Here at davidjohnhansen.com, we’re huge fans of the Gruet winery in New Mexico, as well Schramsberg’s oustanding sparklers from California, so it was no surprise to see both their wines come out on top in a blind comparison of domestic rosé bubbly. Interestingly, two tasters brought Gruet’s non-vintage rosé, but from behind the paper bag, […]
Domestic Bubbly Battle (Rosé) Read More »
This was our second gathering of Oregon Pinot Gris (the first was in June 2008), and like the first time, these all emerged as excellent values, and while interesting on their own, were even better with food. Most were relatively shy on the nose. Though two bottles received no points, it was difficult to fault
Oregon Pinot Gris Battle #2 Read More »
This month was a repeat of the October 2010 tasting, highlighting the vast growing area along California’s central coast, where cool ocean air collides with warmth to produce prime spots for Pinot Noir. We sampled six bottles from four different appellations, and our results indeed showed a great deal of diversity, from darker, richer versions to lighter
War of the Central Coast Pinot Noirs #2 Read More »
It was a close fight this month. The top three wines were separated by only four points, and four different wines all received at least one taster’s top score of 6 points. Though one bottle received no points, we were generally pleased with the diversity and quality of these wines. A range of styles
Sonoma Chardonnay Showdown Read More »
We got back on track with our regular tasting format this month with the second installment of the Washington Merlot Melee (the first was in April 2006). We had a clear winner (also the most expensive), but also a tie at second place, consisting of excellent values. These all had similar flavor profiles, but all
Washington Merlot Melee #2 Read More »
This was only the second time we have tasted red Zinfandels as a group (the first was in January 2006), and while the bottom bottle was a bit off, we liked these wines overall, showing good fruit and drinkability. All improved with air. One minor complaint was the high alcohol levels that got to our heads
Zinfandel Battle #2 Read More »
The last time we sampled California Syrah in this manner was in November 2007, and while they weren’t bad wines then, we came away this time feeling more optimistic about them, with generally positive reviews overall. Our first place bottle this round was from the same producer as the second place wine in 2007 —
California Syrah Challenge #2 Read More »
Only the second time we’ve tasted these as a group (the first was in March 2007), this tasting resulted in some impressive values at the top of the ranking, with many of the entries exhibiting similar dark fruit and licorice notes often found in this varietal. First Place: Vina Robles Petite Sirah Estate 2010 (Paso Robles).
Petite Sirah Showdown #2 Read More »
Having been nearly seven years since the first time we tasted Oregon Pinot Noirs as a group, we decided to correct this deficency by gathering six bottles of more recent vintages for blind evaluation. The results were very solid, with a clear winner showing a dark profile and impressive balance, and others with good varietal correctness
Oregon Pinot Noir Quarrel #2 Read More »
Shockingly, it had been since September 2005 since we last tasted these wines as a group. We vowed not to let that much time pass again. The winning wine was an outstanding value at only $25 (a real bargain for Napa Cabernet), with five out of six tasters giving it their top vote. In
Napa Valley Brawl #3 Read More »