Tasting Notes
February Tasting Notes from Nolan Hyde
I hope you enjoy the very first segment of Tasting Notes. All the wines I will be sharing with you are special because they are all affordable. We've all seen ratings on wines that you had to mortgage your house to experience. You won't find me tasting those wines here; at least not on a regular basis. My purpose is to share great wines the rest of us can afford to enjoy. To maintain your sanity, I will be writing about no more than five wines at a time. This is to make sure no one comes away confused and feeling over stimulated. The important thing is to enjoy the experience and not feel like your over your head.
Cheers!
Nolan
Joseph Drouhin St. Veran-France: 100% Chardonnay--It seemed very close stylistically to Pouilly-Fuisse'. It had a golden green hue and an intense fruity and flowered nose. This was my favorite of the whites due to the hint of lemon grass complimenting the citrus. I was told it can be enjoyed very young (two or three months after bottling. However, allow one or two more years to fully appreciate its complexity.
Torres Santa Digna Cabernet Rose-Chile: The nose was concentrated and powerful reminding me of plums and strawberries and I detected a palatable grapefruit. It carried floral flavors of violet and orange blossom. It was a full flavored wine but my least favorite since the acidity overpowered the delicate fruit on the palate.
Vin Dillon Pinot Noir-Oregon This was my first tasting of Oregon wines. They use clone 777 from burgundy giving its deep black fruit and mineral undertones. Black cherries, blackberries, black currants and notes of ripe strawberries along with a soft cherry bouquet made this pinot a treat.
Pillar Box Red-Australia: This was my favorite of the night! It has a wonderful combination of dark red berries and hints of perfumed fruit. I tasted a gentle and Smokey vanillin from the French and American oak. Hints of Blackberries and Dark Chocolate were a delight to the senses.