Saffron

• November 2009

  Zufrieden, as I mentioned in my first post, I do generally prefer whites ... and mussels paella with saffron. Not too much worry about the match, since this is a classic and easy match with a couple of Spanish reds we had, one garnacha from Priorat and one tempranillo from Rioja.... Read moreZufrieden, as I mentioned in my first post, I do generally prefer whites ... and mussels paella with saffron. Not too much worry about the match, since this is a classic and easy match with a couple of Spanish reds we had, one garnacha from Priorat and one tempranillo from Rioja. The other two squid dishes were matched with zinfandels. Not 16% fruitbomb monsters but what these days are called more 'claret-like' oldschool versions (does anyone else remember when zins could have less than 13% alcohol?). My first try was marinated squid with some roasted red, yellow, green and honganji peppers picked same-day fresh from farms a short walk from my place. My attempt to recreate a dish I had many, many years ago at Chez Panisse, and still a very good match with a Neyers Pato Vineyard from the '90s. That gave me confidence to then try a ragout of baby squids with garlic, leeks and zinfandel in the sauce. Definitely one of my better first-time experiments, and a good match with the same wine (actually two different Ridges, one from Lytton Springs and one from Geyserville, both also from the '90s). All that good sauce got mopped up by everyone putting their baquettes to good use. So I'll add good rose champagne with lobster, and bottle-aged zin with squid to the approved list... ;-    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Seafood and Red Wine by dmcker

  
  
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  November 2009

  Rochioli J Chardonnay South River Vineyard 2005

  Snoothrank: Starting at $78^.95

  The Rochioli single vineyard Chardonnays are uniformly outstanding. I rate the ... Touches of sweet straw and saffron along with subtle cinnamon and vanilla spice complement the ripe peachy fruit

  Wine review by Winebork

  
  

• October 2009

  The Brilliance of Burlotto I recently had the chance to spend dinner with 4 ... framed by hints of campfire, saffron, baked clay and a slight underbrush tone. In the mouth thios is crystal clear with a lean yet very precise feel to the candied red raspberry flavors. The structure... Read moreThe Brilliance of Burlotto I recently had the chance to spend dinner with 4 ... framed by hints of campfire, saffron, baked clay and a slight underbrush tone. In the mouth thios is crystal clear with a lean yet very precise feel to the candied red raspberry flavors. The structure is very finely balanced and the tannins are perfectly ripe leading to a fine, long taut finish. An excellent wine in the making 91-94pts      (hide)

  From the article A dinner with the wines of Burlotto

  
  
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  September 2009

  Burlotto Barolo Cannubi 2006

  Snoothrank:

  Wonderfully aromatic already with precise raspberry fruit framed by hints of campfire, saffron, baked clay and a slight underbrush tone. In the mouth this is crystal clear with a lean yet very precise feel to the candied red raspberry flavors. The structure is very finely balanced... Read moreWonderfully aromatic already with precise raspberry fruit framed by hints of campfire, saffron, baked clay and a slight underbrush tone. In the mouth this is crystal clear with a lean yet very precise feel to the candied red raspberry flavors. The structure is very finely balanced and the tannins are perfectly ripe leading to a fine, long taut finish. An excellent wine in the making 91-94pts    (hide)

  Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz

  
  

