A Paul Hobbs project. So modern it shines. Excellent acid is the only thing that keeps this lush, dark, oaky red from sliding into a flabby mess. As it is, you get the advantages of modern enology that please crowds (forward fruit, concentration, rich chocolate flavors) with a bracing backbone of tartness and a bit [...]
Intensely floral/citrus aromas and flavors, nicely dry and refreshingly acidic. Just a bit thick and full-bodied and alcoholic. Not as pleasant as previous vintages of this that I remember. Shemp ($12, Costco)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Cool berry fruit with a tiny hint of roasty coffee. A carefully-made wine, nicely not overblown, but just not my favorite flavors. Maybe it’s the oak, maybe it’s the grapes. It’s actually really, really good with chocolate cake. (Costco, $14)
There’s a nice wine in here somewhere, hidden underneath the volatile acidity and harshness. It’s certainly not overly polished or sweet, but it’s unfortunately raw and hard to enjoy. ($8, Piazza’s)
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The nose started smoky when first opened. That blew off, leading in to a strong rubber smell. I don’t get any of the floral aromas or mineral/fruit flavors I expect from Torrontés, and conclude that this is an off bottle. (Trader Joe’s, $2)
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Floral, tart, slightly effervescent, happy. It edges slightly towards the thick side on the long, long finish. I love Torrontés, and this is a very pleasant one. (Whole Foods, $6?)
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Fragrant, smooth, and creamy. Not creamy in a vanilla-infused CA Chard way, but in a swirly-happy-free sense. Exotic fruits and white flowers in a glass, with plenty of acid to keep everything fresh and cheerful. Yay!
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Trader Joe’s, $2. Yes, same price as Two-Buck Chuck. Except that I like Torrontes. This one has that beautiful exotic lychee-and-tangerine-zest nose, a lot of fruit and acidity on the tongue including some volatile (bummer), and a long and slightly bitter finish which reminded me of the smell of fresh hops. Not the best Torrontes [...]
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
Vanilla, raspberry, and chocolate nose. Candy. Sweet and sour berry fruit. Clingy oaky notes, not pleasant. $11. Skip this and buy her Torrontes instead, which is excellent.