The pro cyclist's road race season has ended and now cyclocross is where the action is. The change in season signals a change in the Lucha Vino Challenges. The spotlight will start shining on wines from non-cycling regions as well as some interesting intrastate challenges. This week's matchup had its origins rooted in October, AKA Merlot Month.
Merlot dominant blends from Washington battle it out in the inaugural Merlot Maniacs challenge. It's Walla Walla vs. a Red Mountain / Horse Heaven Hills / Yakima Valley Tag Team in a no holds barred Washington State Merlot fueled feud!
Kontos Cellars 2008 Alatus v. Nota Bene Cellars 2008 Miscela
Showing posts with label Merlot. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Merlot. Show all posts
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Monday, August 4, 2014
Washington Merlot v. St. Emillion
The latest edition of the Tour de France finished up during the last weekend of July. This year's tour was light on drama in the context of overall victory - Vincenzo Nibali established a lead in the first week of the race and never let go. Well, he did give up the Yellow Jersey on Bastille Day "as a gift to the French" according to his team's Director Sportif, Alexander Vinokourov.
The race itself was still interesting as the route traced its way through the Alpes and the Pyrenese mountain ranges. This year the race spent a considerable amount of time traversing the South of France and through the Pyrenese where the final mountain top finish was waiting for the racers. Once the Hautacam was conquered all that stood in the way of the Paris finish was a sprinter's stage and long (54 km) Time Trial.
The Time Trial started in Bergerac and finished in Periguex, slightly East of the Bordeaux wine region. That is close enough to Bordeaux to earn top billing on this week's Lucha Vino challenge.
2009 Alexandria Nicole Gravity Merlot v. 2009 Chateau Lyonnat Lussac St. Emilion
The French had their best Tour de France finish in almost 20 years placing two riders on the podium in second and third place. Can the Ch. Lyonnat follow up that performance with a victory in this week's challenge. Let's find out...
The race itself was still interesting as the route traced its way through the Alpes and the Pyrenese mountain ranges. This year the race spent a considerable amount of time traversing the South of France and through the Pyrenese where the final mountain top finish was waiting for the racers. Once the Hautacam was conquered all that stood in the way of the Paris finish was a sprinter's stage and long (54 km) Time Trial.
The Time Trial started in Bergerac and finished in Periguex, slightly East of the Bordeaux wine region. That is close enough to Bordeaux to earn top billing on this week's Lucha Vino challenge.
2009 Alexandria Nicole Gravity Merlot v. 2009 Chateau Lyonnat Lussac St. Emilion
The French had their best Tour de France finish in almost 20 years placing two riders on the podium in second and third place. Can the Ch. Lyonnat follow up that performance with a victory in this week's challenge. Let's find out...
Friday, February 22, 2013
Washington Merlot a Trois
This past weekend featured a number of races and Team Sky is already dominating the early season. They had victories in the Tour of Oman and the Volta Ao Algarve last week.
In the Seattle Urban Wineries feature for the month of February, Ward Johnson Winery one ups Team Sky with three medal winners grappling for an opportunity to represent Washington state in a future match with the Old World.
Keeping it in the family. Ward Johnson Winery Merlot 2006 v. 2007 v. 2008 in a stupendous sibling rivalry.
In the Seattle Urban Wineries feature for the month of February, Ward Johnson Winery one ups Team Sky with three medal winners grappling for an opportunity to represent Washington state in a future match with the Old World.
Keeping it in the family. Ward Johnson Winery Merlot 2006 v. 2007 v. 2008 in a stupendous sibling rivalry.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Washington State BDX Style v. France
This past weekend featured the Paris-Roubaix one day race - the bookend on the ultimate week of spring classic racing. It is tough to find grapes (or anything else) growing in this bleak North Western corner of France. This part of the country was essentially destroyed in WW I & II by bombing attacks. There is more than one reason Paris-Roubaix is known as The Hell of the North. The region is making a comeback, but slowly like a blown out racer trying his best to avoid getting swept up by the broom wagon.
