2002 Teliani Valley Mukuzani Kakheti

2002 Teliani Valley Mukuzani Kakheti

I expected this to be a sweet Stalin's plonk but it was actually excellent. I guess they can't import their better wines to Russia since the whole diplomatic spat so they're trying to sell it in the US for a significant markup.

It is a dry wine with flavors of strawberry, jam, and violet, somewhat like a Syrah but with some smokey undertones. I tried this bottle 11/17/06 and it did not seem too young to me. According to various internet sites this wine ages well.

This grape varietal has been in cultivation since 5000 BC in Georgia and is the progenitor of many famous European grapes. Perhaps Jason brought some back on the Argos, or perhaps Medea toasted with it after killing her husband's mistress with an autopyrolytic dress.

Tasting Tags: berry jam smoke strawberry

2002 Col Solare

2002 Col Solare

Delicious. Moderate tannins, subtle undertones of vanilla, caramel and rose petals. It's a super-Tuscan grown in Washington. It's very much in the Italian style.

1998 Castillo de Offeria Tinto Crianza

1998 Castillo de Offeria Tinto Crianza

Very nice. Vanilla overtones, some slight tobacco and sherry-esque backgrounds. Moderate tannins.

Tasting Tags: vanilla

2005 Imboktu Pinotage

2005 Imboktu Pinotage

Sweeet but not heavy. Slight tobacco notes. An excellent example of pinotage, especially considering the price.

2001 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon

2001 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon

Excellent. Violet overtones, moderate tannins.

2003 Paul Jaboulet Aine Cotes Du Rhone Parallele 45 Rouge

2003 Paul Jaboulet Aine Cotes Du Rhone Parallele 45 Rouge

Light, cherry flavors. The 2002 was better and less expensive.

Tasting Tags: cherry light