More marathon tasting notes...

...when you're tasting in a hurry.


Valentina Cubi Iperico 2006 Valpolicella Classico ($-$$)
Wow! Red berry and vanilla -- fruit forward palate with a "rustic" feel.


Yellow Tail Sparkling ($)
Ugh! Foot-in-mouth. Not terrible! Tastes like an average prosecco, for about half the price. Damn you yellow-footed wallaby!!!!


San Fabiano Calcinaia Cellole Chianti Classico Reserva 2003 ($$$)
Nice and smooth. Earthy, almost barn-ey. Dark red fruit palate with earthy accents. Rich, dark plums and barnyard on finish.


Pavilion Napa Cabernet 2006 ($)
This should cost 2-3 times as much, and is the MUST BUY of the lot...
Very approachable. Maybe not over-the-top, but well worth the attention. Good amount of ripe fruit with a well constructed mouthfeel and nice acidity. Over-delivers at the price point.


Chateau Serame 2004 Corbieres ($)
Stunning, new-world style from an old-world producer. Get some.


Chateau Le Boscq St. Estephe 2003 ($$$)
I love barnyard aromas. This wine has barnyard aromas. I love this wine.
Earth + Dark, red fruits + slightly dry = happy wino.


Larmandier-Bernier "No Dosage" Brut N/V Champagne ($$$+)
Biodynamic! Light perfume, jasmine on the nose. White grape, peach, and sour apple palate. Tart grape on dry finish. Yum.


Txomin Etxaniz Txakoli 2007 ($$)
Cotton Candy on the nose, citrus and mineral in the mouth, dry effervescent finish.
MUST BUY.


Alberti 154 Malbec 2006 Mendoza ($)
Blackberry jam. Jam. Blackberries. Jam.