Washington struts into the ring with flowing robes and an entourage that features a nose of dark blue fruit, light brambles and savory green olives. Their crew continues with a palate that doubles down on the dark blue fruit followed by light roasted coffee, cracked pepper and a spicy finish.<p></p><p>The French Domaine Roistang challenger from Cote-Rotie seems to be intimidated by the Succession Syrah's flare. The nose is an interesting melange of roasted cherries along with herbal mint and floral violet notes. The palate follows with tart blue berries, dry cedar bark and a dry tannin fueled finish.</p><p>After clearing the Succession Syrah entourage out of the ring, the match gets down to business with a flurry of action and several well placed blows by the Washington Luchador to Roistang's mid section.</p><p>The first round is easily won by Succession.</p><p><b>Round 2. One Hour After Opening</b></p><p>The Succession Syrah is gaining strength and penache with a variety of spinning leg kicks and a nose showing blueberry cobbler, light brambles and olive brine notes. The palate is developing darker blueberry and cracked pepper while backing off on the spicy finish that still shows a complimentary dose of tannins.</p><p>The Domaine Roistang challenger is fighting back and grappling with the Succession luchador in an attempt to apply a figure four leg lock, but fails. The nose is continuing to evolve as well with a nose of stewed cherries and blueberry with light white pepper and floral violet notes. The palate is slower to develop with continued tart blue fruit notes accompanied by coffee bean, cedar bark and a tart tannin finish.</p><p>Round two was closer, but Succession was the clear aggressor, winning the round and taking a 2-0 lead in the match.</p><p><b>Round 3. One Day After Opening</b></p><p>It's desperation time for the Cote-Rotie challenger. Down 2-0 this final round is all or nothing for Domaine Roistang and it shows as the French luchador flies into action with a nose of blueberry crumble that includes hints of baking spices and dried flowers. Not to be outdone, the palate steps up with stronger blueberry character, dry white pepper and a healthy tannin backbone.</p><p>Succession seems to be calm, cool and collected. Domaine Roistang's sound and fury isn't phasing the Washington Syrah at all. </p><p>In this final round Succession is showing serious stamina with a nose of muted blueberry, dusty brambles and light olive tapenade. The palate has flavors of blueberry and cracked pepper backed up with a light cocoa powder tannin finish. </p><p>The Cote-Rotie challenger put on a desperate charge, but in the end it was not enough to knock out the Succession Syrah.</p><p>Succession takes the final round for a dominant 3-0 victory.</p><p><b>Wrap up and Overall Observations</b></p><p>Both these Syrahs were solid. </p><p>The Succession was more drinkable at this younger age and should continue to age for many more years. </p><p>The Domaine-Roistang was tight and improved with air, especially on day two. This Cote-Rotie will definitely improve with more time in the bottle.</p><p>My recommendation is to enjoy the Succession Syrah now while you wait to drink the Domaine-Roistang a few years from now.</p>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-22870407730867971142023-03-13T19:53:00.007-07:002023-03-13T19:53:50.007-07:00Washington Sangiovese vs. Chianti Classico<p>The <a href="https://www.strade-bianche.it/en/" target="_blank">Strade Bianchi</a> is an Italian one day race that kicks off the early season bike racing with exceptional style! </p><p>This year's edition did not disappoint with one of the most dynamic young riders, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Pidcock" target="_blank">Tom Pidcock</a>, winning the race. Pidcock is a mountain bike and cyclocross world champion that is bringing his game to the road racing circuit. He announced his road racing potential at last year's Tour de France with a <a href="https://www.eurosport.com/cycling/tour-de-france/2022/tour-de-france-2022-tom-pidcock-wins-atop-alpe-dhuez-chris-froome-third-jonas-vingegaard-defends-yel_sto9036305/story.shtml" target="_blank">historic win on the Alpe de Huez.</a></p><p>On to this year's first Lucha Vino challenge with a match up between a Washington Sangiovese flexing muscle up against a Italian Chianti Classico.</p><p>2018 <a href="https://mellisonivineyards.com/" target="_blank">Mellisoni</a> Lake Chelan Sangiovese v. 2017 <a href="https://carpineto.com/en/" target="_blank">Carpineto</a> Chianti Classico Riserva.</p><p><b>Tale of the Tape</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZUPLIFMgSjaVr6UNZWoOHUf3HE96ycceX4bOFDIZ8lg2qlmk0gpvs7ETCENHVDcyMrqwjWWin-lLnIz8Rb3Vcf45m7aNc0GfLZkz3KqZ6iIgi1AQfooDAt2S5-ZHkT3AEFjOlgVJIz9Giou-10lgwFwRCgNJJeQS7sPxM6s0MCJceV4gptamOjGBFw/s1436/MellisoniSangio.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="1226" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZUPLIFMgSjaVr6UNZWoOHUf3HE96ycceX4bOFDIZ8lg2qlmk0gpvs7ETCENHVDcyMrqwjWWin-lLnIz8Rb3Vcf45m7aNc0GfLZkz3KqZ6iIgi1AQfooDAt2S5-ZHkT3AEFjOlgVJIz9Giou-10lgwFwRCgNJJeQS7sPxM6s0MCJceV4gptamOjGBFw/s320/MellisoniSangio.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>Mellisoni 2018 Lake Chelan Sangiovese<div><br /></div><div>100% Sangiovese from 8 year old vines planted on the upper slopes of the Mellisoni Lake Chelan estate vineyard. Harvested September 23rd at 24.5 Brix and pH 3.49. </div><div><br /></div><div>Aged for 22 months in Seguin Moreau French Oak, 50% New & 50% Once Used with an additional 2 months of bottle age.<p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi50nKZ1IDcwmCOfeb7lY3XxXrPpAjg4jcne4eF669AUrmKIRfOKVVIkIry3G3NPpt1X4J5HHfs082GKbTTlXjd92pjd-ft-SB4oyXSC8-_4nOpb-neaiIatMzi0NHLdoooSA-q53CdpZ6MsdSMftZmo7hQAYtATWcvc1GVSjQXTkA_Nl0d03OUdp1jg/s2384/ChiantiClassico.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2384" data-original-width="1320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi50nKZ1IDcwmCOfeb7lY3XxXrPpAjg4jcne4eF669AUrmKIRfOKVVIkIry3G3NPpt1X4J5HHfs082GKbTTlXjd92pjd-ft-SB4oyXSC8-_4nOpb-neaiIatMzi0NHLdoooSA-q53CdpZ6MsdSMftZmo7hQAYtATWcvc1GVSjQXTkA_Nl0d03OUdp1jg/s320/ChiantiClassico.jpg" width="177" /></a></div><a href="https://carpineto.com/en/products/chianti/chianti-classico-riserva/" target="_blank">2017 Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva</a> <p></p>Made from Sangiovese, Canaiolo and other red grape varietals. Aged in Slovanian and French oak barrels of various sizes for a year or longer.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><b>Round 1. First Opening</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The Mellisoni Sangiovese swaggers into the ring featuring a nose of cherries, earthy brambles and light menthol spices. The palate doubles down on the cherry notes with bing cherry followed by rose petals and white pepper spices.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not to be out done, the Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva is flashing some style with a nose featuring tart pie cherries, light sultry olive notes and candle wax. The Palate is also showing pie cherry along with leather and tart tannins that are followed by a touch of acidity on the finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>The opening round seemed to be more about show and less about action. The judges are awarding the round to Mellisoni by the slimmest of margins.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Round 2. One Hour After Opening</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Let's see what these luchadors have in store for us in round 2. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mellisoni is coming straight at the challenger from Chianti with a flury of moves! The nose continues to show highlights of bing cherry, light menthol and baking spices. The palate is building power with bing cherry, floral top notes and a robust pepper finish.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L-8HDcnfDBO54MEseeYi2MN76n7KueXN178OjjScUrHlqvAVr1gS0Poj6Vnz2XCy3YGWF94KSesSzOgUn5f8u-5KiEURZNXnkwRI9-Rn5oSnn7yU2kKP2a-QpLRDOybZsHE1bCx3j40i11iMctGH5z1zle0JJWpb-gpL--8WcpN5qY1rVSbFdMPxeg/s660/What-Is-Lucha-Libre.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="660" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7L-8HDcnfDBO54MEseeYi2MN76n7KueXN178OjjScUrHlqvAVr1gS0Poj6Vnz2XCy3YGWF94KSesSzOgUn5f8u-5KiEURZNXnkwRI9-Rn5oSnn7yU2kKP2a-QpLRDOybZsHE1bCx3j40i11iMctGH5z1zle0JJWpb-gpL--8WcpN5qY1rVSbFdMPxeg/s320/What-Is-Lucha-Libre.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The Carpineto luchador looks stunned and finds itself trapped in a wicked leg lock. The nose has developed darker cherry character, notes of savory olive brine and light tar. The palate continues the notes of tart pie cherry from round one along with hints of tobacco and a dry tannin fueled finish. </div><div><br /></div><div>Mellisoni takes round 2 and a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Round 3. One Day After Opening</b></div><div><br /></div><div>It's all or nothing for our Italian challenger. Will desperation lead to high risk/reward action? Let's get on to it and find out what these luchadors have left in the tank!</div><div><br /></div><div>Mellisoni is showing no signs of slowing down with plenty of strength and stamina. The nose continues to build with aromas of bing cherry and savory saline green olive notes. The palate shows slightly tarter bing cherry, light cracked pepper and a drier tannin finish. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Carpineto challenger from Chianti leaps into the ring with a flourish. The nose has built prominent sultry olive brine character along with floral notes and light green coffee bean. The palate continues to build on the tart pie cherry theme joined by raspberries, light tannin spices and a finish featuring light acidity.</div><div><br /></div><div>The final round featured more action from the Carpineto luchador bobbing and weaving and looking for an opening to attack the Washington Sangiovese from Mellisoni. The action was fast and furious, but in the end Mellisoni fended off the attacks and finished off the match with a 3-0 victory!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Wrap up and overall observations</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Both of these wines showed plenty of character and staying power over the course of the match. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Mellisoni Sangiovese was slightly darker and showed the lush character imparted by the use of 50/50 new and once used French Oak barrels.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even though the Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva was a blend of Sangiovese Canaiolo and other red grape varietals, the Sangiovese tart pie cherry character dominated the nose and palate. This wine developed interesting savory notes as it opened up over the two days.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would recommend seeking out both of these wines. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Mellisoni Sangiovese is not available with every vintage. In the most current release it is included in the <a href="https://store.mellisonivineyards.com/product/2020-60-degrees-estate/273?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=2" target="_blank">2020 60 Degree</a> blend along with Nebbiolo and Barbera for $75.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Carpineto Chianti Classico Riserva is available at <a href="https://madwine.com/products/carpineto-chianti-classico-riserva-2016?_pos=5&_psq=carpineto&_ss=e&_v=1.0" target="_blank">Esquin</a> for $30.99.</div>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-38579871700209801482021-02-09T21:54:00.000-08:002021-02-09T21:54:11.392-08:00Washington Syrah vs. Australia<p>January typically features the start of the professional road racing season with the Australian national championships and the Tour Down Under. Even though we have put 2020 in the rear view mirror, that doesn't mean that our lives have returned to normal times. And that holds true in the world of pro cycling as well.</p><p>The Tour Down Under was cancelled, but the <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/cycling-australia-road-national-championships/" target="_blank">Australian National Championship</a> races carried on and featured plenty of action across many race disciplines including Time Trials, Criteriums and Road Races.</p><p>The latest Lucha Vino matchup features a Washington Syrah from a Portland, Oregon, winery taking on an Australian Shiraz from the McLaren Vale.</p><p>2012 <a href="http://www.faussepiste.com/" target="_blank">Fausse Piste</a> Les Vignes de Marcoux vs. 2010 <a href="https://mollydookerwines.com/" target="_blank">Mollydooker</a> The Boxer</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><b>Tale of the Tape</b><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RteepSZGtGsBFL9iFisSmZMY-G7WY0JlbQzVjtGfmOS6SNjYGh8INaOV4ZPOtQeli_XiKjVpkJdGpBF0IR-qKnTw-BA-0mMB9LPjmkxrRECmMhBDdMZIrkAChZpbUdYr4CW2XyK4rJAr/s2048/IMG_7898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1581" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RteepSZGtGsBFL9iFisSmZMY-G7WY0JlbQzVjtGfmOS6SNjYGh8INaOV4ZPOtQeli_XiKjVpkJdGpBF0IR-qKnTw-BA-0mMB9LPjmkxrRECmMhBDdMZIrkAChZpbUdYr4CW2XyK4rJAr/w154-h200/IMG_7898.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><p><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5216a45fe4b01820fd2880e1/t/567f1e5db204d52319ae81c6/1451171421266/FPmarcoux12tech.pdf" target="_blank">2012 Fausse Piste Les Vignes de Marcoux</a></p><p>100% Syrah from the <a href="http://www.redwillowvineyard.com/" target="_blank">Red Willow Vineyard</a> in the Yakima Valley AVA</p><p>Aged for 24 months in older Burgundy barrels.</p><p>Provided as a sample by the winery. Newer vintages are available at retail or direct from the winery. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSEYjOPVWWPSNttk6WaEw9M8RoLOYAQCyh4htzhX2BK2lC04OEkw4ddu2WR8e_KYlC3K3q3FqAgEEl7ElhdMY8vMp6KnlQjHkvKRWYwM7rLk2c-RsEbAGmlNvuQZU1zb3ZpOT0Ln0n1Rc/s2048/IMG_7895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1247" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoSEYjOPVWWPSNttk6WaEw9M8RoLOYAQCyh4htzhX2BK2lC04OEkw4ddu2WR8e_KYlC3K3q3FqAgEEl7ElhdMY8vMp6KnlQjHkvKRWYwM7rLk2c-RsEbAGmlNvuQZU1zb3ZpOT0Ln0n1Rc/w122-h200/IMG_7895.jpg" width="122" /></a></div><a href="https://mollydookerwines.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/USA_2018_BXR_Techsheet-1.pdf" target="_blank">2010 Mollydooker The Boxer</a> <p></p><p>100% Shiraz from the Longbottom, Birchmore and Langhorne Creek vineyards in the <a href="https://mclarenvale.info/" target="_blank">McLaren Vale</a>.</p><p>Aged in 60% new and 40% once-used American oak barrels.</p><p>Newer vintages available at retail for $30.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /><b> </b></p><p><b>Round 1. First Opening</b></p><p>The Mollydooker Boxer is switching up and trying to cross over to the wrestling ring. Welcome to Lucha Libre my pugilist friend! And this Boxer is charging full speed ahead with a nose of dark logan berries, currants, coffee, menthol and light cocoa. The palate follows with a show of force featuring dark fruit, cocoa and light pepper with an oily finish.</p><p>The Fausse Piste is lean and wiry, circling the ring and tormenting the Boxer with a variety of rapid fire moves. The nose shows plum, bright blue fruit and light herbal bark notes. The palate is slightly bolder with notes of dark fruit and floral violet top notes. The finish features tart cedar bark tannins. </p><p>The Boxer was showing serious power, but wasn't able to slip inside the Fausse Piste defenses. Round 1 goes to the Washington Luchador.</p><p><br /><b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://media.bleacherreport.com/f_auto,w_768,h_512,q_auto,c_fill/br-img-images/003/184/519/1eaaad69ecf8fd3d37ba3832d19ba4a4_crop_north.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="213" src="https://media.bleacherreport.com/f_auto,w_768,h_512,q_auto,c_fill/br-img-images/003/184/519/1eaaad69ecf8fd3d37ba3832d19ba4a4_crop_north.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Boxer only knows one way to go and that is full gas flying into the ring off the top rope. The nose is building power showing dark currant, plum, orange peel and dusty earth notes. The palate doubles down with dark fruit, savory olive brine and a tart finish.<p></p><p>Oh my! Fausse Piste was taken by surprise. Shaking it off and staggering around the ring the Washington luchador is showing a nose with more cherry notes, light menthol and white pepper. The palate is similar with flavors of cherry and cracked pepper with a menthol spice finish.