N Night with some 'N'ice European Reds

Thursday, February 9, 2012

‘N’ Night with Bob & Karen

1. Guillon Nardou 2009 Grand Vin de Bordeaux France   $12.99
   Bob: “Ooh. This is so…different. A different dry. A good different.”
   Becky: “Interesting. Smooth like vanilla with a little bite afterwards.”
   Karen: “Has a lot more taste than smell.”
   Mike: “Smooth”
   Karen: “I think this is dry, but not super dry. A nice dry which makes it really smooth.”
   Bob 8, Karen 7.5, Mike 8, Becky 7.5
   
   
   
   
2. Le Nain Violet Domaine de la Pertuisane Grenache 2008    $24.99
   Karen: “This is dark!”
   Becky: “Purple.”
   Bob: “This Gouda is good. Oooh. That’s a different smell. Not necessarily good.”
   Karen: “Very different from the last one but not that bad.”
   Bob: “Forget the not bad part. It’s bad. It’s crap.”
   Karen: “Licorice.”
   Mike: “Maybe it needs to breath.” (he got the aerator out) “Looks dusty.”
   Karen: “I blew it…don’t write that down!”
   Bob: “Even Bob blew it.”
   Bob: “It does actually taste better. A lot better!”
   Mike: “Definitely smoother. I think this wine velvety caresses my palate.”
   Bob: “All I envision is a hair ball.”
   Karen: It has a sweet taste. I love the color.”
   Bob: “Note: Becky gave it a 7 but was hit by a bookshelf earlier today.”
   Bob 6, Karen 6.5, Mike 6, Becky 7
   
   
   
   
3. Fixin 1er Cru Clos Napoléon 2007 France  $33.99
   Bob: “It’s lite.”
   Mike: “It is lite. Rose.”
   Karen: “There are no legs, I don’t like it.”
   Becky: “I don’t like the smell.”
   Karen: “What is that taste?”
   Mike: “I have a stuffed nose & it’s terrible.”
   Bob: “Your nose or the wine?”
   Mike: “Both.”
   Becky: “It’s giving me heartburn.”
   Mike: “Bad smell. Like pork bellies. Chicken livers.”
   Becky poured hers into Bob’s glass.
   Bob: “Why do we get the crap?”
   Becky: “Because you can handle the crap.”
   Mike: “You need me in that glass.”
   Bob 4, Karen 1, Mike 2, Becky 1

'M' night with Mike & Becky

Friday, February 3, 2012

‘M’ Night at Becky & Mike’s

We had to postpone the regular Thursday night tasting because Bob was sick. We think his taste buds may be off tonight.

1. Mercedes Eguren 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon   $8.99
   Kara: “Smells good.”
   Bob: “Interesting smell. Plum? flavor.”
   Mike: “Full flavor. A fruit in there.”
   Kara: “It is fruity. Bland.”
   Becky: “It’s good but there’s not a lot of flavor.”
   Karen: “Drinkable.”
   Becky: “A pleasant wine.”
   Bob 7, Karen 6.5, Mike 7, Becky 8, Kara 6
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Marsannay Lovis Latour 2009 France    $17.99
   Karen: “It’s lighter in color.”
   Bob: “Very berry.”
   Mike: “A light red. A rose colored wine.”
   Kara: “I don’t like the smell.”
   Karen: “It’s like a cherry lozenge.”
   Bob: “It tastes like soda.”
   Kara: “Yea. Where’d the carbonation come from? I’m not a fan.”
   Karen: “It’s a little bit dry. I don’t smell anything. Oh! You really have to smell deep. Earthy.”
   Kara: “Fungi.”Karen: “I have never had a fruity wine that’s dry.”
   Bob 4, Karen 4, Mike 4, Becky 4, Kara 3.5
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Mas Donis Barrica 2008 Spain   $12.99
   Becky: “Nice dark color.”
   Kara: “It smells like feet.”
   Becky: “More flavor.”
   Karen: “Dry.”
   Mike: “Solid. Color good. Has a good taste.”
   Karen: “Is it a smoky taste? It’s really good with the Dubliner cheese.”
   Note: Karen cuts fat cheese
   Karen: “I will never cut the cheese again.”
   Bob: “It’s Friday. We’re off our game. I’m recovering.”
   Bob 6, Karen 7, Mike 6, Becky 7, Kara 7
   
