Things I Tasted/Drank on Saturday 2/27/10

Just a quick take on the various beverages I sampled and/or drank on 2/27/2010. Prices are generally approximate.

Mist Valley Estate Nepal SFGTFOP1 (Super Fine Tippy Golden Flowery Orange Pekoe, Grade 1) $12.80/100g - Fruity, toasty herbal nose. Delicate flavors of damp straw and honey. Soft astringency on the finish. Very Good

2007 RockBare, McLaren Vale, Chardonnay. $15 - Weak lemony nose with a hint of wet wood. On the palate, the fruit is tired, finishes with viscous salinity. Fair-

2008 Dog Point, Wairau Valley, Marlborough New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc. $24 - Tropical fruit and asparagus, fairly intense. Bright acidity, medium body with focused fruit flavors. Touch of bitter on the back end. Lingers. Good

2008 Wild South, Marlborough, New Zealand, Pinot Noir. $21 - Aromas of spices and strawberries. Slight reduction that blows off fast. Very light bodied, tart red berries and a bit of bubblegum. Good-

2008 Fairview Goats do Roam, South Africa $8 - Medium intense nose of baseball mitt leather, red fruits and spice. Light bodied with red fruits aromas carrying to the palate. Touch of bitter. Value. Good+

2008 Palo Alto, Maule Valley, Chili, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Syrah $16 - Deep red hue. Herbal, smoky, dark and red fruits, hint of burnt rubber. Well balanced, medium body. Black berries and cherries. Good-

2006 Belasco de Baguedano, Swinto, Mendoza, Argentina, Malbec $43 - Oak-y spices, blackberries, cinnamon, cocoa and eucalyptus and/or mint. Palate starts off smooth, shows its heat in the middle and finishes with lingering astringency. Similar aromas in the mouth as nose. Good+

2008 Chateau d'Oupia, Minervios, France $12 -Light red. Mild intensity of roasted herbs, wild red berries, forest and game. Palate is rustic with subdued fruit flavors of raspberries. More structure on this wine and less grape-y than I expected. Value. Good+