Tom Boonen continued his hot streak by winning Paris-Roubaix after winning Flanders the previous weekend. If you like symmetry then you have go to love Boonen. This is the second time he has won these two Spring Classics in the same year.
Since this race begins in Paris, the city of lights, you can lay your hands on virtually any kind of wine or food you want. The city will not be denied its guilty pleasures. The Lucha Vino challenge features a French Bordeaux blend from the Right Bank (Merlot dominant) facing off against a Washington state Bordeaux style blend. Can this young upstart from Washington take down one of the elders of the red wine world?
2009 Desert Wind Ruah from Washington vs. 2008 Chateau Guibeau from the Right Bank
Let's get it on!!
Tale of the Tape
Desert Wind Ruah 2009 50 % Merlot, 34 % Cabernet Sauvignon,
13 % Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Barbera sourced from the Desert Wind Estate Vineyard on Red Mountain.
Aged in American oak for 12 months
2008 Chateau Guibeau Puisseguin Saint-Emilion
Merlot 75% Cab Sauv 15% Cab Franc 10%
Aged for 12 months in 30% new French oak barrels.
Purchased from Garagiste for $13.99.
Round 1. First Opening
Desert Wind blows into the ring like a dry desert, uh, wind. This luchador is dry and not quite ready for prime time. The nose has raspberry and some dusty dark cherry. The palate is tart pie cherries with a tart cherry bark finish.
Chateau Guibeau appears to be equally reluctant to mix it up. The nose has some nice cherry cinnamon and spice notes. The palate shows light cherries and cedar spices that linger on to a tart cedar cherry finish.
Neither one of these Luchadors was ready to step into the ring. This was close on the judges cards, but the Guibeau was seen as the aggressor so took round 1.
Round 2. One hour after Opening
The crowd is anxious to see if these combatants have warmed up and are ready to grapple.
Desert Wind is showing a nose of dark currant, cherry and slightly earthy clove and cinnamon spice. The palate is dark cherry and cedar spices that linger on to a tart spiced finish.
The Guibeau is still slumbering with a nose of cedar tart cherry stems and a palate of tart pie cherries and a tart dry finish.
The Desert Wind has loosened up while the Guibeau seems to have lost interest. Desert Wind takes round 2 with little opposition from the French Challenger.
Round 3. One day after Opening
The match is all tied up at one round apiece. The winner is going to be the Luchador that steps up and takes command of this final round.
Desert Wind steps into the ring with authority and the crowd roars. The nose is showing dark cherry, cracked pepper and dusty leather. The palate is equally robust with dark cherry, dusty tart cedar spices and a spicy cracked pepper finish.
The Guibeau is getting low attempting to find its power, but not having much success. The nose shows cherries and melon with some herbal spices. The palate is cherries and tart Asian spices that lead to a dry finish.
The Washington Luchador took some time to get going, but in the end found the confidence and motivation to take control and win the match in the final round.
Wrap up and over all observations
Merlot dominated the blend for both of these Luchadors so I was very surprised at how tightly wound they were. Both of these Luchadors could benefit from a few more years of training (or laying low in the cellar).
I would rate both of these wines as an 85 with the potential to bulk up in the next 3 - 5 years.
Tom Boonen continued his hot streak by winning Paris-Roubaix after winning Flanders the previous weekend. If you like symmetry then you have go to love Boonen. This is the second time he has won these two Spring Classics in the same year.
Since this race begins in Paris, the city of lights, you can lay your hands on virtually any kind of wine or food you want. The city will not be denied its guilty pleasures. The Lucha Vino challenge features a French Bordeaux blend from the Right Bank (Merlot dominant) facing off against a Washington state Bordeaux style blend. Can this young upstart from Washington take down one of the elders of the red wine world?
