2005 Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône

Enjoyed a bottle of this Cotes du Rhone last night with friends. It was a very good, full flavored rhone that is ready to drink. 2005 is a good year!

2002 Pepperbridge

Had a 2002 Pepperbridge Walla Walla cabernet with steaks tonight. Opened it 2 hours before dinner. It was supurb! Dark blackberry and cassis fruit, full in the mouth with a long finish. Not too much on the tannins. Sadly, it's our last bottle and I don't think I can find any more.

Y Camp Tasting

Opened wine for a Y Camp fund rasing. The 2006 Syrah was the favorite, followed by the 2005 Williamson Cabernet Reserve. Boisique was favored among the ladies.

2006 Magnafique: Mixed reviews

The 2006 Magnafique isn't drinking as well early as the Boisique. The flavors aren't integrated yet--that darn Petit Verdot is dominating and not letting the other flavors through. Give it another few months. It will come around.

2004 Plexus

Had an Austrialian Rhone style wine tonight. Liked it very much. It was a Barossa valley 2004 John Duval Plexus. 49% shiraz, 27% grenache, 24% mourvedre. Very full flavor and nose. Bought at Porterhouse in Eagle for $35. Here is a review from Steven Tanzer, who rated it 92 (WS rated it 91).

Inky violet with a bright rim. Brilliantly focused aromas of blackberry, cassis pastille, bitter chocolate, black cardamom and violet. A remarkably pure, vibrant midweight, whose dark fruit flavors offer lovely clarity and lightness as well as superb concentration. The dark chocolate note takes charge on the finish, which features dusty, very fine tannins and a lingering note of kirsch John Duval again shows a deft hand with this blend, and at an amazing price compared to the legendary vintages of Grange he crafted.

04 Williamson Cab Needs Time

Opened up a 2004 Williamson Cabernet tonight. Think it needs another 6 months.

Boisique Is Super!

Opened a bottle this evening. Troy, Lee, Mike and Michele as we checked on the Chard and discussed plans to get the Syrah. Not much (if any) bottle shock! Cheryl enjoied the last glass about an hour later and it opened up even more and was nice. Although, the last glass had less clarity.

YMCA Party

Had people over for a YMCA event tonight. Shared a bottle of 05 Magnafique and a 06 Viognier. Both were received well, and the bottles were emptied quickly.

The only thing negative about the Magnafique was the wine was a little hazy. Glad we did more racking on the 06!

Best Boisique Yet!

Right after bottling our 06 Boisique we took a bottle to Shakespeare and opened it with friends. It was excellent!

Share Your Thoughts!

When you open a bottle of Riverwoods wine, share your thoughts. Both the good and the bad!