</p><p>Round 2 goes to the aggressive Australian challenger.</p><p><b>Round 3. One day after opening</b></p><p>With the match tied at one round each, the winner will be decided by this final round. And, once again, the Boxer is bringing the power with a dark savory nose featuring dark currants, plum and olives. The palate is equally savory with dark fruits and olive brine with a viscous mouth feel.</p><p>Fausse Piste is shaking off the last round and building more power with a nose showing more dark character of blue fruit and white pepper. The palate continues to show cherry notes with the addition of blue berries followed by menthol, coffee bean and cracked pepper.</p><p>The final round was close, but the judges award the final points to Fausse Piste due to the Washington luchador's evolution and strategic adjustments throughout the match!</p><p><b>Wrap up and overall observations.</b></p><p>The Mollydooker Boxer took me by surprise. I was expecting a more typical Australian Shiraz with bold, fruit forward, character. Instead, this Shiraz featured plenty of savory notes that were actually reminiscent of a Washington Syrah from <a href="https://rocksdistrict.com/" target="_blank">The Rocks</a>.</p><p>The Fausse Piste, from Red Willow in Yakima, started slow and built bold aromas and flavors throughout the challenge. This Syrah built character and was still going strong on day two. <br /></p><p>These wines were quite different and both are worthy of seeking out. </p>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-43206196127481866582020-11-15T13:24:00.002-08:002020-11-15T13:24:57.498-08:00Washington Tempranillo vs. Rioja<p>In this strange year, <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/" target="_blank">La Vuelta Espana</a> received much more attention than usual and the race delivered. There was drama and lively racing through all 3 weeks of the race. This year's route brought the pro cyclists to Northern Spain and featured its typical steady diet of challenging climbs and mountain top finishes.</p><p>After losing his grip on the Tour de France on the final competitive stage, Primoz Roglic had his sights set on winning his second Vuelta. In order to achieve his goal Roglic had to go up against a formative cast of challengers including Chris Froome and Richard Carapaz. Carapaz turned out to be his primary rival as they traded the overall race lead back and forth while racing through Northern Spain.</p><p>Once again, Roglic found himself facing a crushing defeat on the final competitive stage of a grand tour. Entering the day Roglic held a 45 second lead over Richard Carapaz with the GC Victory appearing to be safely in his grasp. However, on the slopes of <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-a-espana-2020/stage-17/results/" target="_blank">La Covatilla</a> Carapaz burst away from a small group of GC contenders rapidly opening a lead of 25 seconds over Roglic. </p><p>This time, Roglic stood up to the pressure limiting his losses, avoiding a repeat of his worst nightmare, to hold on to overall victory. </p><p>This week's Lucha Vino matchup celebrates Roglic vanquishing his nightmare with <a href="https://www.thewallswines.com/wines/" target="_blank">The Walls</a> 2018 Wonderful Nightmare vs. <a href="https://bodegaslan.com/en/" target="_blank">Bodegas Lan</a>'s 2010 Rioja Gran Reserva.</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><b>Tale of the Tape</b><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiIgcixQCvRpENCE4pgYbL8Bh9ifMFfCJlyGXKRbYqqhplmmCEfx6PJztkrASkj-LIJ6w3Os3c38zLTnl_bhQQZaT5l90g_XB6hy8zxa4c5ql3jrZ7OkpMB6afSNgpSwyE2HiSrhM2pRZ/s2048/IMG_7088.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1222" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggiIgcixQCvRpENCE4pgYbL8Bh9ifMFfCJlyGXKRbYqqhplmmCEfx6PJztkrASkj-LIJ6w3Os3c38zLTnl_bhQQZaT5l90g_XB6hy8zxa4c5ql3jrZ7OkpMB6afSNgpSwyE2HiSrhM2pRZ/w190-h320/IMG_7088.jpg" width="190" /></a></b></div><a href="https://www.thewallswines.com/wines/18wn/" target="_blank">2018 The Walls Wonderful Nightmare</a><p></p><p><a href="https://www.thewallswines.com/wines/18wn/" target="_blank"></a>100% Tempranillo from the Stoney Vine Vineyard located in the <a href="https://www.wallawallawine.com/wine-region/about-the-appellation-and-valley/" target="_blank">Walla Walla Valley AVA</a> aged in neutral oak barrels.</p><p>Provided as a sample by the winery and available at retail for $48.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><br /><b> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b><br /> </b></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqZpDM7-OO7CY65eUo7ibicHrE87AvQNIzH-6zlc65l7WheVtyPgpZpv8RWREmSsGZgVhivfor3OdR0rgHEun9NKUEeVr7eCM7pzme7iM6zycNBy0sgq5Hg75nMXOk32V_D7DAoYw8ck7/s2048/IMG_7086+2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1271" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqZpDM7-OO7CY65eUo7ibicHrE87AvQNIzH-6zlc65l7WheVtyPgpZpv8RWREmSsGZgVhivfor3OdR0rgHEun9NKUEeVr7eCM7pzme7iM6zycNBy0sgq5Hg75nMXOk32V_D7DAoYw8ck7/s320/IMG_7086+2.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://bodegaslan.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/LAN-GRAN-RESERVA-2010_en.pdf" target="_blank">2010 Bodegas Lan Gran Reserva</a> <p></p><p>96% Tempranillo and 4% Mazuela</p><p>The Tempranillo comes from 40 year old vines in three vineyards located in the <a href="https://www.riojawine.com/en/home-en/" target="_blank">Rioja</a> Alta region.</p><p>Aged for 24 months in French and American oak barrels and then an additional 36 months in bottle.</p><p>Purchased at <a href="https://madwine.com/" target="_blank">Esquin</a> for $29.99</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><b>Round 1. First opening</b></p><p>This matchup features a seasoned Bodegas Lan veteran from Rioja stepping up to challenge an up and coming Luchador from The Walls of Walla Walla. </p><p>The Lan veteran is the first to enter the ring brimming with confidence earned over 10 years of experience. The nose features solid aromas of blue fruit, plums, dry leather, menthol spices and creamy barrel notes. The palate also shows blue fruit with light pepper and cedar bark tinged tannins.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://604now.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ric-flair-e1537564675898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="800" height="170" src="https://604now.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ric-flair-e1537564675898.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Speaking of fan fair, The Wonderful Nightmare is channeling its inner Ric Flair entering the ring with an emphatic "Wooo!" <p></p><p>The nose is dark, oily and savory with notes of blueberries, coffee and olive brine. The palate follows suit with bold notes of blue fruit, white pepper and olive brine with a slightly tart finish.</p><p>Round 1 goes to The Wonderful Nightmare and its flamboyant style.</p><p><b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b><br /></p><p>The Wonderful Nightmare looks to be getting a bit over confident, strutting around the ring and challenging the Spanish Luchador to "bring it on!" The nose is building with bright notes of blue berries, light white pepper and floral tones. Tannins are starting to show up in the palate with tart blue fruit, white pepper and cedar bark and tobacco tinged tannins on the finish.</p><p>The Luchador from Bodegas Lan is holding steady with a nose of dark fruit, baking spices, coffee and light cocoa powder. The palate is also showing dark berries, currants, white pepper and menthol with a savory tannin finish.</p><p>In an unexpected turn of events, round 2 goes to Bodegas Lan as the Lan Luchador brought it on and surprised the Walls Luchador with a quick move locking up the youngster in a half nelson bringing the Wonderful Nightmare to its knees.</p><p><b>Round 3. One day after opening</b></p><p>Victory comes down to the final round with the match all tied up.</p><p>It looks like The Walls has taken notice of that round 2 wake up call. The nose is showing dark fruit, coffee and savory olives with some light floral top notes. The palate is featuring dark berries, white pepper, menthol and a lightly savory tannin fueled finish.</p><p>The Lan Gran Reserva has evolved to show a nose of bright blueberries, rose petals and light menthol spices. The palate is more muscular with tart blueberry, white pepper, cedar bark, menthol and a dry tannic finish.</p><p>In a close match, The Wonderful Nightmare responds in the final round and takes the match with a 2 - 1 victory. </p><p><b>Wrap up and overall observations</b></p><p>The Wonderful Nightmare from The Walls came in to the match like Ric Flair, a "Limousine ridin, jet flyin, kiss stealin, wheelin' dealin,' son of a gun." And the wine's character derived from The Rocks of Milton Freewater helped this Tempranillo live up to the billing. This Washington Tempranillo is outstanding right now and it will be interesting to see how it evolves over time.</p><p>The Bodegas Lan spent two years in barrel and another three in bottle before being released for our enjoyment. Although this wine from Rioja is 10 years old, I feel like it has many more years of life ahead of it.</p><p> </p><p> <br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /><br /></p>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-40729194053159306832020-10-10T10:38:00.003-07:002020-10-10T10:38:44.460-07:00Washington Brut Prestige vs. Champagne<p>The Tour de France wrapped up with the usual parade to the <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2020/stage-21/results/" target="_blank">Champs-Elyses</a> featuring another day for the sprinters to put their speed on display. Even though this is the final stage of the race, there is an unspoken rule among the racers that the previous day is the last day to attack for the race lead.</p><p><a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2020/stage-20/results/" target="_blank">Stage 20</a> of this year's Tour provided plenty of drama. An uphill time trial that would pit each rider against one another - mano a mano! Primoz Roglic came in to the day with a 57 second lead over his Slovanian compatriat Tadej Pogacar. Roglic was expected to protect his lead and ride into Paris in the leader's yellow jersey. </p><p>Sadly, fate was not on Rogilic's side. He had a bad day on the bike while Pogacar had an amazing day. The result was a stunning twist of fortune with Pogacar taking the yellow jersey and the overall Tour victory.</p><p>Typically, there is lively celebration with Champagne at the end of each stage and the end of le Tour. I don't recall seeing much spraying of Champagne at the end of this year's stages. And with the World Championships taking place the week following the end of the Tour de France, there was not much time to savor the victory.</p><p>Lucha Vino is taking time to slow down and celebrate with a matchup of Washington Sparkling wine and French Champagne.</p><p><a href="http://www.trevericellars.com/" target="_blank">Treveri Cellars</a> 2015 Brut Prestige vs. <a href="https://www.champagne-marie-copinet.com/en/index.php" target="_blank">Copinet</a> Blanc de Blancs</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <b>Tale of the Tape</b><p></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKQ-wXEkno4xS2zqJ-wVqJxrczkOhH9QqQrHmW_Hr6pHFBjQTZlsbvTLkBTyE51r7ZTAwEbUlGC1bUWlyg1j5yuphbmNKeDH_o0qRGXIhJeqkQaEBEGfqzlTHjBTj0Ah9Q5Wz3xUBcv4G/s2048/IMG_6756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1792" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKQ-wXEkno4xS2zqJ-wVqJxrczkOhH9QqQrHmW_Hr6pHFBjQTZlsbvTLkBTyE51r7ZTAwEbUlGC1bUWlyg1j5yuphbmNKeDH_o0qRGXIhJeqkQaEBEGfqzlTHjBTj0Ah9Q5Wz3xUBcv4G/w175-h200/IMG_6756.jpg" width="175" /></a></b></div><a href="http://www.trevericellars.com/uploads/file/Brut_Prestige_SalesSheet_2017.pdf">Treveri Cellars 2015 Prestige Brut</a><p></p><p>60% Pinot Noir 40% Chardonnay from the Marchant and Upland Vineyards in the Yakima Valley AVA</p><p>Provided as a sample by the winery.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><a href="https://www.champagne-marie-copinet.com/en/standard_brut_blanc_de_blancs.php" target="_blank">Copinet Brut Blanc de Blanc </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfvyO_xs03kSUsDz0EER2lw_xuqUeNFUpfy4_uDja4UrZR8JL1Q3rLow8P70ovAgrWy8Fkqr01ymGel3cmu_1940zpcV_99NQ66DOv0xRrQ4JkIzEO8G-c03dJzM1XzOFeNIRLO4clKXo/s1978/IMG_6754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="1853" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfvyO_xs03kSUsDz0EER2lw_xuqUeNFUpfy4_uDja4UrZR8JL1Q3rLow8P70ovAgrWy8Fkqr01ymGel3cmu_1940zpcV_99NQ66DOv0xRrQ4JkIzEO8G-c03dJzM1XzOFeNIRLO4clKXo/w188-h200/IMG_6754.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>100% Estate Chardonnay from three vintages</p><p>Vines of 30 year average age</p><p>Purchased for $51.99 at Esquin Wines. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Round 1. First opening</b></p><p>The Treveri Brut Prestige is living up to its name, strutting in to the ring brimming with confidence! The nose is highlighted by notes of pear, green apple and peaches with a light yeasty undertone. The palate features similar character leading with green apple followed by lighter tropical notes and excellent acidity.</p><p>The French challenger from Copinet is not impressed. This luchador from France is more traditional, choosing to lay back and see what this Washington upstart has to offer. The nose has more yeasty character backed by pear, white straw and honeysuckle. The palate is showing dried white flowers and light green apple and also boasts a mean streak of acidity.</p><p>The judges are awarding the first round to Copinet based on tradition and reputation of the Champagne region. It appears that the judges are not impressed by Treveri's more flamboyant style.</p><p><b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b></p><p>Let's see how these sparkling luchadors are holding up after a rest.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/b21da-15386107517711-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" src="https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2018/10/b21da-15386107517711-500.jpg" /></a></div>Treveri is showing strength and stamina. The nose is developing more mineral and yeast character while continuing to show notes of pear. The palate is evolving as well, showing slightly spicy character with pears, green apple and plenty of bubbles fueling an attack that has landed the Copinet challenger in a figure four leg lock.<p></p><p>The Copinet from Champagne is standing up as well. The nose continues to show more yeast notes along with pear and light under ripe peaches. The palate is following suit with plenty of bubbly life.</p><p>Copinet barely escaped being pinned by the aggressive moves put on by Treveri resulting in the Washington luchador taking round 2.</p><p><b>Round 3. One Day after opening</b></p><p>Tied at 1 round a piece, round 3 will determine the winner of this very close match! This is going to come down to who has more strength left after chilling between rounds 2 and 3.</p><p>Treveri seems to be taking the French luchador by surprise. The luchador from Washington is coming out strong with a nose of pears, apples and light aromas of baked bread. The palate continues to bring green apple and light yeast notes backed by lively acidity and bubbles.</p><p>This isn't Copinet's first rodeo. This challenger from Champagne is up to the challenge featuring a nose that leads with yeasty bread notes followed by pears, peaches and light tropical aromas. The palate is equally robust with flavors of pear, stone fruit and rustic bread. </p><p>Round 3 was hard to call and in a controversial decision the match is awarded to Treveri! The French crowd is booing and needs to be restrained as both luchadors make a hasty exit from the ring.</p><p><b>Wrap up and overall observations</b></p><p>Washington sparkling wine continues to grow in character and Treveri Cellars is leading the way. The Prestige Brut was a fabulous example of the wines being crafted by the Grieb family. Treveri's wines are readily available and very affordable. Definitely seek these out if you are a sparkling wine fan.</p><p>The Copinet brut Blanc de Blanc was an excellent example of Champagne. Sparkling wine from the Champagne region is typically more expensive and Copinet shows why.</p><p>I would recommend either of these wines when you are considering a celebration or just want to enjoy an every-day moment with an excellent glass of bubbles!