Tasting Notes - USA, Red

2005 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon

Coming from the cooler Alexander Valley, this wine is considerably leaner than its Napa counterparts. A pretty raw nose of blackberries, oak, with a palate of black and red cherries, a pleasant (IMHO) green edge, some tobacco and earth, and the prerequisite oak. It had a slightly grainy texture, and decent acidity with quite raw tannins. A bit disjointed and messy at the moment, but it could come together in a few years. I have tasted older vintages in the past and they have usually been better integrated with a much softer texture, so I definitely have hope for this one, but the price is a little disconcerting, especially if you buy it in a restaurant as we did. (03/10)

2005 Joseph Swan Vineyards Cotes du Rosa

100% Carignan - Russian River Valley Sonoma

Very expressive soft redcurrent plum nose with a subtle savoury meaty element with a lovely fresh nettle leaf touch - elegant medium bodied palette well balanced generous fruit nicely structured and only 12.5% - typically low alcohol for this producer - very nice

1995 Fess Parker, Syrah

The 1995 Fess Parker Syrah was a very well-balanced wine, it had a huge nose of sweet black fruit, a little game and marzipan(?), which was dense and rich on the palate, with excellent acidity and big tannins. A very good wine indeed if you like this style.(02/10)

1987 Dominus

Had a dark ruby core with a red-brick rim, a very refined nose, floral, earthy, black cherry, currants and tobacco. Dark fruit, leather, cedar and lots of earthy minerality on the palate, with balanced tannins and acidity. Splendid indeed. (02/10)

1970 Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon

Showing extremely well, still had a pretty intense nose of game, black fruit and earth, and a complex and evolving palate, rich yet refined, with fine tannins and clear acidity that balanced the other strong flavours very well. An excellent wine (02/10)