   
   
4. Chateau Martinens 2006 France   $29.99
   Becky: “Very dry.”
   Karen: “Dry. I like this one.”
   Kara: “A distinct after taste.”
   Bob: “It’s an ear hurter.”
   Karen: “Smoother after the duck (pourer).”
   Karen: “It’s almost too dry. It’s a little bitey. I don’t like bitey.”
   Bob 6, Karen 6, Mike 7, Becky 6, Kara 6
   
   

We're 'L'oving these European reds!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

‘L’ Night at Bob & Karen’s

1. Château Lousteauheuf Méddoc 2009, France   $20.99
   Karen: “Oh. This smells really good!”
   Becky: “Velvetty.”
   Karen: “It tastes better than it smells!”
   Bob: “Mellow.”
   Mike: “There’s a part I don’t like. Maybe it’s something I ate.”
   Bob 8, Karen 8, Mike 6, Becky 8
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Lan Rioja Reserva 2005, Spain   $16.99
   Karen: “This has a pretty color.”
   Bob: “It has a different smell. Sweeter. I have the hiccups.”
   Bob: “That’s good! Maybe it’s the cheese. The Mealeys can’t have 2 good wines in one night!”
   Mike: “More berry.”
   Karen: “Doesn’t have much smell.”
   Bob: “It’s easy. An easy wine. I’m easy. I’m just like this wine!”
   Karen: “More tart than the 1^st one.”
   Becky: “This smells really good.”
   ***A question arose as to the rules on changing the ranking*** No decision.
   Bob 8, Karen 7.5, Mike 7.5, Becky 8
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Féret – Lambert Grand vin de Bordeaux 2009, France  $17.99
   Becky: “Doesn’t smell as good as the 1^st two.”
   Karen: “The smell isn’t as strong.”
   Bob: “More tannins.”
   Karen: “Has a bite. Love the fore-taste.” (Bob…Fore-play?)
   Karen: “Love the beginning taste, but when the bite comes I don’t like it. This isn’t my fave. It has nice legs, though.”
   Becky: “The gams are nice?”
   Karen: “What’s a gam?”
   Becky: “It has the iron after taste.”
   Mike: “This one is definitely dry.”
   Bob: “I’m disappointed in the crackers. Foo-foo crackers.”
   Bob: “A weiner wacker wine.”
   Karen: “Not as tart as the 2^nd one.”
   Bob 7, Karen 7, Mike 7, Becky 6

Three 'K's and you're out?

Thursday, January 19, 2012

‘K’ Night at Mike & Becky’s

Our category is “European Red Wines”, but we had trouble finding ‘K’s. So, since many Europeans moved to these countries......

1. Kindzmarauli 2006 Kakheti, Georgia    $14.99
   Bob: “It either smells really good or I was really in the mood for wine.”
   Mike: “Tastes good. Sweet.”
   Jess: “Wicked sweet.”
   Becky: “Oh. That is a different taste, isn’t it?”
   Karen: “It’s really sweet. My brother would like this one!”
   Jess: “Cranberry-ish.”
   Becky: “I can’t put a name on that taste.”
   Bob: “It’s a ‘Bob’ taste because it tastes good.”
   Sean: “Fruity with a little vinegar.”
   Sean: “I don’t know if I like this or not!”
   Karen: “I can tell you I don’t like it.”
   Sean: “Then I have to like it.”
   Bob 6 (was a 7.5 before the 2^nd glass that had a lot of sediment), Karen 2, Mike 7, Becky 5, Jess 6.5, Sean 6.5
   
   
   
2. Kanonkop Kadette 2009 South Africa   $15.94
   Karen: “This is better.”
   Bob: “Hmmm. Interesting. It’s starting as a 2 – it will have to work its way up.”
   Bob: “Not good after a grape. Becky, were you setting me up?”
   Becky: “I’m not really liking this one. But it’s not sweet.”
   Mike: “Three K’s and you’re out!”
   Becky: “Good after muenster.”
   Karen to Mike: “You have to stop going overboard the night before wine night.”
   Mike: “Damn.”
   Bob 6, Karen 7, Mike 6, Becky 6, Jess 7 with muenster cheese
   
   
   
3. Korta 2007 Gran Reserva – Lontue Valley Sagrada Familia. Chile  $14.99
   Karen: “Ewww” (her face said it all)
   Jess: “Did we strike out?”
   Karen: “This isn’t European, is it?” (No…It’s Europoopin)
   Jess: “I like it. It’s not that bad. I don’t think the cheese makes a difference.”
   Bob: “Bitter.”
   Mike: “It has a bite.”
   Bob 5, Karen 1, Mike 5, Becky 5, Jess 5

'J'ump for 'J'oy!! Excellent wines!

