Paul Forget

Stags' Leap Winery Petite Sirah 2007, Napa Valley

This wine is mostly Petit Syrah with 84% and in a supporting role, 8% Syrah, 4% Grenache and 2% Viognier with alcohol coming in at 14.3%.
A deep aubergine in color, almost black, this wine opened up with aromas of blackberry, blueberry, espresso, damp earth, dried leaves, incense and white pepper notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, structured, with bold flavours, low acidity and firm tannins. This wine finish is long, intense with flavours of dark fruit, bitter sweet chocolate, espresso and persistent tannins lingering. There is nothing “Petit” about this wine, it’s a big, bold, structured wine which needs a further cellar period of 2-3 years for optimum pleasure. What it lacks in finesse and elegance, it more than made up by sheer power, for those who like them big. Be aware of the noticeable sediments as you get closer to the bottom of the bottle. Enjoyed on March 11, 2013.

Grgich Hills Estate Merlot 2007, Napa Valley, Biodynamic

From the very good 2007 California vintage, this wine is 100% Merlot, certified organic and biodynamic. Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in a mixture of large and small French oak barrels with 30% new barrels. This wine opens up with aromas of blueberry, cherry, dark plum, dried violet, cedar and savoury notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol at 14.8%), balance acidity, fine grained tannins with fine texture and harmony. The finish is long smooth and savoury. This is a aromatic, stylish, elegant wine with excellent balance and drinkability. I say it is drinking pretty close to its peak right now. Very enjoyable and strongly recommended

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia, 53rd Vintage

This is another full bodied, robust wine from Wynns, with aromas of black cherry, black currant, toasty, minty, earthy, espresso roast with strong tobacco notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied, dry, layered by dark fruit, mint and wood spices, balanced acidity and firm tannins. Good weight and length on the finish with concentrated flavours and mild tannins lingering. I opened a bottle of this wine about a year ago and found the tannins to be very aggressive, but a year later, I found this Cabernet Sauvignon drinking very well. For fans of a robust and masculine style of Cabernet Sauvignon, you will not be disappointed. This wine is a great value that is drinking like a much more expensive wine, strongly recommended. Tasted November 30, 2012.

Graham's Quinta Dos Malvedos Vintage Port 2001, Dop (375ml)

I thoroughly enjoyed the sensuous and warm aromatics of this port with flavours of dark plums, currants, raisins, dates, fruitcake and baking spices. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with the 20% alc. It is well balanced by fresh acidity, well integrated tannins and complex flavours. This Port has great energy on the finish with fruitcake, spiced dark plums and raisin flavours followed with some alcoholic heat. This is my kind of Port, awesome stuff

Two Hands Sophie's Garden Shiraz 2008, Padthaway, South Australia

At four years old this attractive Shiraz is already showing intriguing maturing nose with aromas of blackberry, plum, currants, white pepper, mint, violet and sandalwood. On the mouthfeel, flavours of blackberry preserve and savoury spices, balanced acidity and fine grained tannins. This wines finish is very smooth with soft seductive fruit flavours and exotic spices lingering. Even with the considerable alcohol, Sophie’s Garden 2008 still managed to be well balanced, thanks to the massive amounts of ripe fruit. An interesting Shiraz that was very enjoyable.

Ruffino Modus 2007, Igt Toscana

Kilikanoon Parable Shiraz 2007, Mclaren Vale

Here is a rich and well structured Shiraz with very intense aromas of black fruit, raisin, pepper, menthol and toasty oak. The mouthfeel of this full bodied wine is powerful and rich, almost creamy due to the ripe and rich fruit, roasted coffee and toasty oak flavours, fresh acidity, grainy tannins and alcohol coming in at 14.5%. Maturation took place in French and American oak for 24 months. Long, spicy and sweet concentrated finish. A big wine for sure, with generous fruit and oak flavours without excess or jammyness. Strongly recommended for lovers of this style.

Dr. Hermann Erdner Treppchen Riesling Spätlese 2006, Qmp

This complex moderately sweet Riesling opens up with aromas of ripe white peach and apricot, citrus fruit and mineral notes. Medium bodied with alcohol coming in at 9%, on the palate, layers of creamy richness with exquisite balance between sweetness and acidity. This Riesling finish is long, creamy with ripe tree fruit and honeyed notes lingering. Very enjoyable

Mission Hill Oculus 2007, BC VQA Okanagan Valley

Seppelt Chalambar Shiraz 2008, Grampians/Bendigo, Victoria

Another fine wine from Seppelt. This Shiraz opens up with aromas of blackberry, cherry, stewed plum, raisins, cedar and spicy notes. On the palate, medium-full bodied, with layered spicy dark fruit, creamy oak texture, balance acidity and fine grained tannins. This Shiraz finish is long, spicy, with mouth caressing rich flavours and spiciness. Here is a well made, well balanced wine, which managed to achieve both power and elegance quit well. I have never been disappointed by Seppelt yet, and there Chalambar Shiraz 2008 is quit delicious, Strongly recommended.