Monthly Archives: September 2013

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2012 Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir

The other bottle I’ll remember from my cousin’s wedding reception at the National Aquarium in Baltimore is the 2012 Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir.  I’ve seen the brand previously–always reminds me of the “Face Painter” episode of Seinfeld–but don’t think I had ever sampled prior to this fun weekend in the Inner Harbor.

2012 Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir, Chile

2012 Casillero del Diablo Pinot Noir, Chile

It’s not unusual for someone to drift from Merlot to Pinot Noir as I did this evening, but I do recognize it’s not quite the game plan.  But sometimes you have to mix it up and just go for it.  Most of the Pinot Noirs we drink come from California, and would generally advocate them as my favorites to others from (in some semblance of order) Oregon, South America, or Europe.  I’m not sure if this is based on the regions themselves or the quality of the wines originating therein, but the Diablo held up well in this light.

Since we were caught up in all the merriment, I barely remembered to shoot the label and certainly don’t recall any specifics I might offer you.  That I stopped the bartender to photograph the Diablo is an endorsement in some small way–not exactly of assistance if you’re looking to match this up with some great steak or get a feel for its composition, but a positive note nevertheless.

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14 Hands Merlot, Washington, USA

I’ve previously remarked that sometimes an enjoyable bottle of wine is less about the grapes and more about the company or the ambiance.  This could be one of those occasions, as the 14 Hands was a featured red served this evening during the Wedding Reception for my cousin and his new bride.

Held at the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the reception was really one-of-a-kind.  Guests had private access to stroll through the Aquarium prior to the cocktail hour, taking in the amazing creatures (e.g., puffins, rays, sharks, and fish of SO many varieties) and flora of the sea.  Windows overlooking the lights of the Inner Harbor granted us great views as we sipped and socialized with one another.

This was my first tasting of the 14 Hands, and it did the heavy lifting.  If you read Notes with any frequency you’ll know that we don’t often pull a Merlot, but this one would definitely work.  Serviceable, savory, and fruity, the 14 Hands–from the Columbia Valley in Washington–carries that rich ruby coloring and promising scents on your nose.  I definitely enjoyed and will always remember it as “the Merlot from David and Charci’s wedding”.

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Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label

Anniversary dinner–commemorated with Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label to celebrate the occasion.  Always love its crisp peachy goodness and, enjoyed on the patio with my family around me, this one is right on target.  The combination is pretty had to beat.  It’s a favorite of my wife’s; a smile on her face and a full glass in her hand are all this man needs.

The Veuve preceded Chicken Limone, served with a light pasta and Italian bread, courtesy of Rosario’s.  Wish the bubbly had lasted a bit longer but all good things, right?

 

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2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West

This red blend ranks highly in both taste and clever branding.  The 2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West was my favorite from our tasting at this award-winning Finger Lakes earlier this year, and it performed nicely even weeks later when we approached this meritage with clear hearts, minds, and palates.  You know how it is–sometimes on a tasting trail you’ve had multiple grapes and glasses that slightly skew your reaction to any one varietal and, returning home, you find that your purchase tastes very different from what you’d remembered.

2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West, Lodi, New York, USA.

2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West, Lodi, New York, USA.

The 2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West sidesteps that pitfall, providing a great combination of Cabernet Franc (52%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), and Merlot (24%) that’s sure to do good things for your evening.  Produced by Lamoreaux Landing Wine Sellers along the western side of Seneca Lake, it’s just west of the 76th meridian (42° 34′ 36″N 76° 51′ 31″W)” and derives its name accordingly.  Like many other reds favored here in Notes, the 76 West carries scents of dark, minerally soil and dark berries (maybe a cherry here too?) to you as soon as you make that first pour.  Great swirl in the glass…nice balance too that encourages repeat pouring/consumption.

We combined the 2010 Lamoreaux Landing 76 West with blue cheese salads and steaks from the grill as our Friday night treat(s).  Good play of the red with the fresh pepper in the salad but particularly with the grilled meat.

The folks at Lamoreaux produced only 400 cases of this gem, so if you’re at all interested in picking up a few bottles don’t wait too long.