2009 Desert Wind Ruah from Washington vs. 2008 Chateau Guibeau from the Right Bank
Let's get it on!!
Tale of the Tape
Desert Wind Ruah 2009 50 % Merlot, 34 % Cabernet Sauvignon,
13 % Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Barbera sourced from the Desert Wind Estate Vineyard on Red Mountain.
Aged in American oak for 12 months
2008 Chateau Guibeau Puisseguin Saint-Emilion
Merlot 75% Cab Sauv 15% Cab Franc 10%
Aged for 12 months in 30% new French oak barrels.
Purchased from Garagiste for $13.99.
Round 1. First Opening
Desert Wind blows into the ring like a dry desert, uh, wind. This luchador is dry and not quite ready for prime time. The nose has raspberry and some dusty dark cherry. The palate is tart pie cherries with a tart cherry bark finish.
Chateau Guibeau appears to be equally reluctant to mix it up. The nose has some nice cherry cinnamon and spice notes. The palate shows light cherries and cedar spices that linger on to a tart cedar cherry finish.
Neither one of these Luchadors was ready to step into the ring. This was close on the judges cards, but the Guibeau was seen as the aggressor so took round 1.
Round 2. One hour after Opening
The crowd is anxious to see if these combatants have warmed up and are ready to grapple.
Desert Wind is showing a nose of dark currant, cherry and slightly earthy clove and cinnamon spice. The palate is dark cherry and cedar spices that linger on to a tart spiced finish.
The Guibeau is still slumbering with a nose of cedar tart cherry stems and a palate of tart pie cherries and a tart dry finish.
The Desert Wind has loosened up while the Guibeau seems to have lost interest. Desert Wind takes round 2 with little opposition from the French Challenger.
Round 3. One day after Opening
The match is all tied up at one round apiece. The winner is going to be the Luchador that steps up and takes command of this final round.
Desert Wind steps into the ring with authority and the crowd roars. The nose is showing dark cherry, cracked pepper and dusty leather. The palate is equally robust with dark cherry, dusty tart cedar spices and a spicy cracked pepper finish.
The Guibeau is getting low attempting to find its power, but not having much success. The nose shows cherries and melon with some herbal spices. The palate is cherries and tart Asian spices that lead to a dry finish.
The Washington Luchador took some time to get going, but in the end found the confidence and motivation to take control and win the match in the final round.
Wrap up and over all observations
Merlot dominated the blend for both of these Luchadors so I was very surprised at how tightly wound they were. Both of these Luchadors could benefit from a few more years of training (or laying low in the cellar).
I would rate both of these wines as an 85 with the potential to bulk up in the next 3 - 5 years.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Washington Merlot v. California
It is November and to raise awareness to men's health issues the month has been renamed to "Movember." Last year Robbie McEwan grew a mullet in honor of Movember. I'm not sure it turned out as good the mullet that Vladimir Karpets rocks, but who could?
We are in the thick of Cyclocross season and that means the pro road racers are already dreaming of the next UCI Stage race in Australia. Meanwhile, the cross racers are working into top form in preparation for their world championships in January. Where would you rather race your bike in January? Australia in the sun, or Koksidje in North West Belgium?
Merlot sounds a bit like Movember, so this week's challenge features a Washington Merlot vs a California Merlot.
Olsen Estates 2008 Merlot v. Kunde Family Estate 2006 Sonoma Valley Merlot
Tale of the Tape
Kunde Family Estate 2006 Sonoma Valley Merlot
100% Sonoma Valley Merlot
Aged for 18 months in 30% new French, Hungarian and American oak barrels.
Aged for an additional 20 months in bottle prior to release in Spring 2010.
Purchased at Corky Cellars for $15.99
Olsen Estates 2008 Merlot
100% estate grown merlot from the Yakima Valley AVA
Aged for 16 months in 100% new French Oak barrels.
