WSET Study Group - Bordeaux then head south(west)

as graduates of the Algonquin College Sommelier Program, Holly, Jackie and I decided to continue our wine education via WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST - WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits.

both Holly and Jackie are learning via VENDANGE INSTITUTE in Ottawa while I am enrolled via online distance learning WSET UK.  we have come to the conclusion that we will benefit from meeting (perhaps once a week) to keep up with tastings and studies.  

* note:  suggested reading minimum 10 hours per week ... aka INTENSE.

* 2nd note:  our tasting notes are based on WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine
   

 

it is always a pleasure to start with a sparkling.  this one is from my uncle Ferenc's stash:  Codorniu cava.  the extra special feature that it is from 1989.  I've never tasted a cava from 1989.  this could be awful or very interesting ... thankfully, it proved to be interesting.

our highlights: deep yellow colour, good bubbles, baked/cooked fruit aromas which change to honey and apricot with a little time in the glass.  what a great surprise!

this week our focus was Bordeaux: 

CHÂTEAU HAUT-CANTIROY 2008 VINTAGES 205559, $17.95  - "Tasting Note:  This winner of Gold Medals at the 2010 Concours Général Agricole in Paris and the 2010 Concours de Bordeaux shows aromas of violets, raspberry, mocha, earth and woodsmoke. Dry with good aroma replays, plus fine acids and ripe tannins to bring an impeccable balance. It will cellar 3-5 years, but may be enjoyed tonight, decanted, with rich lamb stew or rare roast beef. (VINTAGES panel, May 2010)" 

our tasting notes:  appearance - clear, medium+ intensity, purple/ruby with good legs; nose - clean condition, medium intensity, developing, aromas of dark red berries, earth/smoke, alcohol; palate - dry, medium+ acidity, tannin, body & flavour intensity but medium alcohol & length, flavours of earth/leather, dark fruit, plum, cherry; conclusions - good quality, mid-priced, ready to drink but can improve.

CHÂTEAU D'ARGADENS 2006 VINTAGES 681643, $16.95 - "Description:  Gold Medal: 2008 Concours Général Agricole in Paris.  Tasting Note ... you may be surprised by the ability of this top Bordeaux Supérieur to impress at such a relatively low price. The blend is 63/32/5 merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc. I would describe this as a modern interpretation of Bordeaux that focuses on finesse and elegance with a modicum of fruit and oak. Subdued, stylish workhorse red for mid-week dinners. Score - 88. (Anthony Gismondi, www.gismondionwine.com, Sept. 11, 2009)"
  
our tasting notes:  corked so we went no further.  Corked wine containing TCA has a characteristic odor, variously described as resembling a moldy newspaper, wet dog, damp cloth, or damp basement.  we did not even get past wet newspaper.  perhaps we will give another bottle a taste.

 

CALVET SAINT-EMILION LCBO 31898, $18.95 - "Tasting Note:  Deep ruby purple colour, almost opaque; cassis, vanilla and mint aromas; full bodied with dried black cherry flavours and oak spice; fine tannins on the finish."

our tasting notes:  appearance - clear, medium intensity, ruby with purple hue, legs; nose - clean condition, medium- intensity (even light), fully developed?, closed; palate - dry, medium right down the list of acidity, tannin, alcohol, body, flavour intensity, medium- length, flavours of nutmeg, earth, smoke, leather; conclusion - acceptable quality?, mid-priced, ready to drink? ... neither one of us would purchase this again.

CALVET MEDOC LCBO 38208, $13.95 - "Tasting Note:  Medium-deep ruby colour; cassis, blackberry and vanilla aromas; dry palate, medium-to-full-bodied, ripe fruit flavours with a long finish and dusty tannins."

our tasting notes:  appearance - clear, medium intensity, ruby, legs; nose - clean condition, medium intensity, developing, aromas quite closed but some plum, slight vegetal/tomato leaf; palate - dry, almost medium- down the list of acidity, alcohol, body, flavour intensity and length but medium tannin, flavours sour/bitter, flat, thin; conditions - acceptable quality?, mid-priced, ready to drink but will not improve. ... neither one of us would purchase this again.

moving southwest ... 

DOMAINE DE POUJO MADIRAN 2007 VINTAGES 719674, $14.95 - "Tasting Note - This is great value. Madiran is predominantly made from the tannat variety, and they produce wines that are dense and full of flavour. This has rich, extracted fruit, clean acidity, and drying tannins. It's drinking now and over the next three years. Score - 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Rod Phillips, www.rodphillipsonwine.com, Aug. 5, 2010)"

our tasting notes:  appearance - clear, opaque!, purple, legs/almost glass staining; nose - clean condition, medium intensity, developing, with aromas of dark fruit, rich berry, earth/oak; palate - dry, medium down the list of acidity, tannin, alcohol, flavour intensity, length but medium+ body; conclusion - good quality, mid-priced, ready to drink but can improve.  we would buy this again - the tannins were evident but smooth & soft not grippy.

then to Southern Rhône ... 

CHÂTEAU FORTIA CUVÉE DU BARON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2007 VINTAGES 959999, $34.95:  "Tasting Note:  (55% grenache, 35% syrah and 10% mourvedre) Bright red. Bright raspberry, cherry and floral aromas are complemented by garrigue and wilted rose. Lively, finely etched red fruit flavors show a subtly spicy peppery quality and no rough edges. Impressively pure and energetic wine with strong finishing cut and lingering sweetness. Score - 92. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Jan./Feb. 2010)"

note:  this also comes in 1/2 bottle - 375ml for $17.95

our tasting notes:  appearance - clear, medium intensity, ruby, tight rim; nose - clean condition, medium+ intensity, developing with aromas of fruit, dark cherry, dry cocoa, licorice, vanilla, mint, ... wow; palate - dry, medium down the list of acidity, tannin, alcohol, body, flavour intensity and length, with flavours that follow aromas; conclusions - good quality, high-priced, ready to drink but can improve ... we would definitely buy this again.  I'm glad we stepped away from Bordeaux for this one!

if you taste any of these wines then please send me your feedback.  I'd love to compare notes.


bottoms up!
Éva