<br /></p><p> <br /></p><p><br /><b> </b></p><p><br /></p>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-23894143939959129342020-09-19T09:55:00.002-07:002020-09-19T09:55:35.465-07:00Washington Syrah vs. The Rhone<p>We had to wait almost two months for a delayed Tour de France to begin and, so far, <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/features/tour-de-france-stage-14-analysis-running-out-of-road/" target="_blank">the racing has been dynamic and extremely exciting</a>!</p><p>The tour began in Nice traveling along the Southern border of France and through the Pyrenees mountains. After a rest day, the cyclists began racing to the West heading toward the Alps through the <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2020/stage-13/results/" target="_blank">Masif Central</a> mountains, touching the Northern reaches of the Rhone' valley and finishing a <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2020/stage-14/results/" target="_blank">lively stage 14</a> in Lyon. </p><p>Lyon is where we find this week's challenge hero, Stanley Groovy, touring around France on his bicycle and waiting for the Tour to arrive. Stanley has been making friends, enjoying the local cycling, food and wine and sharing some Washington wine with his hosts throughout Southern France.<br /></p><p>One of Stanley's favorite Washington wines is from <a href="https://www.thewallswines.com/" target="_blank">The Walls</a> in Walla Walla. Stanley is confident that his favorite can take on any French challenger. This week's challenge will see if Stanley's choice is up to the task. <br /></p><p>2015 Gaspard Syrah from Red Mountain vs. 2012 La Chaussynette Vin de France from <a href="http://masdeboislauzon.fr/en/" target="_blank">Mas de Boislauzon</a>.</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p><p><b>Tale of the Tape</b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8anvCgHvvv2_vkjLPGuAnh7JKFD2NMfbONk-ByYz5aJnGO7PAtyt3BDJLylMCKqanTgu2LwKwlullXoiW-5iGELJdF4dei4BqRXBzx3UundhbItRPpuWdnpLvM4EFm2mDgwg2FfIKCMQK/s2048/IMG_6521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1529" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8anvCgHvvv2_vkjLPGuAnh7JKFD2NMfbONk-ByYz5aJnGO7PAtyt3BDJLylMCKqanTgu2LwKwlullXoiW-5iGELJdF4dei4BqRXBzx3UundhbItRPpuWdnpLvM4EFm2mDgwg2FfIKCMQK/s320/IMG_6521.jpg" /></a></b></div><a href="https://www.thewallswines.com/wines/2017-gaspard/" target="_blank">2015 The Walls Gaspard</a><p></p><p>100% Syrah from the Red Heaven Vineyard on Red Mountain</p><p>Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $48<b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b></b></p><p><b><br /> </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://masdeboislauzon.fr/en/files/2016_6nn01foc.pdf" target="_blank">2012 La Chaussynette</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQT5-m5NEfNod9SF2TdoK0zqnml2FoQsVw77Dd-ICjb_PICmUudNanvjCmQaALg6EJqoMXnIVleJDU43jd6V3aTQlM7lMrRh3_bLNxas0NyoVuAdBc9A_I0O8CRVKLpOycXOCCJhk-Zaf/s2048/IMG_6523.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQT5-m5NEfNod9SF2TdoK0zqnml2FoQsVw77Dd-ICjb_PICmUudNanvjCmQaALg6EJqoMXnIVleJDU43jd6V3aTQlM7lMrRh3_bLNxas0NyoVuAdBc9A_I0O8CRVKLpOycXOCCJhk-Zaf/s320/IMG_6523.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>50% Grenache 50% Syrah</p><p>From estate vineyards that spread across Chateauneuf du Pape and Cote du Rhone</p><p>Purchased from <a href="https://fullpullwines.com/" target="_blank">Full Pull Wines</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Round 1. First Opening</b></p><p>The Gaspard Luchador representing The Walls is showing some unorthodox style right out of the gate. This Syrah from Red Mountain is showing atypical notes of cherries, raspberries and dusty earthy undertones. The palate is bolder with dark berries, savory white pepper and menthol with a slightly sweet finish reminiscent of jolly ranchers.</p><p>The French challenger from The Rhone is taking a more classic approach to this battle with a savory nose of musky raspberry and earthy cracked pepper. The palate leads with distinct notes of tobacco followed by tart red berries and a jolt of cedar bark tannins on the finish.</p><p>These two luchadors are bringing contrasting styles to this bout. The judges are sorting things out and award the first round to the La Chaussynette Luchador from France.</p><p><b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://mfi-miami.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mexican-wrestler-body-slams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="594" height="254" src="https://mfi-miami.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/mexican-wrestler-body-slams.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><p>Gaspard continues building on the foundation it laid down in the first round, flying in to the ring off the top ropes. The nose is showing dark red berries, light menthol and coffee bean notes with hints of earthy minerality. The palate follows suit with dark berries, cracked pepper and sweet menthol spices followed by that sweet finish which is beginning to develop some savory notes.</p><p>La Chaussynette is taken by surprise! The nose is evolving and showing oily and savory notes of red berries and white pepper. The palate continues with tobacco, tart berries and cedar bark tinged tannins.</p><p>Gaspard takes the second round after delivering a devastating body slam to the French Challenger.</p><p><b>Round 3. One day after opening</b></p><p>This is it. Tied 1-1, can the French Luchador unlock Gaspard's unusual style to take the match? Let's find out.</p><p>The luchador from Washington is pumping up the volume with a nose that is showing dark sweet berries and baking spices. The palate features dark berries, white pepper, menthol and tart coffee bean that doubles down on the finish.</p><p>La Chaussynette appears to be confused and in desperate straights. The nose continues to show notes of dark berries, coffee and light earthy notes. The tobacco notes are fading into the background on the palate with dark berry notes coming to the forefront with hints of tobacco, menthol cherry spices and the ever present cedar bark finish.</p><p>Gaspard takes the final round with dashing panache! </p><p><b>Wrap up and overall observations.</b></p><p>The Walls Syrah from Red Mountain was very interesting. This Syrah showed much more fruit character than the typical Red Mountain dark, earthy signature. This wine from Washington was very enjoyable.</p><p>The La Chaussynette defies the classification of Vin de France, punching well above its weight classs. It showed the classic Chateauneuf du Pape tobacco character that I associate with Grenache and the wine making style of this classic French region.</p><p>Seek both of these wines out. You are sure to enjoy them both!<br /></p><p><br /></p>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-45231144156242486582020-08-26T10:08:00.003-07:002020-08-26T10:09:30.771-07:00Washington Rose' vs. Provence<p>The 107th edition of the <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/tour-de-france/" target="_blank">Tour de France</a> is set to start in just a few days. After a nearly two month delay, the tour will get underway in <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2020/stage-1/preview/">Nice</a> on Sunday, which seems fitting since one of the last pre-Covid races to be completed on the normal calendar was <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/paris-nice/">Paris-Nice</a>. </p><p>Even though Paris-Nice was run, it still was not exempt from the challenges of the pandemic. The race was <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-nice-2020/stage-7/results/" target="_blank">shortened by one day</a>, removing the traditional stage in Nice.<br /></p><p>When I think of Nice, I think of Southern France. And when I think of southern France, I think of rose'!</p><p>The latest Lucha Vino challenge features a Washington Rose' taking on a Rose' from Provence to celebrate the return of the grand tours.</p><p>2018 <a href="https://www.t2cellar.com/" target="_blank">T2 Cellars</a> Rose' of Counoise vs. 2019 <a href="https://www.miraval.com/en/home/" target="_blank">Miraval</a> Rose' from Provence</p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p><p><b>Tale of the Tape</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCZUuyAeZjRzn9eToXcokyXqMIYwtf0NDmkjNamMBtpK3kzUtuQhY1FAXoFJLGX-MrK7pmaFZNQXcnSJYhVKvQRBGRuqW0biVCGv396cyilFdHS0ABNEnlDQNsXfGhjNJCS7qgJR5HAVE/s1280/T2Rose.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="803" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCZUuyAeZjRzn9eToXcokyXqMIYwtf0NDmkjNamMBtpK3kzUtuQhY1FAXoFJLGX-MrK7pmaFZNQXcnSJYhVKvQRBGRuqW0biVCGv396cyilFdHS0ABNEnlDQNsXfGhjNJCS7qgJR5HAVE/w322-h512/T2Rose.jpg" width="322" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://www.t2cellar.com/wines-1" target="_blank">T2 Cellars 2018 Rose' of Counoise</a></p><p>Direct press rose' made intentionally with Counoise grapes sourced from the Yakima Valley AVA.</p><p>Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $18.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.miraval.com/en/a-work-of-art/miraval-rose/" target="_blank">2019 Miraval Rose' Provence</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlzhs5HwD1TTgv548YoF9bp05SOc0u5LuvWbg5iOnTdMf8XpC-Io6xHKjGyrnGd7TgiSVxNWzb-oF7I9HgA9Fj2ONZ7iaaEV9ZqQOI8xgaUaTkwKHlT9BV-T9VOMR8YNDZnBh6Nrunz4g/s1280/Miraval.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1156" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDlzhs5HwD1TTgv548YoF9bp05SOc0u5LuvWbg5iOnTdMf8XpC-Io6xHKjGyrnGd7TgiSVxNWzb-oF7I9HgA9Fj2ONZ7iaaEV9ZqQOI8xgaUaTkwKHlT9BV-T9VOMR8YNDZnBh6Nrunz4g/w370-h410/Miraval.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Rose of Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle & Syrah </p><p>All from estate vineyards. The first three grapes were picked and pressed specifically for this Rose, while the Syrah was added via the saignee method.</p><p>Purchased at Total Wines for $20.97. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Round 1. First opening</b></p><p>This is a battle featuring a well known, popular star from France and a little known challenger from Washington state. You might think of this as <a href="https://www.cyclingrevealed.com/oct05/top25-19.html" target="_blank">the battle between Greg Lemond and Bernard Hinault</a> in their classic cycling battles from the 80s.</p><p>T2 Cellars is circling the ring and looking for an opening to strike. The nose features rustic notes of huckleberry, hints of melon and light floral overtones. The palate shows dried rose petals and light tart strawberries with a mean streak of acidity.</p><p>Miraval counters with a light nose of straw and stone fruit. The palate is equally subtle with notes of light straw, melon, unripened peach and a touch of herbal pepper.</p><p>Round one goes to T2 Cellars with a slightly bolder attack, looking for weaknesses to topple the French rose'</p><p><b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b></p><p>Both wines were left un-chilled for an hour. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/533cc192-1316-11e7-8df0-054f474e1d5d-1020x680.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://static.seattletimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/533cc192-1316-11e7-8df0-054f474e1d5d-1020x680.jpg" width="334" /></a></div><p></p><p>T2 Cellars is warming up and getting confident after taking the first round. The nose is featuring more herbal notes of strawberry and melon with light straw and floral character. The palate is developing interesting flavors of tart strawberry and huckleberry on a slightly sultry acidic backbone.</p><p>Miraval is sticking to its tried and true formula (what else would expect from a French champion?). The nose is showing herbal stone fruit along with light strawberry and melon. In a shocking surprise, the palate is evolving with the herbal pepper notes moving to the front, followed by stone fruit and dried strawberries. The acidity is also becoming more prevalent, taking the T2 cellars challenger by surprise with a powerful headlock maneuver.</p><p>Miraval wins the second round with an unexpected show of force. There was a reason that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Hinault" target="_blank">Bernard Hinault</a> earned the nick name "The Badger" and this French Rose' seems to be rising to the occasion in a similar fashion.</p><p><b>Round 3. One day after opening</b></p><p>After returning to the refrigerator for the evening, these two wines emerge for the <a href="https://www.velopress.com/lemond-and-hinault-near-fisticuffs-lemond-hinaults-gonna-pay/" target="_blank">final battle</a>.</p><p>T2 Cellars advance with anger, just like Greg Lemond threatening "Hinault will pay!" The nose continues to show herbal notes of strawberry and melon while taking on a slightly bolder attitude. The palate is building with tart strawberry and sweet watermelon backed by that mean streak of acidity.</p><p>Miraval seems unsure of what to make of this challenger from Washington State. The nose remains subdued and light with notes of herbal stone fruit, melon and hints of strawberry. The palate continues to be driven by herbal strawberry and melon notes, while the pepper notes have abandoned ship.</p><p>To the French Champion's horror, the young upstart from Washington wins the third round and the match!</p><p><b>Wrap up and overall observations</b></p><p>Both of these rose's offer an excellent pairing for warm sunny days. With price points in the $20 neighborhood, the cost is slightly higher than typical rose'. </p><p>I would recommend seeking out both of these wines. The higher price is also reflected in the quality of the wine and the intentional approach to making a rose'. The few extra dollars are well spent on both of these wines.<br /></p>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-60310377572639325522020-02-16T15:36:00.001-08:002020-02-16T15:36:15.567-08:00Washington Cabernet Sauvignon vs. BarossaSome people say that Australian wines are falling out of favor. Well, don't tell that to the Australian bike racers that, once again, dominated the <a href="https://tourdownunder.com.au/" target="_blank">Tour Down Under</a>. And don't tell that to this Cabernet Sauvignon challenger from Langmeil based in Barossa.<br />
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The Tour Down Under marks the beginning of the professional road racing season. Most racers are just starting to return to form. However, the Australian racers are in peak condition since their National Championship races happen a week earlier. This race has been dominated by the Ausies for the past decade, winning 7 out of the last 10 editions. Richie Porte won the <a href="https://www.cyclingnews.com/tour-down-under/" target="_blank">2020 Tour Down Under</a> for his second overall title in the last four years.<br />
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This week's Luchavino matchup features an Australian challenger from Barossa taking on a Washington Carbernet Sauvignon.<br />
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2016 <a href="https://structurewines.com/" target="_blank">Structure Cellars</a> Stillwater Creek Cabernet Sauvignon vs. 2016 <a href="https://www.langmeilwinery.com.au/" target="_blank">Langmeil</a> The Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
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Let's see if the Australian wine challenger from Barossa has as much success as the Australian bike racers! <br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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Structure Cellars 2016 Stillwater Creek Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
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100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Still Water Creek Vineyard<br />
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Provided as a sample by the winery.<br />
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<a href="https://www.langmeilwinery.com.au/assets/client/File/Tasting%20notes/2016%20Blacksmith%20Cab%20Tasting%20Tech%20Note%20.pdf" target="_blank">Langmeil 2016 The Blacksmith Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon</a> <br />
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100% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards located in the Barossa Valley (90%) and Eden Valley (10%)<br />
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Aged for 22 months in 18% new French Oak Barrels.<br />
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Purchased at Esquin for $31.99.<br />
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<b>Round 1. First opening</b><br />
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The
Langmeil Australian Luchador swaggers in to the ring with bold flair.
The nose is full, rich and savory with dark fruit, tar and olive brine.