Thursday, January 12, 2012

‘J’ Night at Karen & Bob’s

Menu: Cheese, crackers, salami, tortilla chips from Pasta & Co, Veggies.

A&W Root beer à Robert: “A nice vanilla flavor, more pleasant. No bark bite.”

1. JP Azeitâo tintu Portugal 2008    $8.99
   Mike: “First reaction – Fruity.”
   Karen: “Doesn’t have a bad smell. Deep berry. (tastes) That’s interesting.”
   Bob: “That’s berry not bury. That’s why we drink them in socks – because people crush the grapes with their feet.”
   Becky: “It kind of fizzes when it hits your tongue.”
   Becky: “It has Braille on the label!”
   Mike: “Let me see!”
   Bob: “It’s a good feeling wine.”
   Bob 7, Karen 7.5, Mike 7, Becky 7, Jess 7
   
   
2. El Jamon Crianza 2006, Spain   $12.99
   Karen: “Interesting smell.”
   Becky: “Interesting taste. It’s a mocha/coffee smell. Smooth.”
   Mike: “Deep color. Better. Not as fruity.”
   Karen: “This one is drier.”
   Bob said it’s okay
   Becky: “Layers.
   Bob had a cold so it all tasted the same to him. He needed to lubricate his throat
   Bob 7, Karen 8, Mike 8, Becky 8, Jess 7.5
   
   
3. Jual Gil 2009 (repeat!!)  $15.99
   Becky: “This is a heavy bottle.”
   Jess: “Drier.”
   Mike: “Darker color. Drier. Nice smell.”
   Karen: “Not good after salami.”
   Becky: “It’s good after swiss.”
   Bob 5, Karen 8, Mike 8, Becky 8, Jess 8

'I' Love Red Wine! The 'I's have it tonight!!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

‘I’ Night at Becky & Mike’s

I LOVE raspberries! Karen brought over the fruit trays that she forgot to take to the funeral reception at church. She felt very bad about it, but I am happy.

1. Izadi Reserva 2003, Villabuena de Alava, Spain $19.95
   
   Bob: “Smells good. Wow!”
   Becky: “I like it. It has lots of layers of flavors”
   Bob: “How about that – Not crap!”
   Karen: “Spicy”
   Wine socks to be made by Jessica. Should they be numbered?
   Kara needs to stop eating & start drinking.
   Becky & Jess like the wine after raspberries.
   Karen & Kara like it after blackberries.
   Mike: “Not good with ribs & BBQ sauce. Also, never put the Styrofoam plate too far into the oven when pulling out a rib.”
   Bob 7.5, Karen 8, Mike 8, Becky 8, Kara 7.5, Bryan 7
   
   
2. Coto de Imaz 2004, Spain  $23.99Bob: “Smells fruity.”
   Karen (as she wafts the smell up with her hand): “Not a lot of smell. This is one you could drink a ton of. No bite. The 2^nd sip is better.”
   Jess: “Yes. More bold.”
   Becky: “Vanilla finish.”
   Mike: “Fruity taste. I wonder if it goes with ribs?”
   Bob 7, Karen 7, Mike 7, Becky 7, Jess 7, Kara 6.5, Bryan 6.5
   
   
   
3. Berco do Infante Reserva 2008, Lisboa Portugal  $9.99
   Karen: “Eww. Musty.”
   Kara: “Smells like it has been in a wet basement for a while.”
   Bob: “Smells like sweatpants.”
   Jess: “Why would you smell sweatpants?”
   Karen: “Smells like dirt. Earthy.”
   Kara: “Can we get in trouble for publicizing this?”
   Bob: “The poor vendor that created this.”
   Karen: “It doesn’t taste as bad as it smells.”
   Bryan: “I haven’t had sweatpants in years!”
   Robert: "I haven't smelled Bryan's sweatpants in a long time."
   Bob" What are these things?" (points at blackberries)
   "Blackberries" everyone shouted.
   "I like them," said Bob
   Karen: "The smell is so bad I have to hold my breath."
   Kara: "I don't want it."
   Becky: "It tastes better after cheese."
   Bryan: "It tastes bad."
   Kara: "Tastes the same as it smells."
   Jess: "It IS better after cheese."
   Kara: "Better after cheese, but still not good."
   Bob 3, Karen 3, Mike 3, Becky 3, Kara 2, Jess 4.5, Bryan 1
   