Olsen estates has been in the vineyard business for more than 25 years. The timing of their decision in 2006 to enter the wine business ended up being "not so good." (More details from Paul Gregutt here) As a result, they have returned to focus on their vineyards, shutting down their winery. Unfortunate for them, but good fortune for us wine drinkers that like to find a great wine at a great price.
Purchased at Bin 41 for $20
Round 1. First Opening
The Kunde Family Estates was a bit timid, choosing to crawl under the ring ropes modestly showing a nose of cherries and toasty oats. The palate features dried cherry and cocoa with a tart semisweet finish.
The Olsen estates was a bit more flamboyant, but nearly tripped as it attempted to leap off the top rope. The nose features dark cherry, soy and wet asphalt with a palate of dark cherry, semisweet chocolate and a dry finish with some notes of sweet tea.
Both Luchadors seem to be slow starters. Neither one is doing much in round 1, seemingly waiting for their opponent to make a mistake. Round 1 goes to Olsen Estates by the slimmest of margins, gaining an edge by demonstrating a bit more complexity.
Round 2. One hour after Opening
Some say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. If that is true then the Kunde is paying major props to Olsen Estates by gathering up a nose of cherries and soy sauce with a palate of cherries and tart semi-sweet chocolate that leads into a tart tea finish.
The Olsen Estate won't fall for the flattery and continues on its mission of dominance with a nose of dark cherry, light clove, soy sauce and smoked meats. The palate is robust with dark cherry, cocoa and notes of tart cedar. The finish is sweet with dry cherry bark and green tea.
Another round to the Olsen Estates.
Round 3. One day later
The Kunde has moved into some type of altered state with a nose showing some funky dark cherries and bitter cocoa. The palate is dark cherries with a tart cherry bark finish. The tannins are out front - loud and proud This Luchador appears to be disoriented and may have taken one too many blows to the head.
The Olsen has carried its round two performance on to the final round with a nose of dark cherry, soy and a hint of chocolate. The palate is showing strong notes of dark cherry backed by clove, menthol and some tart spices on the finish. Also not as integrated as I would have expected with the tannins playing a dominant role in Olsen's ring presence.
Round three goes to Olsen estates for a clean sweep in what turned out to be a slightly uninspiring contest.
Wrap up and over all observations
Both of these Merlots would benefit from some more time training before getting in the ring (or more time in the cellar) with the tannins being more forward than I expected. Overall the comparison was interesting, although I was expecting a bigger bruising Merlot from Sonoma. If you have recommendations for California Merlot let me know.
I give the Olsen Estates an 87 and the Kunde an 86.
We are in the thick of Cyclocross season and that means the pro road racers are already dreaming of the next UCI Stage race in Australia. Meanwhile, the cross racers are working into top form in preparation for their world championships in January. Where would you rather race your bike in January? Australia in the sun, or Koksidje in North West Belgium?
Merlot sounds a bit like Movember, so this week's challenge features a Washington Merlot vs a California Merlot.
Olsen Estates 2008 Merlot v. Kunde Family Estate 2006 Sonoma Valley Merlot
Tale of the Tape
100% Sonoma Valley Merlot
Aged for 18 months in 30% new French, Hungarian and American oak barrels.
Aged for an additional 20 months in bottle prior to release in Spring 2010.
Purchased at Corky Cellars for $15.99
100% estate grown merlot from the Yakima Valley AVA
Aged for 16 months in 100% new French Oak barrels.
Olsen estates has been in the vineyard business for more than 25 years. The timing of their decision in 2006 to enter the wine business ended up being "not so good." (More details from Paul Gregutt here) As a result, they have returned to focus on their vineyards, shutting down their winery. Unfortunate for them, but good fortune for us wine drinkers that like to find a great wine at a great price.
Purchased at Bin 41 for $20
Round 1. First Opening
The Kunde Family Estates was a bit timid, choosing to crawl under the ring ropes modestly showing a nose of cherries and toasty oats. The palate features dried cherry and cocoa with a tart semisweet finish.
