Snooth.com - recent reviews by ChrisCaughman

Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino 2003

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:19:05 -0500

Name: Vitanza Brunello di Montalcino
Vintage: 2003
Varietal: Sangiovese
Region: Italy > Tuscany > Montalcino
Price: $39.99
SnoothRank: 3/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 3/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: Medium-deep brick-tinged ruby color in the glass with vivid aromas of bright cherry and raspberry accompanied by a healthy dose of oak, mushroom, tobacco and spice. Flavors on the palate follow the nose, while being framed by firm tannins and a strong acid backbone. In it's youth this wine is sturdy, and with another 3-5 years in the bottle it's bold components will integrate and broaden to make for a cohesive, balanced and powerful Brunello experience.

As posted on Snooth

Longfellow Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:04:05 -0500

Name: Longfellow Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2006
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: Longfellow
Region: USA > California > Napa
SnoothRank: 3/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 2.5/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: In the glass, this hearty Napa Cab shows a deep ruby color at its core that fades to a thin bright garnet rim. The nose displays aromas of blackberry jam, tobacco, sweet spice, scortched earth and herbs. Rich fruit flavors are countered with a healthy dose of big chewy tannins on the palate, giving this wine the structure to pair nicely with steak and other grilled meats.

As posted on Snooth

Sequana Sarmento Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2007

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:52:20 -0500

Name: Sequana Sarmento Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Winery: Sequana
Region: USA > California > Monterey County > Santa Lucia Highlands
Price: $27.49
SnoothRank: 3.5/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 3/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: In the glass, this robust Pinot Noir shows a beautiful crimson-tinged-ruby color at its core that fades gently to a garnet rim. The nose is hearty and complex, dominated by aromas of ripe cherries and raspberries and complemented by subtle undertones of chocolate, leather and damp earth. The palate is medium bodied with red fruit flavors that follow the nose highlighed by bright acidity. This young wine already shows beautiful complexity and promises more harmony and balance with another 6-12 months of bottle age.

As posted on Snooth

Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:20:10 -0400

Name: Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2005
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Winery: Pahlmeyer
Region: USA > California > Napa
Price: $144.00
SnoothRank: 3.5/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 4/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: With a powerful blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec, this wine is an absolute monster. An opaque, inky purple core fades ever so slightly to a bright ruby rim. Poignant and profound aromas of crushed black fruit, cassis, tobacco, smoky meatiness and sweet spice dominate the nose. Massive lush dark fruit flavors are balanced by a heavy dose of silky tannins and fiery acidity. The wine finishes with intensity, persistence and elegance all at the same time. This is a colossal young wine and will evolve in the bottle for decades.

As posted on Snooth

Macphail Family Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Pratt Vineyard 2006

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 19:17:42 -0400

Name: Macphail Family Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Pratt Vineyard
Vintage: 2006
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Winery: MacPhail Family Wines
Region: USA > California > Sonoma County > Sonoma Coast
Price: $39.99
SnoothRank: 3/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 3.5/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: In the glass this wine shows a vibrant ruby color. The nose is focused and complex with aromas of tart red fruit complemented by deeper tones of smoke, leather and damp earth. A vigorous palate of assertive fruit is balanced with lively acidity that carries through for a lingering finish. Drink now for a dynamic and bright Pinot Noir or cellar for 1-2 years and experience more subtlety and sophistication.

As posted on Snooth

Domaine Talmard Macon-Chardonnay 2008

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:58:00 -0400

Name: Domaine Talmard Macon-Chardonnay
Vintage: 2008
Varietal: Chardonnay
Winery: Domaine Talmard
Region: France > Burgundy > Mâconnais > Mâcon
Price: $10.99
SnoothRank: 3.5/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 3.5/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: my new house white - pale lemon color; nose of lemon-lime citrus, minerals, flint and subtle toasty oak; well balanced and vibrant on the palate -- nothing too fancy, but really good for 10 bucks

As posted on Snooth

Bodega Manuel de la Osa la Mancha Manuel de la Osa 2004

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:56:09 -0400

Name: Bodega Manuel de la Osa la Mancha Manuel de la Osa
Vintage: 2004
Varietal:
Region: Spain > Castilla-la Mancha > La Mancha
Price: $26.49
SnoothRank: 3/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 3.5/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: A blend of Syrah, Graciano, Tempranillo, Cab Franc and Merlot, this wine shows a deep ruby core with a thin bright garnet rim. The nose is pure elegance with complex aromas of soft, ripe blue and black fruit, spice and hint of gravelly earth. Abundant plush fruit dominates the palate, but is balanced nicely by a silky tannin structure and sweet acid backbone as it leads to a soft and enduring finish.

As posted on Snooth

Aminea Taurasi Balardo 2001

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:21:24 -0400

Name: Aminea Taurasi Balardo
Vintage: 2001
Varietal: Aglianico
Winery: Aminea
Region: Italy > Campania > Taurasi
SnoothRank: 2/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 1.5/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: medium ruby color; aromas of deep red fruits, ash and earth; a bit thin and astringent on the palate with diminishing fruit, noticeable alcohol -- meh, over the hill

As posted on Snooth

Samsara Syrah Ampelos 2007

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:47:41 -0400

Name: Samsara Syrah Ampelos
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: Syrah
Winery: Samsara
Region: USA > California > Santa Barbara > Santa Rita Hills
SnoothRank: 3/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 3.5/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: This massive wine has an opaque ruby, almost purple, color with heavy dark fruits, ash and herbal notes on the nose. The palate has a full body with an imposing tannin structure that will benefit from several years of bottle age. In its youth, this Syrah is a bold mouthful, but will certainly mature to a more balanced and complex wine after 3-5 years in the cellar and will drink well for a decade.

As posted on Snooth

Chris Ringland Shiraz 2007

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 23:39:15 -0400

Name: Chris Ringland Shiraz
Vintage: 2007
Varietal: Syrah
Winery: Chris Ringland
Region: Australia > South Australia > Barossa
Price: $19.99
SnoothRank: 3.5/5

ChrisCaughman's Rating: 4/5
ChrisCaughman's Review: opaque, inky, viscous ruby color; layered aromas of cassis, blackberry and milk chocolate; awesomely balanced with big fruit, assertive tannins, well integrated alcohol -- killer wine

As posted on Snooth