The palate follows with black cherry, logan berry, flower petals
and a dry tannin driven finish.<br />
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The Structure
Stillwater Creek is getting down and dirty. This single vineyard,
single variety, Cabernet Sauvignon has a nose of currant, earthy spices
and candle wax. The palate is dark and earthy with notes of currant,
black cherry and a dry graphite tinged tannin spiced finish.<br />
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The Australian takes round one based on its bold swagger and attacking style.<br />
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<b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b><br />
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The
Australian challenger, from Barossa, is sticking with what works. The
nose is featuring black currant, tar and savory olive brine. The palate
also shows black currant, dry herbal spices and a very dry tannin
finish.<br />
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Structure
is dropping in from the top turnbuckle with a powerful move. The nose shows character of currant, black cherry, earthy herbal spices and
savori umami notes. The palate is building strength with black cherry,
dark berries, cracked pepper and a finish of light cocoa powder and
spicy tannins.<br />
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Structure takes round two with some bold, powerful, maneuvers. <br />
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<b>Round 3. One day after opening</b><br />
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This match is all tied up at one round for each luchador. The final round will be winner take all!<br />
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The
Langmeil challenger is staying strong and steady showing some serious
stamina. The nose has evolved to show more tertiary character with tar,
olive brine and dark savory notes. The palate features dark fruit, dry
pepper and a light cocoa powder finish.<br />
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The Structure
Luchador is getting bigger and meaner as the match wears on. The nose
is showing dark currant, menthol and floral herbal spices. The palate
is building up with dark currant, black cherry and dried white pepper
follwed by a fine dry tannin cocoa powder finish.<br />
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Structure takes round three and the match with an overwhelming show of power!<br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations.</b><br />
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The
Structure Stillwater Creek Cabernet Sauvignon is part of the winery's
single vineyard, single variety program. This program is a great way to
taste and learn about how location affects the character of wine.<br />
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Australia
is predominantly known for Shiraz, or Syrah. The Langmeil Cabernet
Sauvignon shows how other grapes can thrive in Australia. This wine
started out big, bold and savory from the start and maintained that
character through the match.<br />
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The Structure Cabernet Sauvignon built power and character throughout the match.<br />
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Both wines are tasting good now and the Structure Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is likely to continue to build character for many more years to come. <br />
Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-33130609572629583512019-09-19T18:52:00.000-07:002019-09-19T18:52:19.592-07:00Washington Syrah vs. GigondasAs the Tour de France headed South after visiting Burgundy they passed by the Northern Rhone. Stage 8 departed Macon and finished in St. Etienne. Thomas De Gendt won the stage covering 200 km and seven categorized climbs for nearly 4,000 metres of elevation gain.<br />
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This was also the day that Julian Alaphilipe regained the overall race leader's yellow jersey.<br />
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In honor of De Gendt's long range attack, this final installment of the Tour de France challenge features a Washington Syrah taking on Gigondas.<br />
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2017 <a href="https://successionwines.com/" target="_blank">Succession</a> Syrah vs. 2016 <a href="http://www.labouissiere.com/" target="_blank">Domaine la Bouissiere</a> Gigondas<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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<a href="https://successionwines.orderport.net/product-details/0116/2017-Syrah" target="_blank">Succession 2017 Syrah</a><br />
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100% Syrah from the Defiance Vineyard on the South shore of Lake Chelan.<br />
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Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $42.00.<br />
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<a href="http://www.labouissiere.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/FT-BOUI%CC%88SSIERE-gigondas.pdf" target="_blank">2016 Domaine La Bouissiere Gigondas</a> <br />
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Estate grown grapes from 52 year old vines<br />
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66% Grenache, and 34% Syrah<br />
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Purchased from <a href="https://madwine.com/rhone-reds/92076-domaine-la-bouissiere-gigondas-2014.html" target="_blank">Esquin</a> for $44.99. <br />
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<b>Round One. First opening.</b><br />
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The Succession Luchador swaggers in to the ring with some serious brawn and bravado. The nose is showing dark plum, blue fruit and light earthy notes followed by cocoa and menthol spices. The palate is dark and bold with notes of dark fruit, white pepper and dry cocoa powder.<br />
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The French challenger from Gigondas is floating around the ring, circling the powerful Washington opponent looking for an opening to launch a counter attack. The nose features earthy aromas of medium red fruit and candle wax. The palate shows tart red fruit, dried flowers and a strong tannin fueled finish.<br />
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This match looks like it is going to be a clash of contrasting styles. Succession takes the first round with bruising style.<br />
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<b>Round Two. One hour later.</b><br />
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<a href="https://e00-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2019/02/01/15489870726389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="660" height="179" src="https://e00-marca.uecdn.es/assets/multimedia/imagenes/2019/02/01/15489870726389.jpg" width="320" /></a>Succession is building muscle on top of muscle! The nose is showing dark plum. light violet and white pepper notes. The palate follows suit with dark fruit, cocoa and cracked pepper followed by a potent barrel spice finish.<br />
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Domaine La Bouissiere isn't backing down, using its more athletic approach to confound the stronger luchador from Washington. The nose is showing more savory character with dark fruit and savory, earthy notes. The palate shows tart red fruit, leather, white pepper and a dry tannin finish.<br />
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Score another round for the Succession luchador as it dominated the French challenger's counter attacking style.<br />
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<b>Round Three. One day later.</b><br />
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The only hope for Gigondas is to go for a submission hold. Let's see what unfolds in the final round.<br />
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Succession is showing significant stamina with a nose of dark fruit, coffee, cocoa powder, earthy white pepper and violets. The palate features dark fruit, mole' and menthol spices with a slightly tart finish.<br />
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The luchador from Gigondas is mounting a furious attack, but it may be too late. The nose is showing dark berries, leather and white pepper backed by earth tones. The palate is similar with tart light pepper notes and a tannin driven finish that is still going strong.<br />
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The French challenger showed plenty of heart, but it was not enough to overcome the strength of the Succession luchador. Succession takes the final around and the match with a convincing 3-0 victory.<br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations</b><br />
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Both of these wines showed class and staying power over the course of the match. Each wine demonstrated a distinct style.<br />
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The Succession Syrah was rich and luxurious while the Gigondas showed more earthy and tannin character.<br />
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I would definitely recommend both of these wines. Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-17097463341711877072019-08-05T19:17:00.001-07:002019-08-05T19:35:21.362-07:00Washington Pinot Noir v. BurgundyThe Tour de France finished last Sunday with the traditional parade into Paris followed by several high speed laps around the Champs-Elysees. This year's tour lacked any serious attacking by the top GC contenders. They all appeared to be biding their time until the Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe would crack under the pressure of wearing the Yellow Jersey for nearly the entire race.<br />
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Things finally came to life in the last few days that featured three big days of climbing in the French Alps. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and the <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/tour-de-france/stage-19/results/" target="_blank">penultimate climbing stage</a> was cut short due to hail and mud slides. The racers times were taken at the top of the Col d'Iseran and as a result Alaphillipe finally lost the race lead to Egan Bernal who only had to hold his GC leader position on Stage 20, which also ended up being shortened due to the same mud slides.<br />
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The race appeared to be building to a crescendo with Thibaut Pinot showing signs of being the top climber in the tour. But everything came crashing down on Stage 19. Not just the hail and mud slides, but also Pinot's race as he retired just 30 kilometers into the stage due to a torn thigh muscle.<br />
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This week's challenge pays tribute to Thibaut Pinot, one of France's top racers and strongest hope to once again have a Frenchman win le Tour.<br />
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<a href="https://successionwines.com/" target="_blank">Succession Wines</a> 2017 Pinot Noir v. <a href="http://www.domaine-dubois.com/" target="_blank">R. Dubois & Fils</a> 2015 Nuits Saint Georges Burgundy<br />
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<a name='more'></a><b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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<a href="https://successionwines.orderport.net/product-details/0115/2017-Pinot-Noir" target="_blank">Succession Wines 2017 Pinot Noir</a><br />
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100% Pinot Noir from the Antoine Creek Vineyard<br />
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Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $40.<br />
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100% Pinot Noir grown on their estate vineyard. The vines are all at least 30 years old.<br />
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Aged for 15 months prior to bottling including 6-9 months in one third new oak barrels.<br />
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Purchased at <a href="https://westseattlewinecellars.com/" target="_blank">West Seattle Wine Cellars</a> for $48.<br />
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<b>Round one. First Opening.</b><br />
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The Succession Luchador kicks things off with style, featuring a nose of earthy brambles and savory dried red berries. The palate is similar with dried berries, herbal spices and earthy overtones backed up with a fine touch of acidity.<br />
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The French challenger brings more force to the ring with a nose of darker red fruit and savory asphalt tones. The palate shows floral notes, tart cherries and earthy notes with a strong tannin driven finish.<br />
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R. Dubois takes the opening round with a stunning show of strength.<br />
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<b>Round two. One hour later.</b><br />
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Succession is regrouping and working out a strategy to fight strength with agility. The nose has notes of herbal dried strawyberries and huckleberry, and earthy spices. The palate doubles down on the spices with earthy white pepper up front followed by dried red berries and a fine acidic finish.<br />
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R. Dubois seems a bit over confident after winning round two, taking a more relaxed approach into round two. The nose has notes of dark raspberry and light herbal menthol spices. The palate is slightly laid back with medium red berries and herbal floral white pepper notes. The tannin finish has mellowed substantially. <br />
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The Washington Luchador takes round two, dancing around the lumbering French challenger with a spicy attack. That evens that match at 1 round a piece.<br />
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<b>Round three. One day later.</b><br />
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The match is all tied up. Which Luchador is going to bring a strong finish and take the match?<br />
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<a href="https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/184/519/1eaaad69ecf8fd3d37ba3832d19ba4a4_crop_exact.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&q=75" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://img.bleacherreport.net/img/images/photos/003/184/519/1eaaad69ecf8fd3d37ba3832d19ba4a4_crop_exact.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&q=75" width="320" /></a>Succession leaps into the ring off the top turnbuckle. This Washington Luchador is bringing the goods! The nose is continuing to evolve with herbal brambles, strawberry notes and light all spice. The palate follows with similar style adding more emphasis on the spices and solid acidity on the finish.<br />
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The French Luchador is fighting back with a nose of dark red berries, light coffee bean and menthol spices. The palate follows suit with dark berries, earthy menthol spices and hints of savory overtones driven by a fine tannin finish.<br />
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This round was close to call, but the judges give the final round to Succession based on speed, style and aggression.<br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations</b><br />
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These two wines show a significant difference in style. The Washington Pinot Noir is lighter with nice earthy spicy character. The French Pinot Noir from Burgundy was darker and showed a surprising amount of tannins.<br />
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The Succession shows a bit more acidity and liveliness and would make an excellent food pairing wine.<br />
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With its darker character the R. Dubois will stand on its own or pair well with a heavier meal.<br />
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Both wines are drinking well right now and I would recommend both.<br />
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Stay tuned for the final Tour de France installment featuring Succession Syrah vs. France.<br />
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<span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-63146160560942442262019-07-14T07:48:00.001-07:002019-07-14T07:48:53.732-07:00Washington Chardonnay vs. ChablisThe <a href="http://www.steephill.tv/tour-de-france/" target="_blank">Tour de France</a>, <a href="https://www.welovecycling.com/wide/2014/05/22/la-grande-boucle-greatest/" target="_blank">Le Grande Boucle</a>, the ultimate bike race, kicked off this week with three stages in Belgium before the racing actually began in France. The first stages in Belgium brought some excitement and unexpected results with the Dutch team, <a href="https://www.teamjumbovisma.com/" target="_blank">Jumbo Visma</a>, taking the first two stages and owning the yellow, race leader's, jersey.<br />
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The third stage finally delivered the racers to France and Frenchman Julian Alaphilippe did not disappoint. He <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/tour-de-france/stage-3/results/" target="_blank">won the third stage</a> and took the yellow jersey off the Dutchman, Mike Teunissen's shoulders.<br />
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With the tour racing through Northeastern France, the teams will spend at least a day in the Burgundy wine region with <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/tour-de-france/stage-8/results/" target="_blank">Stage 8</a> beginning in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A2connais" target="_blank">Macon</a>. Maconis one of Burgundy's regions that features the Chardonnay grape. This is an exciting region for French wine and it was also a day of exciting racing at le Tour with Alaphilippe retaking the race lead! That gives us the perfect reason to match a Washington <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chardonnay" target="_blank">Chardonnay</a> with a French <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chablis_wine" target="_blank">Chablis</a>.<br />
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2018 <a href="https://successionwines.com/" target="_blank">Succession</a> Chardonnay vs. 2016 <a href="http://chablis-lavantureux.fr/en/" target="_blank">Roland Lavantureux</a> Chablis<br />
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<b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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<a href="http://successionwines.orderport.net/product-details/0110/2018-Chardonnay" target="_blank">2018 Succession Chardonnay</a><br />
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100% Chardonnay from <a href="https://www.washingtonwine.org/vineyards/clos-chevalle-vineyards/" target="_blank">Clos Chevalle Vineyard</a> in the <a href="http://lakechelanwinevalley.com/" target="_blank">Lake Chelan AVA</a><br />
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Aged for 6 months in new French Oak Barrels<br />
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Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $30<br />
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<a href="http://chablis-lavantureux.fr/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/technical-sheet-chablis-2016.pdf" target="_blank">2016 Roland Lavantureux Chablis</a> <br />
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100% Estate Chardonnay from 25 - 30 year old vines.<br />
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80% aged in inox tank and 20% aged in neutral oak barrels.<br />
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Purchased at Vashon Thriftway for $24.99.<br />
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<b>Round One. First opening</b><br />
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The distinct style difference between these two luchadors is evident before they even step into the ring.<br />
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The Succession Chardonnay has a bold swagger, while the French Chablis is shy and reserved.<br />
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Succession is bringing it right from the start with a nose that features white flowers, pineapple and dried straw. The palate shows more citrus character with some lychee notes and a mean streak of acidity.<br />
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The Roland Lavantureux is immediately on it's back foot. The French challenger is blowing out a smoke screen with a nose that is predominately sulfur and saline. The palate comes through with steely mineral driven flavors of saline, white flowers and star fruit with decent acidity.<br />
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Succession takes round one with an overpowering attack.<br />
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<b>Round Two. One hour later</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Ric-Flair-Shawn-Michaels-Figure-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels at WWE's 'Wrestlemania'" border="0" class="image wp-post-image" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="TheWrap" height="213" src="https://www.thewrap.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Ric-Flair-Shawn-Michaels-Figure-4.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Succession luchador is building strength in round two locking up the French challenger with a wicked figure four leg lock. The nose is showing notes of lemon, hazelnut and light pineapple. The palate is building strength with lemon oil, lychee and green apple inspired acidity.<br />
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Roland Lavantureux is hoping to slide out of the ring to gain a moment's respite from the brutal Succession assault! The nose is dominated by mineral and saline character followed up with notes of star fruit and dried straw. The palate is dry with tropical star fruit and citrus acidity.<br />
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The Washingtong luchador is proving to be too big a challenge for the Chablis to overcome. Succession wins another round with ease to take a 2-0 lead.<br />
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<b>Round Three. One day later</b><br />
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What will these luchadors bring to the ring for the final round after a cooling off period?<br />
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"More pain!" says Succession. This Washington State luchador shows no sign of letting up. The nose is evolving to show straw, candle wax, white flowers and light lemon zest with light hints of minerality. The palate follows suit, driven by mineral and saline notes and followed up by lemon oil and white flowers all driven by solid acidity.<br />
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The French challenger is attempting to fight back, but doesn't seem to be able to find any leverage. The nose is showing strong mineral notes followed by a palate expressing dry citrus and light tropical notes with a decent acid backbone.<br />
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Although the Roland Lavantureux showed signs of strength, they weren't enough to overcome the steady attack of the Succession Chardonnay.<br />
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Succession wins the match 3 rounds to 0.<br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations</b><br />
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A note about my tasting techniques with white wines:<br />
<ul>
<li>Round one features the wine's character directly from the refrigerator. The character of a white wine will often be muted under these conditions.</li>
<li>Round two features the wine after it has been standing for an hour with no cooling. As the wine warms up more of the fruit character will be exposed.</li>
<li>Round three features the wine after going back in the fridge to chill for a day. I find the wine's character lands somewhere in between the character it showed in round one and two.</li>
</ul>
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These two Chardonnays definitely show the difference between Washington and France.<br />
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The Succession Chardonnay has a bolder style with more body and a viscous mouth feel.<br />
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The Roland Lavantureux brought a much more mineral drive style of Chardonnay to the match.<br />
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Both of these wines are very good and will hit all the right notes depending on your mood and what you are looking for.<br />
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Stay tuned for two more Tour de France inspired matchups featuring Succession wines vs France.<br />
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<br />Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-41826809115973492862019-06-13T18:59:00.001-07:002019-06-13T18:59:32.612-07:00Washington Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Santa CruzMost stage races are won in the mountains. The month of May includes
two top stages races, The <a href="https://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/" target="_blank">Tour of California</a> and the Giro d'Italia.
