The Holy Trinity (’98)

This is a GSM (43% Grenache, 39% Shiraz, 18% Mourvedre) from Grant Burge Wines, Barossa Valley Australia. Very much a Rhone-style from “Down Under”. If memory serves, this was around $36.

Have had this in my cellar for a couple years. Think it could have lasted another couple, but was in teh mood for a GSM, so couldn’t wait any longer. Purchased on a recomendation from a friend. To be honest, it is nice but not up to the hype; just not the “great wine” he said it was. I honestly expected a bit more heat and a little less fruit, but all-in-all it is very decent. Rich ruby/garnet color, nice legs, fruity but not a big “bomb”.

I remember tasting the ’99 and the ‘2K which were very similar to this. Have had better GSMs and a lot better Rhones and Rhone-styles for the same price range (or less).

Would I buy this again?……… probably not.
Sorry I bought this? …………. not really.

Meditrina by Sokol Blosser

So, this is an interesting red blend (Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zin) from an Oregon winery known mostly for their Pinots. A friend (and novice oenophile) recommended this one and I was intrigued by the blend. Couldn’t find the percentages, but for $18 you cannot go wrong with this one.

The color is a beautiful garnet and real nice legs for 13.5%. The nose is definitely Pinot with floral and red berry essences. Raspberry comes thru on the palate as well as the spice and tannin from the Syrah and Zin. I got some heat and some anise/licorice on the finish.

As for pairings, we had roasted chicken with cheesy pasta and it was real nice. This would go great with a nice burger off the backyard grill. Bottom line, I would definitely get this again.

2002 Trinchero Family Selection Napa Valley Pinot Noir

Tonight, I’m polishing off a Sutter Home… er, I mean a 2002 Trinchero Family Selection Napa Valley Pinot Noir.

How’s it look?
Darker and clearer than any Burgundy on the market.

How’s it smell?
I smell leather and lots of blueberry.

How’s it taste?
Wonderful! I taste leather, dark cherries, something else that I can’t quite place, but it is pleasant.

How’s its finish?
Lots of blueberry on the finish. Never in my wildest dreams of ten years ago would have I said that a grape wine tasted like blueberries. And blueberries is not normally something I want in say a Red Zinfandel, but in this wine it really adds to the flavor and overall impression of the wine.

You should get some, even if you don’t normally buy Pinot Noir.