WineLife365

Posts Tagged ‘2-Star’

As I was drinking the 2004 Oriel Setena, the 2007 Vina Gormaz Tempranillo and the 2007 El Jamon Tempranillo, one word that came to mind:  Kryptonite.

All three of these red wines are products of Spain and all three tasted like minerals and rocks to me – more specifically, wet metallic stone.  Not that I’ve spent much time with rocks in my mouth, but there was an almost flinty kind of thing stirring around that completely overpowered any fruit and spice components that these wines might have possessed.  Although I embrace the infinite tastes and qualities offered by different types of wine, I have to admit that I’m a bit challenged by this characteristic.  For now I’ll keep an open mind, but in the case of the 2004 Oriel Setena  (MSRP $18.50*), the 2007 Vina Gormaz Tempranillo ($9.99) and the 2007 El Jamon Tempranillo ($9.99), the metallic quality was acting more like kryptonite robbing these wines of their ‘super powers’.

2 Stars out of 4.
* Sample

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“Just give me one more chance” seemed to be the message that the 2007 Concannon Central Coast Shiraz was trying to send me by the second sip on night #1.  It wasn’t too long ago that I was in a similar situation with another Concannon Vineyard red wine.  However, on that occasion the Concannon Conservancy Petite Sirah had won my taste buds over by the third night.  Could lightning strike twice?

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the 2007 Concannon Central Coast Shiraz.  I held out hope over a two day period for a similar rousing experience.  Sadly though, that something special that happens when a wine hits your tongue and fills your mouth, so that you almost don’t want to spoil the moment by swallowing it, just didn’t happen with this American Shiraz. 

The 2007 Concannon Central Coast Shiraz delivers a one-dimensional upfront dosage of moderately sweet red berries, partnered with lots of toasted vanilla-oak flavors, and struggles to display any fireworks on its finish.

2 Stars out of 4. 

SRP: $10.00

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It’s from Oregon, it’s Pinot Gris, it’s got a pretty picture of snowcapped mountains on the label, but unfortunately the 2008 Pinot Gris from the peeps at Snowline Vineyards just doesn’t quite hit the same elevation as many of its Oregon peers.  The 2008 Snowline Pinot Gris dials up the right acidity, but doesn’t quite muster up enough crisp fruit flavors to get your taste buds all the way to the top of the mountain – it dumps you off the lift somewhere in the middle.

 2 Stars out of 4.
(Price: $8.99)

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You know exactly what I’m talking about people: Wines that are, well…just ok, but you’ll drink them ‘cause there’s nothing offensive or bad about them, or maybe there’s nothing better in your house at the moment.  As you’re drinking it, you’re fantasizing about your taste buds being curled up nice and cozy with something other than what’s been planted squarely in front of you.  Such was case with my experience with the 2008 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, Argentina.  This Cab retails in most places for about $10.  Let me first say, if you’re interested in trying a solid Argentinean Torrontes for under $10, the peeps at Alamos make a pretty good one!  This was the very reason why I decided to give their 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon a whirl.  Unfortunately, nothing really popped out of the glass to give my palate a workout.  Although it was not offensive, it just tasted a bit tired and dull.  It was just OK.

On that note, I give the 2008 Alamos Cabernet Sauvignon 2 Stars out 4.  Do yourself a favor and grab a bottle of their Torrontes – It’s much better than “OK”!

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