Opened the 2009 Valminor Albarino, Rias Baixas as an aperitif over the weekend. Shows a medium golden color and lots of mineral in the nose. Mineral shows up again on the palate supported by bitter orange/tangerine pith. Bitter, acidic, pithy finish. No fruit. We tried this with a variety of cheeses (including a delicious Manchego) and this wasn't a good pairing with any of them.
The 1998 Seventy-Five Wine Company "The Sum" red blend, California was opened to accompany a selection of home made pizzas. Beautiful deep purple color. Smoke, espresso, oak, black fruit, hint of licorice on the nose. Quite complex for a $20 bottle of wine. Considerable tannins on the full-bodied palate. Chalky, dusty, dry cocoa finish. A touch stemmy, but that isn't too much of a distraction. Packs a punch. An undisclosed, Cabernet-dominated blend.
After "The Sum" was drained, we reached for the 2009 Montebuena Cosecha, Rioja - The nose and palate of this Tempranillo were marked by tart raspberry fruit. Over the past year or so, this has been an odd, hit-or-miss wine that fluctuates between delicious and not very good. Unfortunately, this (my last bottle) was not very good. Not worth $15.
Tonight, we enjoyed the 2007 Hess Allomi Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley - with grilled, grass-fed K.C. strip steaks from our local C.S.A. Saturated color. Caramel, dill and charred oak dominate the nose. Quite tarry and tannic on the palate with mouth-watering acidity that just compels you take another sip. Somewhat astringent on the finish. This wine doesn't really offer any of the aromas or flavors that I enjoy in Napa Cabernet, but the acidity really rescues it and makes it a nice pairing with dinner. About $25.
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