   
   
   
4. Coto de Imaz Rioja 2004 (Repeat!! See #2) $22.00 (Karen got a discount!)
   
   Kara: "I hope I'm smelling something you're eating & not this."
   Karen: "It doesn't smell."
   Bob: "It has cleansed my palate. Fresh & inviting. A whirlwind of flavor."
   Jess: "Smooth."
   Karen: "Reminds me of the 1st one."
   Becky: "This is a good one to end on! The 3rd one not so much."
   Bob: "This is good."
   Mike: "Compared to the last one it's soothing."
   Bob: "It's almost as good as getting free peanuts."
   Karen: "It's really dry."
   Bob: "It's not dry."
   Bob 8, Karen 8, Mike 7, Becky 7.5, Jess 7.5, Kara 7.5,

'H' night with European Red Wines

Thursday, December 29, 2011

‘H’ Night

1. Heredad Ugarte Crianza 2008, Spain $10.99
   Bob: “Smells good. It’s a good smeller.”
   Mike: “It’s good.”
   Stephen: “That garlic bread is strong!”
   Jess: “It’s a good strong smell.”Lauren: “Smells great.”
   Karen: “It smells so good I don’t want to drink it.”Dane: “Note bad”
   Becky: “Really good after garlic bread.”
   Bob 7.5, Karen 7, Mike 7, Becky 7, Jess 7, Sean 7, Lauren 6.5, Stephen 7, Dane 6, Claire 7, Carissa 3, Bryan 5, Caroline 8
   
2. Herdade do Pombal 2006, Alentejo, Portugal $11.99
   Bob: “Not so much. Not in the league of the last one.”
   Mike: “Doesn’t smell as good as the 1^st one.”
   Stephen: “I LIKE this one. Sweeter.”
   Becky: “Karen won’t like this one if it’s sweet.”
   Karen: “Fruity.”
   Jess: “Tangy.”
   Lauren: “Sour.”
   Bob: “Fizzy.”
   Dane: “Tastes cheap.”
   Mike: “Some kind of fizz. Sparkly.”
   Becky: “Fruity. Black cherry. Good with shrimp.”
   Bob 4, Karen 3, Mike 5, Becky 6.5, Jess 5.5, Sean 3, Lauren 5, Stephen 7.5, Dane 1, Claire 1, Carissa 1, Bryan 6, Caroline 3
   
3. Les Tage Simon Haut – Médoc 2008, France  $20.99
   Karen: “Smells more like the 1^st one.”
   Stephen: “This is also a bit fruity.”
   Mike: “Drier.”Sean: “Meh”
   Bob: “Low maintenance.”
   Becky: “Definitely drier than the 1^st 2.”
   Karen: “Very, very dry.”
   Becky: “Not good after cookies.”
   Bob 6, Karen 5.5, Mike 6, Becky 6, Jess 5, Sean 5, Lauren 5, Stephen 5, Dane 8.5, Claire 6, Carissa 3, Bryan 6, Caroline 4
   
4. Crozes – Hermitage 2007, France $24.99
   Caroline: “Smells bad.”
   Stephen: “Did you get the bottle with extra pulp?”
   Dane: “This is bad.”
   Lauren: “It looks milky.”
   Sean: “Looks like watermelon juice.”
   Karen:”It’s not that bad.” (and yet…look at her ranking!)
   Mike: “Definitely a tart taste at the end.”
   Jess: “A weird tartiness.”
   Becky: “Oh! That’s a surprise! Very tart!”
   Bob: “It tastes like cocktail sauce.”
   Stephen: “Smells entirely like alcohol.”
   Bob 2, Karen 1, Mike 4, Becky 2, Jess 1, Sean 4, Lauren 1, Stephen 4, Dane 1, Claire 2.5, Carissa 1, Bryan 1, Caroline 1