Jason Stephens 2009 estate zinfandel
promising santa clara zinfandel complexity
dark red with slender purpled edges
thick aroma of vanilla
wrapped around clusters of spicy tobacco
wood and candied strawberry arrival
balanced by herbal tartness
a bit awkward at first
but then softens with time
peppery jam finish
with bits of chocolate tannins
and wood throughout
overpowering at times
but together with acidity
holds back the high alcohol shock

what a playboy youth!
sportive, brunette
handsome but
hollow

Chateau d'Aqueria Tavel 2012
served chilled
limpid watermelon juice
tiny bubbles along its glassy wake
nose of bright champagnes
and tart cherries
gentle arrival of thin sauvignon blanc
immediate intensification
of red fruits wrapped in refreshing brightness
rich tannins unfold midpalate
with long multidimensional finish
of strawberries and melon candy

it is like kissing her again
after a winter of separation
a fantasy of lost promises

Lustau amontillado los arcos
tawny brown
luscious scent of walnuts, almond and aged balsamic
some forest duff
rich arrival of roasted nuts
balanced well with acidity
just peeking from under layers of savory
like aged yellow wine from old china
dusted with truffles
just the right brightness compared to amontillado escuadrilla from same house
delicious creamed mushroom soup near the end
extending into the finish
leaving dry notes

late autumn harvest

smokiness and oak when paired with savory vegetable broth

Tranco Monastrell+Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Decanted for 3+ hours
strawberry icecream aroma in decanter
but in glass
rich, ferocious nose of cassis and cherry
grasping vanilla that stretches out
thinly into drops of gasoline
refreshing herb arrival coupled with currant and black berries
brief as flash of lightening
then heavy, almost, painful tannic grip
above coffee acidity
transforms into dark chocolate
a dry finish
mud ruins

Bird's big barrel pinot noir 2012
screw capped
transparent purple
slightly pale edges
beautiful aroma
of fresh cherries
and strawberry patch
refreshing nose!
arrival of very tart strawberries
enveloped in bitter herbs
a touch of chocolate
long, bright finish
with lingering echoes of red fruit
opened too soon? a few more years?
overnight, notes of old fashioned candies
a picture book of nursery rhymes
blue skies
green fields
little girls in bonnets
picking small strawberries