Both races provide multiple mountain stages for the climbers to enforce
their will on the rest of the peleton.<br />
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In this year's Tour of California Tadej Pogacar made the decisive move on the <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-california-2019/stage-6/results/" target="_blank">sixth stage to Mt. Baldy</a>. He started the day in fourth and took the overall lead be winning the final mountain finish of this year's race. <br />
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Wine challengers
can try to follow the same strategy. In this week's challenge
California heads to the Santa Cruz Mountains to find their challenger for
Cabernet Sauvignon supremacy!<br />
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<a href="https://www.saviahcellars.com/" target="_blank">Saviah Cellars</a> 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon vs. <a href="https://www.mounteden.com/" target="_blank">Mount Eden</a> 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
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<b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.saviahcellars.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2014-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Reserve-Tech-Notes-Web.pdf" target="_blank">Saviah Cellars 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon</a><br />
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100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Anna Marie and McClellan<br />
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Aged for 24 months in 50% new French Oak Barrels<br />
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Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $45<br />
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<a href="https://www.mounteden.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/2014DomaineCabTechSheet.pdf" target="_blank">Domaine Eden 2014 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon</a> <br />
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75% Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
14% Merlot<br />
6% Cabernet Franc<br />
4% Petit Verdot<br />
1% Malbec <br />
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Aged in twice-fifth use French Oak barrels.<br />
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Purchased at Esquin for $41.99.<br />
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<b>Round 1. First opening</b><br />
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Saviah Cellars swaggers in to the ring with some serious confidence. The nose features dark currant, savory smoked meat and floral violets. The palate doubles down on the swagger with dark currant, cocoa and coffee bean with hints of menthol and a cracked pepper finish.<br />
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The Mount Eden luchador battles back with an agile attacking style. The nose is showing herbal dried cherries, leather and candle wax. The palate follows suit with dry cherries and light dried herbal notes followed by a slightly tannic finish. <br />
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This match looks like it is going to feature a clash of opposite styles. Saviah Cellars takes round 1 with a more robust, aggressive style.<br />
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<b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b><br />
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The grappler from Washington is showing no sign of letting up, bringing the power with a nose of dark currant, blue berry, savory bacon fat and cracked pepper with some floral overtones. The palate showcases dark fruit, cocoa powder, coffee bean and light menthol with spicy cracked pepper on the finish.<br />
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Mount Eden is stepping up its game with a nose of dank forest floor, dark cherry and light white pepper. The palate is showing currants, light pepper and notes of dry leather with a dry fine grained tannin finish.<br />
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Round 2 was closer due to the California challenger's increased intensity. Even so, Saviah takes round 2 and a commanding 2-0 lead.<br />
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<b>Round 3. One day after opening</b><br />
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And Saviah looks to end this match in convincing fashion with a wicked clothes line to the throat of the Mount Eden luchador. The nose follows suit with dark currant, blue berries, coffee and olive brine all topped off with light floral tones. The palate is equally dark with notes of dark berries, cracked pepper, cocoa powder and menthol spice followed by a savory tannin fueled finish.<br />
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The Mount Eden Cabernet is stunned. Staggering around the ring, the nose has evolved to show pungent forest floor, wet leaves, dark cherry and light white pepper spices. The palate is featuring dark and tart cherry and dried leather with a fine graphite tannin finish.<br />
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Saviah Cellars takes round 3 for a decisive 3-0 victory in this clash of Cabernet titans! <br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations</b><br />
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This was a battle of heavy weights with contrasting styles. Both of these wine luchadors brought their A game to the battle.<br />
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The Saviah Cellars reserve Cabernet Sauvignon showed off the sultry character of Walla Walla and The Rocks.<br />
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The Domaine Eden Cabernet Sauvignon represented the complexity that wines made from higher altitude California vineyards can bring.<br />
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You can't go wrong with either one of these selections. They are drinking well now and should continue to age for at least 5 more years.<br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;" /><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-35696325190006793982019-03-05T19:48:00.001-08:002019-03-05T19:48:07.796-08:00Washington Cabernet Sauvignon vs. Australia<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The pro race calendar typically gets kicked off with several stage races in Australia that follow the Australian national championships. These early season races are often dominated by the Australians in the pro peleton since this is the only time they really get to race in front of their home country. Also, most of the road cyclists are just coming off their off-season and are only beginning to think about building their form for the upcoming year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-down-under-2019/" target="_blank">Tour Down Under</a> and the <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/jayco-herald-sun-tour-2019/" target="_blank">Jayco Herald Sun Tour</a> wrapped up a solid three weeks of January racing in Australia. It came as no surprise that these races featured top results from <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-down-under-2019/stage-6/results/" target="_blank">Ritchie Porte, Daryl Impey</a> and a surprise challenger from Canada, <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/jayco-herald-sun-tour-2019/stage-2/results/" target="_blank">Michael Woods</a>. Porte is Australian. Impey is the defending Tour Down Under Champion. Both do well on the semi-hilly terrain that the Australian races have to offer. Impey is the first rider to win back-to-back editions of the Tour Down Under. Undoubtedly, this made his Australian based team, Mitchelton-Scott, very happy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">This week’s Lucha Vino challenge features a Washington Cabernet Sauvignon taking on a challenger from the McLaren Valle in Australia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">2015 <a href="http://www.cooperwinecompany.com/" target="_blank">Cooper</a> Estate Cabernet Sauvignon vs. 2013 <a href="http://www.preceptwine.com/vineyards-estates/vineyards/davey-estate/" target="_blank">Davey Family</a> D-Block Cabernet Sauvignon </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Tale of the Tape</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://cooperwine.orderport.net/product-details/0224/16-Estate-Cabernet-Sauvignon" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2015 Cooper Estate Cabernet Sauvignon</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Cooper Estate vineyard on Red Mountain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Aged in 100% French Oak barrels</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Provided by the winery as a sample. Available at retail for $95.</span></div>
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<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7877/46571740184_f105946154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="312" height="320" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7877/46571740184_f105946154.jpg" width="199" /></a><a href="http://www.preceptwine.com/our-wines/shingleback/cabernet-sauvignon/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">2013 Davey Family D-Block Cabernet Sauvignon </span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Davey Family Vineyard in the McClaren Vale</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Aged for 14 months in 90% French Oak and 10% Central European oak hogsheads</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Purchased from Total WInes for $49.99. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Round 1. First opening</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Cooper charges into the ring with a nose showing dark fruit, coffee bean and savory earthy notes. The palate features dark cherry, cola, cocoa and a fine cocoa powder tannin finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Davey Family luchador attempts to bring la familia into the ring and is denied by the ref. The nose is ripe with blueberry notes and the palate follows with similar character.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Cooper luchador takes round one with a diverse attack over the one dimensional Australian challenger.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Round 2. One hour after opening</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Cooper continues to be the aggressor with a nose featuring black cherry, coffee and cocoa. The palate doubles down on the black cherry, coffee and cocoa notes and throws in some white pepper for good measure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Davey is stumbling around the ring searching for answers. The nose continues to show blueberry fruit with the palate doing the same with a slight hint of white pepper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Cooper takes another round over the Australian luchador which looks to be over-matched.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Round 3. One day after opening</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://scontent-amt2-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/941fe94b5df526d6c5b047adf2d37c85/5CA3217C/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c0.0.1079.1079/s640x640/44328388_263493861033679_5291589798177694439_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://scontent-amt2-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/941fe94b5df526d6c5b047adf2d37c85/5CA3217C/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/c0.0.1079.1079/s640x640/44328388_263493861033679_5291589798177694439_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Cooper Red Mountain luchador is putting the finishing touches on this match by wrapping up the Australian in a wicked head lock. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Cooper is showing stamina with a nose that continues to show black cherry, coffee and cocoa notes. The palate follows suit with the addition of white pepper and a fine grained cocoa powder tannin finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Davey is tapping out with a nose heavy on fruit character with blue berry and plumb notes. The palate is similar with a slightly dry tannin finish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">That's it. Cooper wins the match by TKO.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Wrap up and overall observations</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Cooper Estate Cabernet Sauvignon showed off some serious Red Mountain AVA style. This wine has many more good years ahead of it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Davey Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon never got started. It is hard to say why this wine remained so one dimensional across the entire match.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">I highly recommend the Cooper Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Any wine cellar will benefit from having this Washington Wine Luchador join their squad. </span></div>
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Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-28612521017159963642018-11-16T18:47:00.002-08:002018-11-16T18:47:34.243-08:00Washington Tempranillo vs. RiojaAlejandro Valverde finally <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/uci-road-world-championships-2018/mens-elite-road-race/results/" target="_blank">won the UCI World Championships</a> this year after finishing in the top 3 in six previous editions of the World Championship road race. He added the Gold Medal, on a hilly course in Innsbruck Austria, to go with his four bronze and two silver medals.<br />
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Even though Valverde has been implicated in past blood doping scandals, he has never failed a doping test. This has lead to him being a polarizing figure in the pro cycling peloton. Say what you will, but Valverde is the only racer to achieve success after emerging from the "doping era." Most of his cycling peers that were implicated in doping schemes retired or never returned to anything representing their doping fueled form.<br />
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To recognize Valverde's world championship success and celebrate International Tempranillo day, this edition of the Lucha Vino challenge features a Washington Tempranillo taking on a challenger from Rioja.<br />
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2012 <a href="https://idilicowine.com/" target="_blank">Idilico</a> Tempranillo vs. 2010 Rioja <a href="http://www.vinosatlantico.com/" target="_blank">La Tercera</a> Reserva<br />
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<b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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<a href="https://idilicowine.com/product/tempranillo/#specs" target="_blank">2012 Idilico Tempranillo</a><br />
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100% Tempranillo from Upland Vineyard.<br />
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Aged for 20 months in neutral French oak barrels.<br />
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Purchased from Full Pull for $17.99.<br />
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<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4900/45836399812_72c82f8aa9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="500" height="307" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4900/45836399812_72c82f8aa9.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.vinosatlantico.com/wine/1263-la-tercera-reserva" target="_blank">2010 Rioja La Tercera Reserva </a><br />
90% Tempranillo, 5% Garnacha and 5% Graciano all from the Rioja region of Spain. <br />
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Aged for 30 months in barrel and 6 months in bottle.<br />
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Purchased from Full Pull for $21.99.<br />
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<b>Round 1. First opening</b><br />
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Idilico swaggers into the ring overflowing with confidence. The nose is showing dark toasty cherry notes along with earthy menthol spices. The palate is featuring similar dark cherry flavors paired up with notes of cracked pepper and flower petals. The finish is spicy with some hints of cocoa powder.<br />
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The La Rioja Luchador seems a bit tentative. The nose has notes of briney dark plumb. The palate is similar with the addition of tart dried leather, packing plenty of tannin on the finish.<br />
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Round 1 goes to Idilico for a superior showing of strength.<br />
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<b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b><br />
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Idilico continues to build strength into the second round. The Washington state luchador leaps into the ring off the top rope, leveling the Spanish challenger with a devastating body slam. The nose is dark and toasty with funky smokey notes and floral overtones. The palate also shows off some floral notes combined with a one, two, punch of dark fruit and smoked cracked pepper followed by a savory oily and spicy finish.<br />
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La Tercera is struggling despite encouragement from the crowd and the corner. The nose has evolved to show earthy, herbal dark berries and plumbs with hints of violet. The palate follows suit with a dry finish.<br />
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Once again, The Washington State Luchador overwhelms the opponent by flashing powerful moves.<br />
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<b>Round 3. One day after opening</b><br />
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Look out below. Idilico is turning out the lights! The nose is showing dark earthy berries and black cherry. The palate is building power to show more barrel notes of cocoa mixed with white pepper and black cherry. The finish kicks in with more barrel spices and kicks the Rioja challenger to the curb.<br />
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La Tercera hasn't been able to get out of neutral for the entire match. The third round is proving to be no different than the first two. The nose remains relatively consistent with notes of plumb mixed with some dusty, earthy mineral notes. The palate features pie cherry, leather and light menthol spice followed by a dry tannin fueled finish.<br />
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This match was never in question. Idilico takes the final round for a resounding victory.<br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations.</b><br />
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The 2012 Idilico Tempranillo is hitting it's prime. This Tempranillo is showing all the character of a Rioja Riserva or Gran Riserva. The barrel notes are extremely complimentary to the Tempranillo's dark fruit and spice character.<br />
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Even though the La Tercera has two more years of age on it, this wine seems like it could benefit from a year or two more in the bottle. The character was quite dry and tart which I found surprising for a wine that is predominantly Tempranillo.Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-58042310890167156992018-10-07T09:15:00.001-07:002018-10-07T09:15:36.848-07:00The Stones Speak at Saviah Cellars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rich Funk, of <a href="https://www.saviahcellars.com/" target="_blank">Saviah Cellars</a>, is an awesome ambassador for <a href="http://www.rocksdistrict.com/" target="_blank">The Rocks District of Milton Freewater AVA</a>. His winery is located just North of the Washington/Oregon state line that divides the Walla Walla Valley AVA. The winery was founded in 2000 and has been turning out quality Washington wine ever since.<br />
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Back in 2000 Rich's family name didn't seem like a great name for a winery. Fast forward to 2018 and "Funk" seems like the perfect name to represent a winery with 20 acres of estate vineyards located in The Rocks District of Milton Freewater.<br />
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Rich has two primary vineyards located in "The Rocks" - The Funk Estate vineyard and The Stones Speak vineyard. These vineyards are dominated by Syrah plantings that find their way into three wines that make up Saviah's Estate Collection: The Stones Speak Syrah, Hunt and Gather and The Funk Syrah.<br />
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I made a quick side trip during the 2018 Wine Bloggers Conference to visit with Rich and taste some of his latest offerings. Harvest is going full bore in Washington state and Saviah was definitely buzzing during my visit. Rich was gracious enough to take some time out of his day to share stories and wine.<br />
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Here are three wines from The Rocks that definitely speak to the AVA's uniqueness:<br />
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<a href="https://www.saviahcellars.com/wine/estate/2015-syrah-stones-speak/" target="_blank">The Stones Speak</a> estate syrah is made from 100% syrah sourced from The Stones Speak estate vineyard in the Rocks District.<br />
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wine showcases the sultry and savory, rich character that makes Syrah
from the Rocks so unique. It also shows off beautiful floral notes as
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The wine is aged for 17 months in 20% new French Oak Puncheons.<br />
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<a href="https://www.saviahcellars.com/wine/estate/2015-syrah-funk/" target="_blank">The Funk Syrah</a> comes from the Funk estate vineyard and is co-fermented with 4% Viognier.<br />
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This wine is aged for 17 months in 20% new French oak puncheons and an additional 18 months in bottle.<br />
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The wine opens up with savory notes of olives, and dark floral notes including a hint of orange peel. The palate features more dark savory & sultry character with notes of white pepper joining the party.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUw5411MeVWFk-QzSXTc7lEcN98xA1J6QvHFLlXFffaWoNB3cuih90gNhBeY6k_z7tI1gPeMTiC57V-NGWfcY4HGUY8MhDFZL5NSPwDwl2U0bb-TIckRH6NMNQbnMTKM_1Rsiv8sVuU3Y/s1600/IMG_8424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1189" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuUw5411MeVWFk-QzSXTc7lEcN98xA1J6QvHFLlXFffaWoNB3cuih90gNhBeY6k_z7tI1gPeMTiC57V-NGWfcY4HGUY8MhDFZL5NSPwDwl2U0bb-TIckRH6NMNQbnMTKM_1Rsiv8sVuU3Y/s200/IMG_8424.JPG" width="148" /></a><a href="https://www.saviahcellars.com/wine/estate/2013-hunt-gather-red-wine/" target="_blank">Hunt and Gather</a> combines Syrah from the Funk Estate vineyard and
Cabernet Sauvignon from the McClellan vineyard. The two grapes grown in
different locations combine together to show off The Rocks funk on the
nose and then more elegant fruit and tannins from the McClellan Cab.<br />
<br />
2013 Hunt and Gather is an even 50/50 split of Syrah and Cabernet
Sauvignon. This wine starts out with notes of savory oily olives, rich berries and dusty floral notes that are followed by a
light peppery finish that includes fine tannins and subtle cocoa powder notes.<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGdoiUtu6Wo33emFjIbcKU6QwPcWahYX8CQ7UzHk00nOmCW6g4pKvDwScwYhlFXDdWLsJ82aGMvgni8yFbe9WBLa6tVhu36RkLOJIDLx2QIZHWHG6uTTezzXfBSHFsZQirlowphJy6CoO/s1600/IMG_8425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1204" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGdoiUtu6Wo33emFjIbcKU6QwPcWahYX8CQ7UzHk00nOmCW6g4pKvDwScwYhlFXDdWLsJ82aGMvgni8yFbe9WBLa6tVhu36RkLOJIDLx2QIZHWHG6uTTezzXfBSHFsZQirlowphJy6CoO/s200/IMG_8425.JPG" width="150" /></a>Rich shared a preview of the yet to be released 2014 which features a larger dose of the McClellan Cab at 60% of the blend. Funk Estate Syrah makes up the other 40%. The 2014 Hunt and Gather brings similar savory briney olive notes with hints of orange peel on the nose. The palate is smoky and savory with the addition of floral dried cherries and currants that give way to a finish that features fine tannins and light cracked pepper.<br />