• July 2009

  I'm Chad Carns, author of The Gourmet Bachelor - Global Flavor, Local ... 2006 Honey Suckle, Mineral, Saffron 6 Pouilly Fume, Didier Dagueneau, Silex 2002 Grape Fruit, Lavender 7 Savennieres, Coulee de Serrant, Nicolas Joly 2004 Hibiscus, Chai Tea, 6 Savennieres, Coulee de... Read moreI'm Chad Carns, author of The Gourmet Bachelor - Global Flavor, Local ... 2006 Honey Suckle, Mineral, Saffron 6 Pouilly Fume, Didier Dagueneau, Silex 2002 Grape Fruit, Lavender 7 Savennieres, Coulee de Serrant, Nicolas Joly 2004 Hibiscus, Chai Tea, 6 Savennieres, Coulee de Serrant, Nicolas Joly 2004 Dandelion, Citrus, Light Ash 8 Savennieres, Baumard 1988 Cream Corn, Black Pepper 7 Vouvray, Huet, "Clos du Bourg," Demi-Sec 1962 7 Vouvray, Huet, "Clos du Bourg," Moelleux 1995 Baked Apricot, Chai Tea, Coriander ___________ Northern Rhone, France White: Marsanne, Rousanne, Viognier 7 Hermitage Blanc, Bette & Scholl 2001 Subtle bouquet, Red Pepper Flakes, long finish 7 Hermitage Blanc, Chapoutier, Cuvee de L'Oree" 1991 7 Chateau Grillet, Neyret-Gachet 2001 Exotic Fruit, White Cherry, Floral 8 Condrieu, Guigal, "La Doriane" 1996 Expressive Bouquet, Bacon 7 Condrieu, Gangloff 2002 Slightly Oxidized, Mineral 7 Condrieu, Guigal 2006 Balanced ___________ Northern Rhone, France Red: Syrah 7 Cornas, Auguste Clape 2004 Dirt, Stem, Raspberry, Sea Mist 7 Cornas, Alain Voge, "Cuvee Vieilles Fontaines" 1999 7 Cornas, Thierry Allemand "Reynardt" 2004 Elegant 7 Cornas, Noel Verset 1995 ___________ 7 Cote Rotie, Chapoutier, La Mordoree" 1996 Strawberry 8 Cote Rotie, Jamet 1997 Granit, Black Pepper, Special 7 Cote Rotie, Jean-Michel "Les Grandes Places" 2001 8 Cote Rotie, Rostaing, "La Landonne" 2004 Special ___________ 7 Cote Rotie, Delas Freres "Maugiron" 2004 7 Cote Rotie, Cuilleron, "Bassenon" 2005 Sea Mist 8 Cote Rotie, Pierre Gaillard, Rose Pourpe" 2001 Rustic, Cinnamon, 7 Cote Rotie, Gangloff 2002 ___________ 7 Hermitage, Chapoutier, La Sizeranne 1997 8 Hermitage, JL Chave 2001 8 Hermitage, Jaboulet, "La Chapelle" 1990 (100 pt Parker) Cassis, Espresso 8 Hermitage, Chapoutier, "La Pavillon" 1994 ___________ 7 Hermitage, Delas Freres, "Les Bessards" 2003 Classic 7 Hermitage, Guigal, "Ex Voto" 2001 Driftwood, Sage 8 Hermitage, Betts & Scholl 2004 7 Hermitage, Guigal 1998 ___________ Aromatic White Wines of the World 7 Weissburgunder, Heidle Schenkenbichl, "Maximum," Kamptal, Austria 200 Cantaloupe, Honey Suckle, Fresh Basil 8 Riesling, Breuer, "Montosa Charta" Rhiengau, Germany 1997 Spice, Chalk, Full-bodied, Crisp, Special 7 Albarino, Iberian Remix, Edna Valley 2008 Tarragon 7 Chablis, Francois Raveneau, "Montee de Tonnerre," France 2004 Lime, Chalk, Crisp 6 Gruner Veltliner, Huber, "Berg," Traisental, Austria 2004 Lychee 7 Chardonnay, ISC, Arroyo Grande 2007 Cucumber, Citrus ___________ California Syrah 7 Syrah, Arnot-Roberts, Griffins Lair," Marin 2005 Spearmint, Cranberry, Pomegranate, Old-World style 7 Syrah, Copain, "Hawks Butte," Mendocino 2004 Big Mouth Feel 7 Syrah, Miner Family, "La Diligence," Napa 2005 Old-World style ___________ Washington Syrah 8 Syrah, Columbia, "Red Willow," Columbia Valley 1998 Cinnamon, Currant, Eucalyptus, Floral 8 Syrah, Mathews, "Hedges Vineyards," Columbia Valley 2002 Deep Black Tar, Venison 7 Syrah, McCrea, "Amerique," Columbia Valley 2000 Cherry, Sea Breeze ___________ California Cabernet 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, Seavey, Napa 2003 Cassis, Violet, Sea Breeze 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, Martin Estates, Reserve, Napa 2001 Italian Sausage, Fennel, Green Peppers, Onions 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, Laurel Glen, Sonoma Mountains, 2002 Violet, Vanilla 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, Abreu, "Madronna Ranch," Napa 2002 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vineyard 29, "Grace Family," Napa 1994 Lavender, Raspberry, Pine 8 R.T.W. Colgin, "Cariad," 2001 Napa Quince, Unique 8 Cabernet Sauvignon, Joseph Phelps, "Eisele," Napa 1984 8 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beaulieu Vineyards, "Georges de Latour" 1976 Old World, Special 8 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mayacamas, Napa 1970 Special ___________ Washington Cabernets 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau St Michele, Columbia Dried Rose Pedals 7 R.T.W. Woodward Canyon, "Charbonneau," Columbia 1987 Black Tea, Molasses 7 R.T.W.Hedges, "Red Mountain Reserve," Columbia 1988    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic 1990 Hermitage, 1976 Cabernet... by The Gourmet Bachelor

  
  

