Stan The Wine Man

Stan’s pick in May 2014

2013 Don Rodolfo Tannat (Mendoza, Argentina)… $10.

When is the last time you’ve tasted a Tannat? I am almost positive there are only a few of you out there that have given this grape varietal a try let alone heard of it. Now is the time to expand your palate horizons with this fantastic red for a mere ten bones.

Tannat is most common in the Madaran AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protegee) of Southwest France near the Pyrenees mountains. The wines of this region are so chewy in their youth that they are nearly undrinkable until they have aged for a few years. The Tannat grape tends to produce dark and dense wines with solid tannins, and is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. It is also used as a blending grape in the Cahors AOP just northeast of Madaran.

However, I have tasted a few from Uruguay and this one from Mendoza, Argentina and they are very drinkable and delicious at a young age as is evident in this ’13 Don Rodolfo version.

Aromas of currants, red flowers, violets, rose petals and a hit of vanilla and just a hint of raw meat (don’t be scared, this is a good thing in a red wine). On the palate, a little tomato stem action hides under a layer of currants and spice. Worn leather notes show up on the mid-palate, joined by notes of stewed meat and blackberries leading into blue fruit notes and anise that lingers for some time on the finish.

Are you kidding me? This is a pretty complex and interesting wine for a prayer, and will match up nicely with grilled meats. It is also smooth and delicious enough to fall into the cocktail red category for those of you who just want to sit down after a long day and  enjoy a glass of red.   (B)

Cheers!

Stan The Wine Man

Because I have lived in Washington State (most of my life), I will admit that most of my attention as far as particular focus months falls on what happens in my home state. I was alerted that May is Oregon Wine Month, and I am ashamed that I have not given it any attention on this blog, my P.I. blog or my Youtube channel…That is changing this month.

Oregon is THE spot for pinot noir in the United States. It may be THE spot for pinot noir anywhere outside of Burgundy in France, and may rival some of the better ones that come out of there. Is that a bold statement? Some (that is very few) would disagree, since in many competitions, Oregon pinot has beaten out the Burgundy’s in blind tastings. Because of its location, it is a natural spot for this finicky grape. Because of this fact, many Burgundian wine makers have pitched a tent in Oregon to practice their talents with the pinot noir grape.

Pinot Gris is the dominant white grape out of Oregon, and when it is produced in the style that reflects the original style of Oregon, it is one of my favorites (and I am not a huge fan of pinot grigio). Unfortunately (at least in my opinion), they have allowed the pinot grigio style to sneak in, and it is harder to find a distinct Oregon Pinot Gris. That being said, there are still a lot of stellar examples out there and when you hit one, you know.

Chardonnay is quickly taking a foothold in Oregon. I know that many would say that it has been in that state for a long time. However, I think that the fruit quality is getting better and the style is starting to shift towards the American palate. Not butter balls by any stretch, but certainly a little softer and more approachable, getting away from the austere style that has been so prominent from this state. When I say a little softer, that is exactly what I mean. There is still acidity and structure, it is just more approachable.

Wineries in Oregon also do some pretty amazing Riesling, with nice acidity, minerality and that touch of petrol that so many wine geeks look for in Riesling. I look forward to reviewing wines from Oregon on this blog, and my Youtube channel, Stan The Wine Man TV. Stay tuned as I celebrate Oregon Wine Month with our brothers (and sisters) south of the border (Washington that is).

Cheers!
Stan The Wine Man

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