We sampled a (forgot the name) South African Syrah AND a better known wine called "Chocolate Block". Now...I like brett and funky character in wines, but both wines had a distinctively medicinal and extremely unpleasant "band aid" tate to them. Plastic band aid strip, to be "precise". I have found this true in other South African wines, including Simonsig Pinotage and even some Chenin Blanc. Even the Sauvignon Blanc bottled in Napa by Anthony Bell has a distinctly metallic and plasticy flavor I found off-putting.
On to the pleasant side of things:
2010 Stolpman Santa Barbara Syrah. Wow. Delicious bloody, meaty, earthy Syrah with plenty of fresh berry and licorice flavors. Very, very nice.
2012 Broc Cellars Solano County (Green Valley) Valdigue. I think Chris Brockway does an amazing job with Gamay and Gamay-ish grapes. This lovely dark red berry fruited wine was lively and had a nice kick of the "good" kind of funkyness. No plastic bandaid here!
Donkey and Goat "Untended" Anderson Valley Chardonnay 2012. I love the crazy wildness of this wine! Brambly white peach, savory notes, a touch of funk. Delicious stuff!
The
2012 El Dorado Mouvedre is already tasting very fine as well. I know one ages Bandol, but this seems so fresh and lively and funky and fruity it can be slurped up now.
2005 Palladian Cabernet Sauvignon. From the Meadowood area near Saint Helena. What a pure and delicious and lovely Napa Valley Cabernet. Just delicious with smoked ribeye and fully loaded baked potatos. Layers of rich, earthy cassis fruit. Plenty of refreshing acidity. Tannins are there but not bothersome in any way. Would love to see what happens to this wine wiith even more time. I hope Rick has more.
Having watched
SOMM last night while finishing the cabernet, I find my tasting notes...inadequate. Tom Hill comes to mind listening to those kids!
...(Humans) are unique in our capacity to construct realities at utter odds with reality. Dogs dream and dolphins imagine, but only humans are deluded. –Jacob Bacharach