• July 2009

  You’ve heard it before I’m sure. Anything but Chardonnay, and I mean ... with background notes of saffron, honeycomb, and forest floor. Very bright and full of malic acid in the mouth that supports the intense lemon, peach and grapefruit oil fruits in the mouth. The huge... Read more You’ve heard it before I’m sure. Anything but Chardonnay, and I mean ... with background notes of saffron, honeycomb, and forest floor. Very bright and full of malic acid in the mouth that supports the intense lemon, peach and grapefruit oil fruits in the mouth. The huge acidity keeps this large scaled wine remarkably focused and highlights the wonderful purity of the fruit. The finish is snappy and as refreshing as can be with a gentle almond tone and a hint of toasted coconut. This retains a tightly coiled feeling and I expect this might get even better in the cellar. Not for everyone but a brilliant style of Chardonnay. 92pts This was not liked by the group. Paul though it was simply "bad" and Didi felt it had a "strong, bitter, pungent taste." With time some of the group fund more to like though with Cheryl noting that " it did a 180 going from dirty and funky to clean and and pleasant with a bite." Eddie added, "this was probelmatic but ended up tieing for my number 2." Stoller Estate Dundee Hills OR 2006 14.1%                $31.00 This smells heavy like white chocolate pudding with lots of caramel notes from the wood and not much fruit. In the mouth this is lush and chewy yet feels a bit to fat with good fruit but not much follow through and finishes with over-ripe tropical fruits and movie theatre popcorn. 86pts The oak on this wine was noted by all with most tasters finding it to be, as Evan put it, "creamy and spicy." Paul liked it's "creamy white raisin and mango" flavors while Cheryl found it to be "  astringent and oaky" but still enjoyed the caramel and fruit flavors. Well that was it. I was actually very surprised by how much I enjoyed several of these. It's been too long since i took a look at West Coast Chardonnay and I am glad I took the time to give these a test drive. I found a few for my summertime drinking. How about you? Ready to join us in the ABcC club? Gregory Dal Piaz Community Manager Snooth    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Join the ABcC Club! by Gregory Dal Piaz

  
  
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  July 2009

  Ojai Chardonnay Solomon Hills Vineyard 2007

  Snoothrank:

  This smells very hard yet has intense and pure chardonnay fruit with background notes of saffron, honeycomb, and forest floor. Very bright and full of malic acid in the mouth that supports the intense lemon, peach and grapefruit oil fruits in the mouth. The huge acidity keeps this... Read moreThis smells very hard yet has intense and pure chardonnay fruit with background notes of saffron, honeycomb, and forest floor. Very bright and full of malic acid in the mouth that supports the intense lemon, peach and grapefruit oil fruits in the mouth. The huge acidity keeps this large scaled wine remarkably focused and highlights the wonderful purity of the fruit. The finish is snappy and as refreshing as can be with a gentle almond tone and a hint of toasted coconut. This retains a tightly coiled feeling and I expect this might get even better in the cellar. Not for everyone but a brilliant style of Chardonnay. 92pts    (hide)

  Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz

  
  
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  June 2009

  Dehesa de Rubiales Vino de la Tierra de Castilla Y Leon Alaia 2006

  Snoothrank:

  What a wonderful surprise. I had purchased this because my daughter had just ... dinner - she doubles the saffron..... Full of berries, mild spice and well-rounded. Great bargan

  Wine review by ruymann

  
  
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  June 2009

  Bartolo Mascarello Barolo 1999

  Snoothrank:

  What superb aromatics with a layered, delicate elegant composition of sweet ... earth, fading spice and saffron tones. In the mouth this is silky and seamless with lovely depth and purity and plenty of really ripe fruit tannins. This really shows amazing depth on the long, complex... Read moreWhat superb aromatics with a layered, delicate elegant composition of sweet ... earth, fading spice and saffron tones. In the mouth this is silky and seamless with lovely depth and purity and plenty of really ripe fruit tannins. This really shows amazing depth on the long, complex finish. Drinking well already but with a brilliant future. 94pt    (hide)

  Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz

  
  
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  June 2009

  Giuseppe E Figlio Mascarello Barbera d'Alba Scudetto 2004

  Snoothrank:

  The nose is redolent of crushed dried violets, saffron, plum skins, limestone and ash but the floral elements dominate. A bit of sweetness right up front leads to a really transparent core of wild strawberry fruit that washes over the mid-palate gaining a frutti di bosco tone on the... Read moreThe nose is redolent of crushed dried violets, saffron, plum skins, limestone and ash but the floral elements dominate. A bit of sweetness right up front leads to a really transparent core of wild strawberry fruit that washes over the mid-palate gaining a frutti di bosco tone on the back end. Great harmony and balance here with real Barbera acidity yet such concentration of fruit that it's wonderfully integrated. A great finish, cleansing and brisk with excellent length for Barbera. 92pts drink 2009-2017    (hide)

  Wine review by Gregory Dal Piaz

  
  

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