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If you are visiting <a href="http://www.wallawalla.org/" target="_blank">Walla Walla</a> and want to learn more about The Rocks District of Milton Freewater, I highly recommend making a visit to Saviah Cellars!<br />
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<br />Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-48088859652183696602018-08-19T08:20:00.001-07:002018-08-22T07:30:29.046-07:00Succession Wines: Building Wine With Soul<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9P1QKTNXYJLqaBlEer6CA21YMcdyHHMLt32IWkPMZ2RYEJu3TiMG4zLLUxq1XRPtLAag9FYwjfBCmMMRLzVlLEgskcr1mGE_O7F0-wFHc9HGPOuCbSJKxM89-T0P7DiliK9QtdRYAmTN/s1600/WineHeartSplash.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9P1QKTNXYJLqaBlEer6CA21YMcdyHHMLt32IWkPMZ2RYEJu3TiMG4zLLUxq1XRPtLAag9FYwjfBCmMMRLzVlLEgskcr1mGE_O7F0-wFHc9HGPOuCbSJKxM89-T0P7DiliK9QtdRYAmTN/s200/WineHeartSplash.png" width="200" /></a>Before Brock Lindsay was a wine maker, and vineyard manager,
he was a project manager with a background in civil engineering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His passion for
building transformed from bridges to wine over the past five years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His materials may have changed, but his
passion has remained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And that passion
shows through in the soul of the Washington wines he shares by the shores of
Lake Chelan.</div>
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Recently, I visited with Brock on a beautiful June Saturday afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During my visit the <a href="https://www.successionwines.com/" target="_blank">SuccessionWines</a> tasting room was absolutely buzzing with activity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is obvious that Brock and his wife Erica have created wines, and a place, that connects with their customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This connection all begins with a focus on
being themselves and creating authentic wines without any gimmicks.</div>
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Brock first became interested in wine during a six-month
stay in Rome while attending college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During his stay in Italy he discovered how wine enriches your every day
experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention the fabulous
historical Italian vineyards and wineries!</div>
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Like many Washington winemakers, Brock started off as a
hobbyist and enthusiast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After purchasing some land in Brewster, Brock and Erica began to explore the wineries surrounding Lake Chelan. These visits continued to build Brock's enthusiasm for wine-making and thoughts of a potential career change. <br />
<br />
His beer and wine making hobby
finally shifted into high gear and a full time career only a few years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The change in career from Civil Engineer to
Wine Maker came in the midst of significant changes in the Lindsay’s life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The biggest change was the loss of their home
in the Carlton Complex wildfires.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brock took
this as a signal that it was time for a deeper change to pursue his dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
Erica’s support his first big step was taking on the job of vineyard manager
for <a href="http://www.antoinecreekvineyards.com/main.html" target="_blank">Antoine Creek</a> vineyards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Simultaneously,
he also started his journey as a commercial winemaker.</div>
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For many new businesses the first challenge is selecting a
name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brock shared with me that naming
his winery was harder than naming his children!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Erica and Brock finally selected “Succession” as the name for their
winery, deriving it from an ecological term for change following a significant disturbance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After selecting the name, Erica hand drew the
winery’s logo and the pursuit of their dream was on!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Hs3ZmDHJKMxWKa0Y2zZYUoNwpvc37Hk6nC1XoTLT92ublFsK7DHzE3-6xJVtowVCwpwZ_6iT9XLJKxOOlu_IseUd8g553468EgxffKOmI3j9wE2fn_ejUlRgGaTlk_-jCxrrlG4vyhha/s1600/SuccessionLabel.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1296" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Hs3ZmDHJKMxWKa0Y2zZYUoNwpvc37Hk6nC1XoTLT92ublFsK7DHzE3-6xJVtowVCwpwZ_6iT9XLJKxOOlu_IseUd8g553468EgxffKOmI3j9wE2fn_ejUlRgGaTlk_-jCxrrlG4vyhha/s200/SuccessionLabel.png" width="200" /></a>Succession’s first commercial vintage was released in 2016
and consisted of 650 cases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the
beginning, Brock was just selling wine out of the back of his pickup truck,
literally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even at this early stage of
his wine making career he was already delivering wines that made an immediate
impression with the people he met.</div>
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From Brock’s pickup, Succession moved into their brand new
tasting room on the shores of Lake Chelan in late April of 2017 with 1,400 cases of
wine. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wine, and location, proved to
be so popular that Brock sold all his wine in just 4 and a half months!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many industries, gaining a level of
success that ends with selling out your product is a major accomplishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, in the wine business, that
means waiting for your next vintage to be ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thus, Brock and Erica had to close their
tasting room in September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Happily, the tasting room re-opened in May this year with
2,000 cases to share with Succession’s growing legion of fans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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The growth curve for Succession has been pretty
staggering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brock is remaining grounded
and recognizes that doubling in size every year is not sustainable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I asked what his growth target was Brock
replied, “Not doubling every year!”</div>
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His target production level is between three and five thousand
cases per year with one-third white wine and two-thirds red. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brock likens building interesting wine to
seasoning your food “you need salt AND pepper.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Growing in size has given Brock access to more vineyards and barrels to
work with that aid in building wines with depth and soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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From the beginning, Brock has been learning through personal
connections and conversations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His
position as vineyard manager at Antoine Creek has provided the opportunity to
pick the brains of some of Washington’s best wine makers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conversations with people like Greg
Harrington and Brandon Moss from Gramercy Cellars have proven invaluable for Brock on his wine
making journey.</div>
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Brock has also found mentors and friends throughout the
central Washington area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He mentions
Freddy Arredondo from Cave B, his neighbor Charlie Lybecker from Cairdeas and John
Little from Rio Vista.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John has been one
of his biggest mentors, and supporters, dating back to those early days of exploration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Brock believes that building community leads to
success.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Building a successful wine
region takes more than just one winery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everybody learns from one another raising the bar for quality, which
leads to greater success for everybody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Brock envisions a bright future for the <a href="http://lakechelanwinevalley.com/about-lake-chelan-ava/" target="_blank">Lake Chelan AVA</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is optimistic that the growth, and quality of wine,
will continue to gain momentum until Lake Chelan’s reputation shifts from “A
lake with wineries” to “Wineries with a lake.” With Brock’s passion and commitment, I believe
he can drive that vision from lofty goal to reality. </div>
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The next time you are considering a wine inspired vacation,
making a trip to <a href="https://www.lakechelan.com/" target="_blank">Lake Chelan</a> should be near the top of your list of
destinations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And be sure to put
Succession near the top of your list of wineries to visit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brock and Erica bring passion and
authenticity to Succession, building wine with soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The wine community is thriving on the shores
of Lake Chelan and Succession is truly one of the shining stars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<b>Wines to try: Three single varietals and a blend:</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKHlUhLqn8lYcar2ea9-iSnllducaX-VkNZqsdbsfcoZk_8S-p5BGK-iUOozxYxAQ3t9vkPfutzRMJ3WfcsrKySYplX7gIH73li7qjaP0T9N9sfEv6T64N603h8WygpvdPvyc33Gc_EdC/s1600/IMG_7120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1149" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKHlUhLqn8lYcar2ea9-iSnllducaX-VkNZqsdbsfcoZk_8S-p5BGK-iUOozxYxAQ3t9vkPfutzRMJ3WfcsrKySYplX7gIH73li7qjaP0T9N9sfEv6T64N603h8WygpvdPvyc33Gc_EdC/s200/IMG_7120.jpg" width="189" /></a><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sauvignon Blanc made from
grapes sourced from DD Vineyard & Cave B.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This wine is wild fermented and shows nice minerality on the nose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The palate delivers white flowers floating on
top of mineral notes and excellent acidity that leads to a slightly sweet
finish.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rose’ of Pinot Noir from Antoine
Creek is made with grapes picked specifically for making rose’. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The grapes have a mere three hours of skin
contact before moving on to stainless steel for fermentation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This rose shows excellent herbal notes of strawberry,
huckleberry and meadow flowers with delightful acidity.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Cabernet Franc from Antoine
Creek and Cave B shows wild herbs along with notes of strawberry and
raspberry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The palate brings on
cranberry, raspberry and herbal pepper spices with subtle menthol followed by
excellent tannins on the finish.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bridge Builders Blend Cabernet
Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc from Antoine Creek and Syrah from the Nefarious
Defiance vineyard. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This red shows off
Brock’s blending skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The nose shows
herbal dark red berries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The palate is
slightly darker with herbal character intermingled with black cherry, raspberry
and white pepper built on a stellar backbone with just the right touch of
acidity.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
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</style>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-78238155624661378932018-07-12T19:39:00.000-07:002018-07-12T19:39:05.614-07:00Washington Sangiovese vs. Chianti Classico<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">With the World Cup
causing a delay in the start of le Tour, we are given some time to pause
and reflect on the first grand tour of the year – The <a href="http://www.giroditalia.it/eng/" target="_blank">Giro d’Italia</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The Giro always
offers plenty of intrigue and dynamic racing. The race occurs early
enough in the year that many of the mountain passes are still covered in
snow. In addition to the weather, the organizers
are always striving to deliver something new and innovative in attempts
to one up the French!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">This year’s race
brought plenty of drama, most of it focused squarely on Chris Froome.
Not so much for his racing, but for his <a href="https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/latest-news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-chris-froomes-salbutamol-case-362848" target="_blank">elongated battle over illegal levels of Salbutamol</a> found in his system during last
year’s Vuelta Espana. Froome crashed in the first stage of this year's Giro, shed additional time in the early mountain stages and then made a miraculous come back to <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/chris-froome-takes-a-provisional-place-in-history-with-giro-ditalia-victory/" target="_blank">win the overall classification.</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">This week’s Lucha
Vino matchup features a Washington Sangiovese taking on the grand
champion of Italian Grapes, a Chianti Classico</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">2014 <a href="https://mellisonivineyards.com/" target="_blank">Mellisoni</a> Sangiovese v. 2013 <a href="https://ricasoli.com/en/" target="_blank">Brolio</a> Chianti Classico Riserva</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Tale of the Tape </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1810/43182953011_f5ea94312c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="440" height="320" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1810/43182953011_f5ea94312c.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Mellisoni 2014 Sangiovese</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">100% Sangiovese from Stillwater Creek Vineyard</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Aged in new Hungarian and used French Oak barrels for 20 mnnths.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Provided as a sample by the winery. </span><br />
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<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/920/43182953021_8e70c2eb6e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="265" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/920/43182953021_8e70c2eb6e.jpg" width="169" /></a><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><a href="https://ricasoli.com/en/product/brolio-riserva-2013/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Brolio 2013 Chianti Classico Riserva </span></a><br />
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon all Estate grown</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Aged for 16 months in oak Bariques and 3 additional months in bottle before releasing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Purchased for $29.99 at Esquin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><b><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Round 1. First opening</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The Washington upstart from Mellisoni takes the early initative going on the attack with </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">a nose of dark sandalwood, coffee bean and dark cherry. The palate follows suit with </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">dark cherry, leather, tart floral tannins and bold acidity</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Brolio brawler is getting off to an unorthodox start. The nose is showing rubbery overtones mingled with smoky black cherries. The palate is slightly lighter with notes of bing cherry and a tart tannic finish that is also tinged with that unusual rubbery character. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mellisoni takes the first round with ease.</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">Round 2. One hour after opening </span></b><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mellisoni has picked up some swagger and confidence from round 1. The nose is evolving with notes of dried rose petals intermixed with smoky sandalwood, leather and currants. The palate continues to feature dark cherry while adding new elements of menthol, cracked pepper, cocoa powder and a barrel spice finish.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Washington state Luchador is taking the fight straight at the Italian grand champion! </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">Brolio is somewhat stunned after being rocked back on its heels by Mellisoni's high flying style. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/927226/lucha-libre-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="410" height="222" src="https://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/927226/lucha-libre-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"> Searching for a change of pace the Brolio nose is showing herbal green pepper and pie cherry notes. The palate is similar with pie cherry, herbal pepper and dry leather tannins on the finish.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">There is no let up in the Sangiovese luchador from Mellisoni. The Washington state Sangiovese wins round two.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></span><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">Round 3. One day after opening</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">The only hope for the Brolio Chianti Classico is a pin or tap out from Mellisoni. Here we go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;">Mellisoni is showing strength and stamina with a nose of </span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">bing cherry, light leather and dusty earthy dried flowers. The palate is flexing with notes of </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">darker cherry, cocoa, light menthol and rose petals that lead to a dry finish.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Brolio luchador is finally starting to show some signs of life, but it could be too little, too late... The nose has transitioned to display </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">dark cherry, dried leather and floral notes. The palate doubles down with dark cherry, subtle smoky overtones and dried flowers accompanied by a relatively tannic finish.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">The third round was the most interesting and most contested of the three. Unfortunately for the Brolio brawler, the Mellisoni Sangiovese proved to be too much.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">Mellisoni dominates round three and wins the match 3-0.</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">Wrap up and overall observaations</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">Both of these wines show the darker and stronger side of Sangiovese. The Brolio is made in more of the Super Tuscan style with the addition of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">I'm not sure what was happening with the Brolio, it did not perform on day one and then began to show better character on day two. Perhaps this Chianti Classico just needs more time in the cellar.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">For instant gratification go with the Mellisoni. This Washington Sangiovese is tasting good now and is also showing the potential to age for several more years.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you are patient, give the Brolio a try in another couple years to see how it evolves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-88096883021578204852018-04-27T17:57:00.002-07:002018-04-27T18:15:42.489-07:00Meet the DJ at Structure Cellars<div dir="ltr" id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-bab8ed96-ffcd-28b0-cce6-86adb6647af0" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am a DJ, I am what I play</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> so goes the David Bowie lyric from his song “DJ.” <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgPUxjQOk-w">Watch the video here on YouTube</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKfD5UlJHXZek2GZbJmFdNRTCynY5wvTMM_fsV7tHDhoKaJ90xzStXGZbuBJMnV9dst-xC_K_IJx0PC9IsJpSmPqWojlAcWHZqBbJMVRW0b-1MZmwI9tclFK3u6bKTAiRD9z0ZYQr-Oa6/s1600/dj-2573925_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtKfD5UlJHXZek2GZbJmFdNRTCynY5wvTMM_fsV7tHDhoKaJ90xzStXGZbuBJMnV9dst-xC_K_IJx0PC9IsJpSmPqWojlAcWHZqBbJMVRW0b-1MZmwI9tclFK3u6bKTAiRD9z0ZYQr-Oa6/s320/dj-2573925_640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brian Grasso is THE DJ at <a href="http://www.structurewines.com/" target="_blank">Structure Cellars</a>. He is also the wine maker and co-owner along with his wife Brandee.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I sat down with Brian and Brandee on a recent Friday night at their newest tasting room in SODO to learn more about Structure’s wines and Brian’s taste in music.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When you visit Structure’s tasting rooms you will be greeted warmly by Brian or Brandee and some cool tunes are sure to be playing in the background. Now that they have two tasting rooms Brian and Brandee can set different moods depending on which spot you choose to hang out. Up front in the newest space you are likely to hear some acid jazz or electronica creating a hipster cocktail hour vibe with Brandee. In the back room (their original space) you will hear old-school hip hop courtesy of Brian.</span></div>
