Monday, August 23, 2010

Bila-Haut 2008

This week’s selection:
Winery : M. Chapoutier - Les Vignes De Bila-Haut
Varietal: Grenache, Syrah and Carignan
Price Paid: $11.99
Vintage: 2008
Area: Roussillon - France
Alcohol: 13.5%
Purchased: Wine Buy’s

Overall: Good Grenache blend and well worth the $11.99 price. It was best the 1st day and very enjoyable, lost something the 2nd day and by the 3rd well… I highly recommend you try this just don't keep it hanging around too long.

Reviews

#75 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2009
Critical Acclaim:
"A muscular red, with concentrated flavors of dark cherry, plum, raspberry tart and grilled fig. The dense finish of dark chocolate is firm and focused, with smoky notes. Best from 2010 through 2014. 15,000 cases made."
90 Points
Wine Spectator

14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

This week’s selection:

Winery: 14 Hands Winery
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Cab Franc
Price Paid: $12.99
Vintage: 2008
Area: Washington State
Alcohol: 13.5%
Purchased: Papa Joe’s

Overall:
Had a glass of this wine two nights in a row at a hotel I recently stayed at. Enjoyed it so much the first night that I looked forward to another glass the 2nd night. Good with hearty food and a nice bargain in a cab blend.

Reviews
Wine Maker

The vintage
Delayed by cool weather in the spring and a moderate summer, harvest began 10 days later than previous years. Hot temperatures in August ripened the fruit, and harvest was quickly ramped up in order to obtain fruit at its optimum ripeness. The cooler than normal growing season and full crop loads led to flavorful fruit with restrained sugar levels and ample acidity.

winemaking
Grapes were sourced from vineyards throughout Washington State, including the Horse Heaven Hills, Columbia Valley, Wahluke Slope and the Yakima Valley. Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc were added to create a fruit-forward blend and to enhance mouth feel. The wine was aged for 12 months in a combination of American and French oak barrels to build structure and complexity in the blend.

flavor profile
“14 Hands Cabernet Sauvignon features aromas of sweet cassis and black cherries with subtle hints of spice and dried herbs. Dark stone fruit flavors are joined by notes of cocoa and complemented by fine, velvety tannins.”

recommended food pairings
Tomato-basil bruschetta, eggplant parmesan, herb crusted prime rib, grilled beef steak, hearty venison stew.