The Olsen estates was a bit more flamboyant, but nearly tripped as it attempted to leap off the top rope. The nose features dark cherry, soy and wet asphalt with a palate of dark cherry, semisweet chocolate and a dry finish with some notes of sweet tea.
Both Luchadors seem to be slow starters. Neither one is doing much in round 1, seemingly waiting for their opponent to make a mistake. Round 1 goes to Olsen Estates by the slimmest of margins, gaining an edge by demonstrating a bit more complexity.
Round 2. One hour after Opening
Some say imitation is the greatest form of flattery. If that is true then the Kunde is paying major props to Olsen Estates by gathering up a nose of cherries and soy sauce with a palate of cherries and tart semi-sweet chocolate that leads into a tart tea finish.
The Olsen Estate won't fall for the flattery and continues on its mission of dominance with a nose of dark cherry, light clove, soy sauce and smoked meats. The palate is robust with dark cherry, cocoa and notes of tart cedar. The finish is sweet with dry cherry bark and green tea.
Another round to the Olsen Estates.
Round 3. One day later
The Kunde has moved into some type of altered state with a nose showing some funky dark cherries and bitter cocoa. The palate is dark cherries with a tart cherry bark finish. The tannins are out front - loud and proud This Luchador appears to be disoriented and may have taken one too many blows to the head.
The Olsen has carried its round two performance on to the final round with a nose of dark cherry, soy and a hint of chocolate. The palate is showing strong notes of dark cherry backed by clove, menthol and some tart spices on the finish. Also not as integrated as I would have expected with the tannins playing a dominant role in Olsen's ring presence.
Round three goes to Olsen estates for a clean sweep in what turned out to be a slightly uninspiring contest.
Wrap up and over all observations
Both of these Merlots would benefit from some more time training before getting in the ring (or more time in the cellar) with the tannins being more forward than I expected. Overall the comparison was interesting, although I was expecting a bigger bruising Merlot from Sonoma. If you have recommendations for California Merlot let me know.
I give the Olsen Estates an 87 and the Kunde an 86.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Washington Merlot v. California
This week the pros racing in Europe are in Belgium for the Tour of Flanders, one of the greatest one day spring classics there is. The people from Belgium are fanatics for bike racing. I don't think the same can be said for wine from this region. So... we will follow the domestic pros to California this week in honor of The Tour of the Redlands.
Washington 2006 Canoe Ridge Vineyard Merlot v. California 2006 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Merlot.
Tale of the tape
2006 Canoe Ridge Merlot
100% Estate grown merlot from the Canoe Ridge Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. It is hard to find much more information about this wine due to the recent ownership change.
Purchased for 15.12 at Safeway for 30% off during Washington Wine Month
2006 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Merlot
100% Merlot aged for 16 months in 88% French Oak and 12% American Oak
Purchased for 16.99 at QFC
Round 1. First Opening:
Canoe Ridge has a nose of cherry, currants, dust and mineral with some slight cedar spice. The palate is slightly tart pie cherry and an equally cedar tart finish with some hints of licorice.
The Kendall-Jackson is showing a nose of tight red berry with a bit of spice and earth. The palate is mainly sweet cherry with some tobacco, spice and a dry finish.
The K-J seems really tight on first opening while the Canoe Ridge seems like it is ready to rumble.
Round 1 goes to Canoe Ridge. Will K-J relax and step up in round 2?
Round 2. One hour after Opening:
The Canoe Ridge has developed a nose of dark fruit, spice and cocoa. The palate has lots of dark cherry, cola, hints of chocolate and spice with a finish that is dominated by cedar spice box with (again) some hints of chocolate lurking in the background.
K-J has a nose of primarily plum with a bit of dusty spice. The palate is showing tart red berries and cedar with a dry cherry pit finish.
The K-J has closed down rather than opening up. I'm disappointed with the lack of stamina on this luchador.