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<div dir="ltr" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since Brian is the DJ, he also selects different styles of music to go with his wine making activities. For picking up grapes, Brian prefers classic rock. When he is crushing grapes Brian gets in the groove with Beastie Boys style hip hop. Fermentation and punch downs are Brian’s favorite time in the winemaking process since the grapes release all their aromas when punching down the cap of grapes that form on the top of bins.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just like their tastes in music, Brian and Brandee have different favorites when it comes to wine grapes. Brian favors the Syrah for its spiciness. Brandee’s favorite is the earthy Cabernet Franc. You will see this theme run through Structure’s lineup with single variety Syrahs and Cabernet Francs standing alongside blends that include Syrah and Cab Franc. Perhaps, the most unique wine is “Newel” a blend of Syrah and Cab Franc. </span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TIme Flies when you’re having fun</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brian started making wine at home in 2008. That year he made one barrel of Syrah from Destiny Ridge vineyard. In 2009 he added Cabernet Sauvignon to his portfolio, also from Destiny Ridge. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 2010 Brandee recognized that this wine making thing was likely to stick. That is when she exclaimed “I need Cab Franc!” 2010 became the first vintage for Cabernet Franc along with the new addition of Merlot. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Time has really flown, here we are 10 years later and Structure Cellars is making about 2,500 cases of wine each year that includes three different wine programs with a fourth experimental label underway.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each program is designated by a specific label color. This makes it easy to distinguish the different approaches to the wines.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The blue label is the original Structure label. Brian and Brandee wanted it to look like a blueprint since Brandee brings a strong architectural influence to the Structure philosophy. For an architect, the blueprint represents the plan for a building. For Structure Cellars, the blueprint represents their business plan to deliver wines that let the character of the grape shine through. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The white label was introduced in 2012 as the “Foundation” series. The Foundation wines are made from the best barrels of each vintage. The selections will vary from vintage to vintage depending on which grapes stand out Just like the foundation of a house, these wines represent the strength of Structure’s lineup. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The brown label was introduced in 2014 to showcase the effects of terroir on wine. This label focuses on single variety, single vineyard wines. My personal favorites in this series are the 2014 Syrahs from the Destiny Ridge, Upland, Still Water and Wallula vineyards. Structure will release two new brown label wines from the 2016 vintage; a Cabernet Sauvignon from Upland vineyard and a Syrah from the Wallula vineyard. Brandee says this is Brian’s “best syrah ever!” High praise from somebody that is not a Syrah fan. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2014 also marked the year that Brian and Brandee moved Structure out of their basement in Ballard into their first space in SODO. They needed more space for storage and production as their winery grew. They are “Seattle People” and wanted a place where they could remain connected to Seattle. Brian thought “There are way more people in Seattle than Woodinville, why not provide them with great wine right here?!”</span></div>
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<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/980/39899973150_16fe12a2d2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="305" height="200" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/980/39899973150_16fe12a2d2.jpg" width="121" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The newest label is the Graphite series, which features a single variety aged in new oak barrels. The first wine in this series is a single barrel of Mourvedre. Right now the Graphite label is a “one off.” There might be another, or there might not. A wine must stand out as unique to Brian and Brandee ,and be spectacular in multiple ways, to qualify for the Graphite label. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All of this adds up to Brian’s ability to continue to experiment with his wine making. He says it is amazingly freeing to not be locked into anything specific. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SODO seems like the perfect spot for Structure Cellars. They were one of the first wineries to move in to the SODO Urban Works. Now, they have Sleight of Hand, Rotie, Latta, Kerloo, Waters and Nine Hats as neighbors. The Seattle Urban winery scene is booming in SODO and Structure is a big part of the momentum. Brian is flattered to be able to “hold his own” with his bigger, more well known, neighbors.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am a DJ and I’ve got believers</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brian is creating believers in Structure through his approach to wine making. He wants to make wine that is soft, approachable, food friendly and well balanced. Many people think that “soft” means a wine will not be complex. This certainly isn’t true with Structure. Every wine in their lineup shows interesting character that can be enjoyed as soon as you get your bottle home. Or, you can choose to lay your wine down for a few years and you will also be rewarded with outstanding character.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brian primarily uses whole berry fermentation and very little new oak in is barrel program. HIs 2016 vintage will only see about 12% new oak. This wine making style highlights the character of the grapes and the vineyards. Brian says he wants to let “the dirt do the talking.” This is the inspiration behind his brown label wines.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The number of believers in Structure have contributed to significant growth since they moved into their SODO space. By 2017, Brian needed more production space as their popularity and wine lineup grew. Their speedy growth lead to opening a second SODO tasting room in the later part of 2017.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the reasons behind Structure’s growth is the wine club experience. Brian and Brandee want to create an interactive, engaging experience for their club members. People are encouraged to do their own thing by selecting the wines that will be in their shipments rather than having Brian or Brandee make the choice for them.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A highlight of the year is the annual Cantilever wine event, a wine club party where the members create a wine club exclusive wine. The event has become so popular it required two separate dates this year. The idea behind the blending party is that club members will learn about the character of three or four grapes and then create a blend that suits their individual tastes. Everybody submits their favorite blend and the aggregate of all blends becomes the “winner” that is selected to be that vintage’s exclusive wine club wine.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Brian and Brandee are creating a unique experience at their SODO tasting rooms. Brian is the winemaker and the DJ. He might even take a request and spin some tunes you pick out while you kick back and enjoy some of their fabulous Washington wines in the heart of Seattle. </span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Two to try:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2015 Still Water Creek Syrah</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/973/39899972890_a951323e47_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="254" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/973/39899972890_a951323e47_n.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The nose shows blueberry, white pepper, smoke and earthy savory notes. The palate follows suit with notes of dark blue fruit, cracked pepper, olive brine followed by well balanced tannins on the finish.</span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2015 Boushey Cabernet Franc</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The nose is dark and oily featuring a variety of dark berry aromas with notes of raspberry, and logan berry backed up by subtle herbal spices. The palate shows dark berry, white pepper and herbal notes with a lightly tannin driven finish that includes notes of coffee bean and cocoa.</span></div>
Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-49255070195052413482018-03-31T10:49:00.001-07:002018-03-31T10:49:22.200-07:00Washington Cabernet Sauvignon vs. ArgentinaThe early months of the year bring chilly weather to most of the Northern hemisphere. This typically brings out the cyclocross racers who love racing in the bad weather. Conversely, the pro road racers scramble for warmer climates, drawn to locations such as Australia and Argentina.<br />
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This Luchavino matchup follows the pros to Argentina where they competed in <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-ciclista-a-la-provincia-de-san-juan-2018/" target="_blank">La Vuelta de San Juan</a>, a week long stage race that takes place at the end of January. The majority of the 7 stages take place around the city of San Juan which is located in the <a href="http://winefolly.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/South-America-Wine-Map-wine-folly.jpg#large" target="_blank">wine region</a> of the same name and just to the North of the Mendoza region.<br />
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<a href="http://www.37cellars.com/" target="_blank">37 Cellars</a> 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon vs. <a href="https://www.elixirwinegroup.com/argentina/carmelo-patti.html" target="_blank">Caremelo Patti</a> 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
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<b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.37cellars.com/Wines.htm" target="_blank">37 Cellars 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon</a><br />
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100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Pepper Bridge (88%) Summit View ($.8%) Bacchus (4.5%) and Dionysus (2.7%) Vineyards<br />
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Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $29.99<br />
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<a href="http://bowlerwine.com/wine-or-spirit/cabernet-sauvignon-0" target="_blank">Caremelo Patti 2006 Cabernet Saufignon </a><br />
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100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the <a href="http://blog.winesofargentina.com/tag/perdriel/" target="_blank">Perdriel</a> region located within <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mendoza_wine" target="_blank">Mendoza</a> <br />
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Aged for 12 months in concrete and then transferred to neutral oak barrels for an additional 12 months of aging.<br />
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Purchased at Esquin for $30.99.<br />
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<b>Round 1. First opening</b><br />
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Argentina has sent the patriarch of Lucha Libre for this match. The Carmelo Patti is a veteran of the ring and saunters in full of confidence. The nose is showing savory earthy notes of funky dried mushrooms and cherries. The palate follows up with tart pie cherry and subtle savoriness with a healthy dose of tannin on the finish.<br />
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The 37 Cellars Cabernet isn't bashful, showing some youthful exuberance with a nose that features currants, cherries, candle wax and hints of wet leaves and forest floor. The palate boasts dark cherry and a touch of cocoa powder wrapped around a solid tannin wallop.<br />
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37 Cellars takes round one in this clash that features veteran guile and youthful confidence.<br />
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<b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b><br />
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Carmelo Patti seems to be conserving energy circling the ring and playing some rope-a-dope in an attemt to wear down the Washington Luchador. The nose has evolved to show more tertiary character with herbal cherry, candle wax and vegetal notes. The palate is getting rustic with tart cherry, leather, and light pepper spices followed by a dry finish.<br />
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The Luchador from 37 Cellars will not be denied. This Cabernet is moving in to lower the boom with a nose of dark currant, black cherries, and dry cocoa powder. The palate brings the one-two punch with a repeat of the dark currant and cherry notes while adding a touch of white pepper floating on top of a mellower fine tannin flinish.<br />
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37 Cellars was definitely the aggressor in round two and takes the points again for a dominating 2-0 lead.<br />
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<b>Round 3. One day after opening</b><br />
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This is it. Will the Carmelo Patti rise up and pin the younger 37 Cellars to take a surprising victory? Or, is this match all over but the shouting?<br />
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Here we go, the Argentina patriarch has adjusted its style with a nose that has become more floral with notes of cherry, menthol and some earthy undertones. The palate has also evolved to show more flavors of earthy bing cherry and white pepper followed by a fine grained tannin finish.<br />
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How will the Washington Luchador adjust to this surprising change in
tactics? It looks like the answer to that question is "full speed
ahead" as 37 Cellars shoots the gap and wraps the opponent in a choke
hold hoping to end the match with a flourish. <br />
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The nose is now showing aromas of dark cherry, candle wax and smoky sandalwoood. The palate is still bold with notes of dark currant, black cherry, cracked pepper and some dry cocoa powder notes on the finish.<br />
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Another round for 37 Cellars to take the final round and the match with a decisive 3-0 victory.<br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations.</b><br />
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It was interesting to taste a 12 year old Cabernet from Argentina. This wine has held up with age and is showing the classic tertiary flavors that I associate with an aged red wine.<br />
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The 37 Cellars still has plenty of life left in it. The Pepperbridge Vineyard is known for powerful fruit and this Cabernet Sauvignon certainly backs up that reputation. <br />
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These wines offer distinct character that is quite different from one another. Seek them out for the 37 Cellars bold character or for the Carmelo Patti's aged savoriness.<br /><br />Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-24072441105132894282018-01-20T17:18:00.002-08:002018-01-20T17:18:51.085-08:00Washington Nebbiolo vs. BaroloThe route for the <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2018/" target="_blank">2018 Giro d' Italia</a> was announced recently and the final week of the race is sure to bring some fireworks. The race finishes up in Northern Italy featuring some of the most classic climbs including the <a href="http://www.giroditalia.it/eng/stage/stage-14-2018/" target="_blank">Finestre, Sestrie</a> and <a href="http://www.giroditalia.it/eng/stage/stage-14-2018/" target="_blank">Zocolon</a>. Here is a preview of <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/giro-ditalia-2018-five-key-stages/" target="_blank">5 decisive stages</a> for this year's race.<br />
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Not only is Northern Italy home to some of the most spectacular bike racing, it is also home to one of my favorite grapes; <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebbiolo" target="_blank">Nebbiolo</a>!<br />
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This Lucha Vino challenge commemorates the pro cyclists battles in Northern Italy with a matchup between Washington Nebbiolo and Italian <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barolo" target="_blank">Barolo</a>.<br />
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2013 <a href="https://lostriverwinery.com/" target="_blank">Lost River</a> Nebbiolo vs. 2013 <a href="http://www.baudana.com/en/homepage" target="_blank">Luigi Baudana</a> Barolo<br />
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<b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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<a href="https://lostriverwinery.com/collections/wines/products/2012-nebbiolo" target="_blank">2013 Lost River Nebbiolo</a><br />
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100% Nebbiolo from the <a href="http://www.rosebudvineyards.com/" target="_blank">Rosebud</a> vinyeard in the <a href="https://www.washingtonwine.org/wine/facts-and-stats/regions-and-avas/wahluke-slope" target="_blank">Wahluke Slope AVA</a><br />
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Aged for 16 months in 100% neutral French Oak Barrels<br />
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Purchased for $26 at the winery in Winthrop Washington<br />
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<a href="http://www.baudana.com/uploads/public/44_barolo-docg-baudana-en.pdf" target="_blank">2013 Luigi Baudana Barolo </a><br />
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100% Nebbiolo from the Baudana estate vineyard's 50 year old vines. Aged in Slovakian oak and stainless steel.<br />
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Purchased at Esquin for $52.00<br />
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<b>Round 1. First Opening </b><br />
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The Lost River Luchador is showing some agility from the opening bell. The nose shows tart cherry, light earthy all spice and cinnamon along with black tea and rose petals. The palate is featuring cherries, floral notes, candle wax, earthy tart cedar spices with a tart lightly sweet green tea finish.<br />
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The Baudana Barolo battles back with a nose of earthy cedar spices, dark dusty cherries, black tea and light candle wax. The palate is full of tart cherry and cedar tinged all spice followed by a dry black tea finish.<br />
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These luchadors are throwing down two very different styles. The Lost River Nebbiolo takes round 1 with a fast attacking style.<br />
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<b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b><br />
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<a href="https://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/927226/lucha-libre-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="410" height="222" src="https://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/927226/lucha-libre-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Lost River leaps into the ring with some serous attitude. The nose is doubling down on the cherry notes combined with some additional notes of strawberry, earthy all spice and candle wax. The palate also features tart cherry, dried rose petals, white pepper and black tea. The finish continues to show slightly tart and sweet notes of green tea.<br />
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Luigi Baudana is getting down and dirty fighting back with a nose of cherries, raspberry, black tea and earthy spices. The palate follows suit with tart cherries, dry spices and a tannin fueled finish that features dried flower petals.<br />
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Lost River continues to dominate the match by taking round 2 with flying style.<br />
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<b>Round 3. One day after opening</b><br />
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The Washington Nebbiolo from Lost River is staying strong. The nose is evolving to show more tart strawberry along with candle wax and light earthy spices. The palate is slightly bolder with dark strawberry, black tea and earthy white pepper followed by a slightly tannic green tea finish.<br />
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This is it for the Buadana Barolo, Can the Italian Luchador bring the gusto and take the match with a knock out? Let's find out... The nose continues to show dark cherry, black tea and candle wax. The palate is following up with similar notes of dark cherry, tart cedar spices and a tart tannin fueled finish.<br />
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The Baudana Luchador was a worthy opponent, but just never hit its stride through the three rounds of this match. Lost River took the final round and the match. <br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations</b><br />
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Nebbiolo is a notoriously tannic grape. Typically, that means wines made from Nebbiolo need a minimum of 5 years before their more subtle aromas and flavors start to show through.<br />
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Surprisingly, the Lost River Nebbiolo's tannins were already well integrated with medium bodied red berry flavors and floral spices. <br />
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The Luigi Baudana Barolo showed more classic Barolo character and was driven by strong tannins through the entire matchup. This wine started to mellow and show more of the fruit character two and three days later.<br />
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Both of these wines are good. I would recommend the Lost River for enjoying right now and to let the Luigi Baudana chill out for at least another three years.<br />
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"></span>Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-71691030252323812082017-11-14T20:52:00.002-08:002017-11-14T20:52:19.791-08:00Washington Cabernet Sauvignon vs. BordeauxThe Tour de France organizers recently unveiled the <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-de-france-2018-route-revealed/" target="_blank">2018 route</a>. The 105th edition of le Tour includes some of the most diverse racing in the past decade. The race begins in the Normandy region of North East France rather than in a different country like many of the past editions. After spending a week in Northern France the race heads to the mountains in the Alps and Pyrenees before finishing up in Paris. The finish on the Champs Elysees is one tradition that continues to endure.<br />
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In honor of the Tour's organizers willingness to shake things up, this week's challenge features on upstart from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walla_Walla_Valley_AVA" target="_blank">Walla Walla</a> taking on the old guard from the Left Bank of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bordeaux_wine" target="_blank">Bordeaux</a>.<br />
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2012 <a href="https://kontoscellars.com/" target="_blank">Kontos Cellars</a> Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon vs. 2012 <a href="http://www.fieuzal.com/en/abeille.html" target="_blank">L'Abeille de Fieuzal</a> Pessac-Leognan<br />
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<b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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Kontos Cellars 2012 Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon<br />
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100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Pepper Bridge (66%) and Summit View (33%) vineyards. </div>
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Aged in 40% New Oak Barrels - 80% French Oak.</div>
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Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $41.</div>
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<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4531/26587874409_b5dfe8bc44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="339" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4531/26587874409_b5dfe8bc44.jpg" width="216" /></a>L'Abeille de Fieuzal 2012 Pessac-Leognan<br />
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Made from esatate grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot from the <a href="http://www.pessac-leognan.com/en/" target="_blank">Pessac-Leognan</a> sub-region within the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graves_(wine_region)" target="_blank">Graves AOC</a><br />
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The vines average 35 years in age and the Petit Verdot was planted in 1908!<br />
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Purchased at Esquin for $29.99.<br />
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<b>Round 1. First opening</b><br />
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The Kontos Walla Walla Cab is full of swagger and confidence. The nose features dark cherries, currants, dusty candle wax and earthy floral notes. The palate is dark and rich with black cherry, cola and white pepper followed by a dry cocoa powder finish.<br />
