Marquis Philips 'S2' McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 & 2007

Marquis Philips 'S2' South Australian McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 & 2007

From the partnership of Australian winemaker Chris Ringland and US Importer Dan Philips - hence the creative Austal-American 'Roogle' part (kanga) roo-part eagle character logo.

The vintages have similar profiles and characteristtics. The 2002 exhibited medium - full bodied - dark garnet color - full forward black and blue berry fruit flavors, a layer of anise and hint of mocha, cedar and black cherry on a full lingering flavorful finish. A bit hot with alcohol on opening but soon gave way to the full forward fruit.

Second South Australian 2002 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon in a row, clearly showing a trend of full flavorful well balanced fruits - still vibrant after nine years. See the Flemings Langhorne Creek 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon review from earlier in the week.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

 

The 2007 shows initial tartness upon opening but soon gives way to full bodied forward fruit of black currant, blackberry, layer of cedar and tones of oak and mocha on a lingering finish.

I rated both RM 90 points.

Flemings Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Flemings Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 2002

Medium to full bodied, dark garnet colored - from the Langhorne Creek area of South Australia, this Cabernet Sauvignon is vibrant and expressive bursting with dark and red berry fruit flavors accented by a layer of vanilla, with hints of chocolate rounded with soft oak on a lingering moderate tannin finish.

RM 92 points.

I usually have very good records on the provenance and source of each bottle of wine in my cellar but I admit I had no record of this one and no recollection of when or where I bought it! Its the only one I have regretably and I must go find more. What a pleasant suprise, and even more so when I researched the price of this wine and found it to be languishing in a couple east coast wine shops for $18 for the 2000 vintage. When I research further I find the label was short lived as later vintages are branded '3 Dragons' Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon representing the three partners in the venture. Indeed, this bottle features the '3 Dragons' logo graphic.

On the Flemings Wine website, they claim they aim to provide premium quality wines that provide good value for the money and their legacy of this wine are sure testament to that achievement. I look forward to finding and drinking more wines from this producer in the future. Accordingly, they present on their website Flemings '8 Barrels' Barossa Valley Shiraz as well - also aged in American Oak barrriques (large barrels). By the  way, no relation to the popular Flemings Steak Houses which are notable for a respectable wine list and large selection of wines by the glass. Look for Flemings Wine and let me know of your experience! Cheers.

Edgewood Estate St. Helena Triangle Malbec 2002

Edgewood Estate St. Helena Triangle Malbec 2002  

Full bodied - dark inky purple color. Huge forward fruit flavors - blackberry, black raspberry and ripe plum, accented by a layer of dark chocolate and spice, hints of smoke, creosote and cassis on the late palate - a bit hot from the 15.7% alcohol content but the flavors are big enough to overcome. Smooth velvety tannins on a long supple finish.

RM 91 points. 

One of the traditional “Bordeaux varietals”, Malbec has characteristics that fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, used to add deep color and tannin based structure, backbone and complexity to the blend. These characteristics make for a delicious savoury and hearty wine that goes well with hearty cheeses and beef.

This is a one of a kind - one time special selection Lot 54, from the 2002 vintage bottled for the 2004 Napa Valley Vintners annual Premiere wine tasting and auction. Its an eye opener to be on the lookout and pay attention to Napa Valley Malbec as a robust tasty food friendly wine.

IRONY Monterey County Pinot Noir 2009

IRONY Monterey County Pinot Noir 2009 

The producers say the irony of this wine is that "with its beautifully balanced fruit with vibrant acidity and concentrated flavor that it is so affordable". Indeed, its easy to find a flavorful easy drinking American Pinot Noir for $35, harder at $25, and difficult at best under $15. Irony Monterey County Pinot Noir is such a find. 

Garnet colored, medium-light bodied, the winemaker's notes sum up this wine well. Irony 2009 Monterey County Pinot Noir opens with red cherry, ripe strawberry and vanilla aromas, heightened by an earthy undercurrent of clove and sage. Bright red cherry avors are layered with strawberry jam and accents of rhubarb and red licorice. Lush, supple tannins found in this medium-bodied Pinot Noir are beautifully balanced with fresh, crisp acidity.

The Irony Pinot Noir is from the Monterey, California Appellation, sourced from the Arroyo Seco and San Bernabe viticultural areas: The blend is 89% Pinot Noir, 5% Petite Sirah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1% Other.

RM 87 points.

This pleasant surprise wine-find for easy drinking affordable Pinot Noir should be easy to find with 35,000 cases produced.

Rubissow Mt Veeder Merlot 2006

Rubissow Mt Veeder Merlot 2006 

Another wine obtained during our Mt Veeder Appellation tour producer visit.
 

Full bodied, firm but smooth, elegant and polished. Black berry, black raspberry, ripe plum, layer of tobacco, layer of mocha and coffee bean.
RM 91 points.

http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2011/03/mt-veeder-appellation-trail-rubissow-mt.html 

Yates Family Vineyards Cheval Mt. Veeder Cabernet Franc 2007

Yates Family Vineyards 'Cheval' Mt. Veeder Cabernet Franc 2007

Wine obtained at the Yates Family property during our Mt Veeder Appellation visit. 

Full bodied - forward black berry, black raspberry and spicy clove with a hint of cassis and dark chocolate with a lingering tannin flavorful finish. 

Winemaker Tasting Notes - A deep, dark ruby appearance with hints of graphite and toast on the nose that finish with dry rocks and cigar tobacco. Strong flavors of espresso with small splashes of clove and cardamom. Dark chocolate covered cherries with cassis. Intense mountain fruit lingers on the palate and finished with supple tannins. 

RM 91 points. 

Watch for more reviews as we enjoy the selection of Yates Family Wines procured during our recent producer visit.