Round 2 is dominated by Canoe Ridge.
Round 3. One day later
The Canoe Ridge is standing tall, retaining and building some more power. The nose is deep dark fruit, spice and slight semi-sweet chocolate. The palate is full bodied and smooth showing black cherry, cola, chocolate and hints of cedar spice box on the finish.
K-J is about the same as round 2. The nose is relatively weak showing some light red berry, dust and a bit of spice. The palate is tart cherries with a very dry cherry pit finish.
Canoe Ridge finishes off the match and Round 3 with a huge body slam.
Wrap up and over all observations
This match was not close at all. The Canoe Ridge came out ready for action and never let up. The Kendall-Jackson was tight and never evolved into anything very interesting or big enough to put up a fight against the WA State Merlot.
Final tally: Canoe Ridge 3, Kendall-Jackson 0.
I would give the Canoe Ridge an 87 and the Kendall-Jackson an 84. Maybe it is the laid back attitude of California or too much sun makes you soft. Either way, the luchador from Washington was bigger, brawnier, bolder and easily overpowered the CA Merlot. Unfair? Not sure. What do you think? There has to be a California Merlot that would put up a better fight.
Catch ya later
Washington 2006 Canoe Ridge Vineyard Merlot v. California 2006 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Merlot.
Tale of the tape
2006 Canoe Ridge Merlot
100% Estate grown merlot from the Canoe Ridge Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. It is hard to find much more information about this wine due to the recent ownership change.
Purchased for 15.12 at Safeway for 30% off during Washington Wine Month
2006 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Merlot
100% Merlot aged for 16 months in 88% French Oak and 12% American Oak
Purchased for 16.99 at QFC
Round 1. First Opening:
Canoe Ridge has a nose of cherry, currants, dust and mineral with some slight cedar spice. The palate is slightly tart pie cherry and an equally cedar tart finish with some hints of licorice.
The Kendall-Jackson is showing a nose of tight red berry with a bit of spice and earth. The palate is mainly sweet cherry with some tobacco, spice and a dry finish.
The K-J seems really tight on first opening while the Canoe Ridge seems like it is ready to rumble.
Round 1 goes to Canoe Ridge. Will K-J relax and step up in round 2?
Round 2. One hour after Opening:
The Canoe Ridge has developed a nose of dark fruit, spice and cocoa. The palate has lots of dark cherry, cola, hints of chocolate and spice with a finish that is dominated by cedar spice box with (again) some hints of chocolate lurking in the background.
K-J has a nose of primarily plum with a bit of dusty spice. The palate is showing tart red berries and cedar with a dry cherry pit finish.
The K-J has closed down rather than opening up. I'm disappointed with the lack of stamina on this luchador.
Round 2 is dominated by Canoe Ridge.
Round 3. One day later
The Canoe Ridge is standing tall, retaining and building some more power. The nose is deep dark fruit, spice and slight semi-sweet chocolate. The palate is full bodied and smooth showing black cherry, cola, chocolate and hints of cedar spice box on the finish.
K-J is about the same as round 2. The nose is relatively weak showing some light red berry, dust and a bit of spice. The palate is tart cherries with a very dry cherry pit finish.
Canoe Ridge finishes off the match and Round 3 with a huge body slam.
Wrap up and over all observations
This match was not close at all. The Canoe Ridge came out ready for action and never let up. The Kendall-Jackson was tight and never evolved into anything very interesting or big enough to put up a fight against the WA State Merlot.
Final tally: Canoe Ridge 3, Kendall-Jackson 0.
I would give the Canoe Ridge an 87 and the Kendall-Jackson an 84. Maybe it is the laid back attitude of California or too much sun makes you soft. Either way, the luchador from Washington was bigger, brawnier, bolder and easily overpowered the CA Merlot. Unfair? Not sure. What do you think? There has to be a California Merlot that would put up a better fight.
Catch ya later
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