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The French challenger from the Left Bank is off to a pretty casual start. The nose shows dark currants and smoky savory olive brine notes. The palate follows up with similar notes of dark currants along with dried herbal savory notes and a very dry tannin finish.<br />
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Kontos fires off quickly and takes round 1. <br />
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<b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b><br />
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Kontos is ready to rumble and back for more. The nose continues to show black cherries and cola notes along with some hints of cocoa and light white pepper. The palate is doubling down with black cherries, cocoa and white pepper followed by a dry cocoa powder finish.<br />
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The Left Bank Luchador is beginning to pick up steam, but still seems to be a step slow. The nose is showing dark fruit, smoky sandalwood and savory olive brine. The palate is following suit with more dark fruit and smokey savory notes followed by a tight dry finish.<br />
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This round was closer, but Kontos came out on top again for a commanding 2-0 lead in the match. <br />
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<b>Round 3. One day after opening</b><br />
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This is it for the French Luchador. The only hope of victory is a knock out. And it looks like the French challenger from Graves is going for the gusto! The L'Abeille de Fieuzal leaps into the ring off the top turnbuckle with a nose of dark fruit and savory, earthy, olive brine. The palate features dark fruit and tart smokey sandalwood with a tart dry tannin finish.<br />
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Kontos is showing stamina with a nose featuring earthy black cherry, currants, clove and mole’ cocoa spices. The palate follows up with earthy black cherry, menthol, cracked pepper and a dry cocoa powder finish.<br />
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Kontos was going strong, but not quite enough for the final attack from the L'Abeille de Fiezal challenger. None the less, Kontos still takes the match 2-1.<br />
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<b>Wrap Up and Overall Observations</b><br />
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The Graves Left Bank Bordeaux showed strikingly similar character to wines from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocks_District_of_Milton-Freewater_AVA" target="_blank">Rocks</a> region of Walla Walla. The style really started to shine on the second day onwards. Like many French wines, this one needs some time in the decanter to reach its peak.<br />
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The Kontos Walla Walla cab was solid right out of the gate and never let up over the duration of the match.<br />
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If you like bold, rich, cabernet sauvignon dominant wines, I would recommend both of these wine luchadors!<br />
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<br />Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-88269210149635689492017-09-24T07:36:00.001-07:002017-09-24T07:36:37.070-07:00Washington Tempranillo vs. RiojaThis year's <a href="http://www.cyclingfans.com/vuelta-a-espana/live" target="_blank">Vuelta a Espana</a> was action packed throughout all three weeks of racing. Things really heated up during the last week of the race, which featured some intense racing through the Northern most mountains of Spain. Chris Froome held off all the challengers to win his second Grand Tour of the year and Alberto Contador went on one final <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-20/results/" target="_blank">mountain rampage</a> to win, perhaps, his final Grand Tour stage.<br />
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In recognition of the racing action in Northern Spain, this week's Lucha Vino matchup features a Washington Tempranillo taking on a Spanish Tempranillo from <a href="https://winetourismspain.com/wine-regions/rioja/" target="_blank">Rioja</a>. Rioja is one of the Northernmost wine regions of Spain. It primarily features Tempranillo and consistently turns out excellent wines year after year.<br />
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2014 <a href="http://kerloocellars.com/" target="_blank">Kerloo</a> Cellars Tempranillo vs. 2011 <a href="http://www.bodegasmuga.com/en/" target="_blank">Muga</a> Rioja Seleccion Especial <br />
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<b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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Kerloo Cellars 2014 Tempranillo<br />
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100% Tempranillo from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the <a href="http://www.winesnw.com/wahluke_slope_map.html" target="_blank">Wahluke Slope AVA</a><br />
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Aged for 29 months in 60% new American Oak barrels and 40% neutral French Oak<br />
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Provided as a sample. Available at retail for $57.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bodegasmuga.com/en/muga-reserva-seleccion-especial/" target="_blank">Muga 2011 Rioja Seleccion Especial </a><br />
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70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha, 7% Mazuelo and 3% Graciano from estate vineyards in Rioja.<br />
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Aged for 26 months in oak barrels and an additional 12 months in bottle.<br />
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Purchased at Total Wine for $36.99.<br />
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<b>Round 1. First opening</b><br />
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The Kerloo Cellars Tempranillo struts into the ring. This luchador is bold and brash with a nose that features smokey dark currants, black cherry, leather and savory olive brine. The palate shows dry dusty cherries, candle wax, white pepper and dried flowers with a spicy tannin fueled finish.<br />
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The Muga challenger from Rioja has a few fights under its belt and isn't impressed by the younger Kerloo Cellars luchador. This Spanish contender is dark and mysterious. The nose is showing dark cherries, currants and funky forest floor. The palate follows up with dried cherries, light cocoa powder and subtle spices that are wrapped up with a dry finish.<br />
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Kerloo takes a closely fought round with an aggressive attacking style.<br />
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<b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b><br />
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Kerloo is building power and rounding out its attack with a nose of dark cherry and dusty slightly savory spices. The palate is featuring dried dark cherries, mole' spices, cracked pepper and light notes of cocoa powder followed by a white pepper finish.<br />
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Muga is fighting back with a wicked series of drop kicks and elbow drops! The nose is bold with black cherries and light spices. The palate backs things up with black cherries, leather and funky spices followed up with a dry finish. <br />
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Muga takes round 2 to tie the match at 1-1. <br />
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<b>Round 3. One day after opening</b><br />
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This is it. The winner of the final round will take the match!<br />
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Kerloo isn't messing around, flying into the ring off the top rope. The nose is robust with dusty black cherries, currants, leather and light cocoa spices. The palate follows suit with dried dark cherries, earthy menthol spices and cocoa powder. The finish is getting bolder with complimentary dry cocoa powder and tannin spices.<br />
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The Muga challenger is showing some serious stamina and is putting up a good fight. The nose is dark and funky with black cherries, currants and earthy mineral notes. The palate is stepping up with notes of black cherry, cocoa, coffee and baking spices rounded out with a fine dry tannin and cocoa finish.<br />
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The final round was a close one. After reviewing the judges score cards, Kerloo comes out on top! <br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations.</b><br />
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The Kerloo Tempranillo took the final round and the match in an extremely close match. Both of these Tempranillo luchadors were strong through all three rounds of the match.<br />
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Washington Tempranillo is definitely on the upswing. Ryan Crane, at Kerloo Cellars, has been making excellent Tempranillo for years and this 2014 continues the tradition. It is drinking well now and will surely get better with age.<br />
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Rioja is famous for Tempranillo and Muga is one of the most established wineries in the region. This 2011 shows off the bold beauty of the Rioja region.<br />
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I would highly recommend both of these wines! <br />
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<br />Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-79796552722425802102017-07-29T20:04:00.003-07:002017-07-29T20:17:15.258-07:00Washington Chardonnay vs. Macon-VillagesThe 2017 edition of the <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/tour-de-france/" target="_blank">Tour de France</a> wrapped up last week with Chris Froome taking his fourth TdF victory. The overall victory wasn't sealed until the time trial on the penultimate day of the tour. However, Froome's victory wasn't much of a surprise (again).<br />
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There were other surprises in the race. Peter Sagan, the world champion, was disqualified after Stage 4 for reckless sprinting. Ritchie Porte, a top contender, <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/porte-suffers-broken-collarbone-and-pelvis-in-tour-de-france-crash/" target="_blank">crashed out of the race</a> when he failed to negotiate a turn while descending the Mont de Chat on stage 9. Marcel Kittel was leading the Green Jersey competition when he had to <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/kittel-inconsolable-after-tour-de-france-abandon/" target="_blank">abandon the race</a> due to a crash on stage 17.<br />
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When a race covers 21 stages and thousands of kilometers, there are plenty of opportunities for unusual things to happen. Just like the tour, this week's challenge brings out some surprises from the first week of the tour when the racers swept through the Burgundy region.<br />
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Instead of Burgundy vs. Pinot Noir, I bring on my own style of surprise with a Chardonnay clash of the titans.<br />
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2012 <a href="https://www.rulowinery.com/index.html" target="_blank">Rulo</a> Chardonnay v. 2014 <a href="http://www.drouhin.com/en/#/Exception" target="_blank">Joseph Drouhin</a> Macon-Villages<br />
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<b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4318/35397685854_efc3405387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="303" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4318/35397685854_efc3405387.jpg" width="193" /></a> <a href="https://www.rulowinery.com/wine.html" target="_blank">2012 Rulo Chardonnay</a><br />
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100% Chardonnay from the <a href="http://www.wallawallawine.com/" target="_blank">Walla Walla Valley AVA</a><br />
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Sourced from the Birch Creek and Freewater Rocks Vineyards<br />
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Provided as a sample by the winery. Available for $25 at retail.<br />
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<a href="http://www.drouhin.com/en/wines/macon-villages-blanc.php#/FicheVin/86/2014" target="_blank">2014 Joseph-Drouhin Macon-Villages</a> <br />
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100% Chardonnay from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%A2connais" target="_blank">Macon-Villages AOC</a> located in the South of Burgundy.<br />
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Natural yeasts are used in the fermentation and then aged for 6-8 months in stainless steel.<br />
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Purchased for $12.99 at Esquin.<br />
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<b>Round 1. First opening.</b><br />
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Rulo leaps into the ring. It looks like this Washington state Chardonnay is going to force the action and make this a rough and tumble affair. The nose shows light citrus, tropical fruit and notes of straw that are all backed up with some nice mineral tones. The palate leans more toward citrus with lemon zest balanced out with sweeter notes of honeysuckle, pear and melon that are followed by a dry finish with a nice touch of acidity.<br />
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The French challenger from Macon-Villages isn't backing down. The Joseph Drouhin is stepping up and going toe-to-toe with the Rulo. The nose is showing lemon zest with some oily character along with dry meadow flowers. The palate brings out notes of apple, lemon zest and dried straw with a mean streak of acidity.<br />
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These competitors are very evenly matched. Rulo was slightly more aggressive in round one and takes the points.<br />
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<b>Round 2. One hour after opening.</b><br />
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The Rulo Luchador is building some strength for round two. The nose is a bit darker with richer lemon and honeysuckle notes. The palate is similar with some additional notes of pear and minerality with a solid backbone of acidity.<br />
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The Joseph Drouhin is holding strong as well. The French challenger is working hard to get inside Rulo's defenses with some unique grappling moves. The nose is showing lighter notes of lemon zest and dried straw. The palate is developing with notes of green apple emerging along with lemon and dried flowers that are all intermingled with solid acidity.<br />
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The Joseph Drouhin got a bit sassy in this round and that seems to have caught the judges eyes. They give the round to the Macon-Villages challenger, evening the match at one point a piece.<br />
<b>Round 3. One day after opening.</b><br />
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After chilling out between rounds the Rulo Luchador is showing no sign of slowing down. The nose is still showing plenty of minerality along with herbal lemon zest and pear with some slight muskiness. The palate is continuing to show apple, pears and lemon with stronger acidity.<br />
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Joseph Drouhin counters with an attack that could be mistaken for a Riesling Luchador. The nose is oily with herbal notes of dusty lemon. The palate is showing green apple, melons and lemon zest with a robust streak of acidity.<br />
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The judges have to go to a replay review to determine the winner of the third round. After emerging from the replay room, the judges give the final round to Rulo. That gives the Washington Luchador the points it needs to win the match!<br />
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Rulo takes the victory over Macon-Villages!<br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations</b><br />
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If you like Chardonnay that is aged in stainless, then you will like both of these wines. Both of these wines are showing some interesting characteristics. I would highly recommend searching out wines from Rulo and Joseph Drouhin.<br />
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If you would like to learn more about Rulo, here is a good <a href="http://www.washingtonwineblog.com/blog/2017/7/25/rulo" target="_blank">profile.</a> <br />
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<br />Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7937454796076268832.post-68012969543289248142017-06-30T20:10:00.004-07:002017-06-30T20:10:51.524-07:00Washington BDX Style Blend vs. Right Bank BordeauxThe <a href="http://www.letour.com/us/" target="_blank">Tour de France</a> starts on Saturday. This year's route covers 3,540 km over 21 stages with plenty of terrain that offers the opportunity for a variety of riders to achieve victory. In the end, there is only one true winner - the rider that arrives in Paris wearing the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_classification_in_the_Tour_de_France" target="_blank">Maillot Jaune</a>, aka The Yellow Jersey. This is the rider that completes all 21 stages in the fastest cumulative time.<br />
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There are <a href="http://www.letour.com/le-tour/2017/us/classifications.html" target="_blank">other jerseys</a> are on the line too, including:<br />
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<li>The Green Jersey for the best all around rider. This jersey has come to be known as the Sprinter's Jersey in recent history.</li>
<li>The Polka Dot Jersey for the best mountain climber. This rider is also known as the King of the Mountains.</li>
<li>The White Jersey for the best young rider. This is the highest placed racer under the age of 23.</li>
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All these opportunities add up to multiple races within the bigger race. There are more than a handful of racers eyeing victory in this year's tour. All the top riders finished off their preparation with the Criterium du Dauphine or the Tour de Suise.<br />
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Just like the pro racers, I've topped off my Tour preparation with a recent Bordeaux Right Bank Ruckus featuring <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bordeaux_wine_regions#Saint-.C3.89milion" target="_blank">St. Emilion</a> vs. Washington.<br />
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2014 <a href="http://auclairwinery.com/" target="_blank">Auclair</a> Right Blend vs. 2008 <a href="https://chateaux.vins-saint-emilion.com/chateau-7495-chateau-barde-haut-langue-en" target="_blank">Chateau Barde-Haut </a>Saint-Emilion Grand Cru<br />
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<b>Tale of the Tape</b><br />
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<a href="http://auclairwinery.com/wines/" target="_blank">2014 Auclair Right Blend</a><br />
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50% Merlot, 50% Cabernet Franc from Artz Vineyard in the Red Mountain AVA<br />
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Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $39.00.<br />
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<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4263/34770588163_6198a0c06a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="306" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4263/34770588163_6198a0c06a.jpg" width="195" /></a><a href="http://vignoblesgarcin.com/index.php?action=fichetech&ch=3&men=ss&lang=en" target="_blank">2008 Chateau Barde-Haut Saint-Emilion Grand Cru</a><br />
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90% Merlot<br />
10% Cabernet Franc<br />
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Aged in a combination of Oak, Cement and Stainless steel with 80% new barrels.<br />
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Purchased for $45 at Esquin.<br />
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<b>Round 1. First opening</b><br />
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The Auclair Right Blend struts into the ring with a confident swagger. The nose is showing dark dusty cherries, currants, candle wax and light herbal spices. The palate is featuring cherries, currants and tart herbal spice notes followed by cracked pepper on the finish with moderate tannins.<br />
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The St. Emilion Challenger steps up with a nose of funky forest floor, dark cherry and dusty wet herbal notes. The palate follows up with notes of dried cherries and juicy plums that give way to dry cedar tannin tinged spices that carry on to a dry finish.<br />
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Auclair takes round one with a full frontal attack.<br />
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<b>Round 2. One hour after opening</b><br />
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The Auclair Luchador is really stepping up its game in round two. The nose has evolved to show off multiple layers of complexity with creamy floral notes, baking spices, hints of green herbs and cherries. The palate is strutting its stuff with flavors of cherries, cedar spices and white pepper rounded out with a light tannin spice finish.<br />
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Even though the French Challenger has many years of ring experience, it is getting off to a really slow start. The nose is funky and dark with primary notes of cherry and currant. The palate is tight featuring funky forest floor, dried cherries and rose petals with an extremely dry finish.<br />
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The Barde-Haut locked up in round 2 virtually giving away the points without a fight. Auclair takes the round and a commanding 2-0 lead in the match.<br />
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<b>Round 3. One day after opening</b><br />
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The only hope for the Barde-Haut Right Bank Rabble-Rouser is a knock out. Let's see if the French Challenger can bring the pain...<br />
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The French Luchador is still having a hard time mounting much of an attack. The nose features currants, dried cherries and dry cracked leather. The palate follows suit with dried cherries, floral herbal notes and a dry tight finish.<br />
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Auclair leaps into the ring with a flying elbow drop that delivers a knock out blow and brings the bout to rapid conclusion. The nose continues to build power with dark cherries and a light dusting of herbal notes that are backed by cocoa powder. The palate is bulking up as well with black cherries, currants, cloves and mole' spices followed by white pepper on the finish.<br />
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That's a wrap. Auclair takes the match with a dominating performance that included a knock out in the final round!<br />
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<b>Wrap up and overall observations.</b><br />
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The Auclair Right Blend features a 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Seeking out an equivalent French challenger was difficult. Most Right Bank blends featured upwards of 70% Merlot with the remainder Cabernet Franc.<br />
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The Auclair is already showing nicely at a pretty young age. <br />
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Alternatively, the Chateau Barde-Haut could stand a few more years of age. Even though it was a 2008, the French Right Bank blend was still wound up pretty tight.<br />
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<br />Lucha Vinohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01959342038982149906noreply@blogger.com0