Coup de Foudre Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2009

Date of Tasting: 21 August 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 14.8%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR100

Web: http://www.coupdefoudrewine.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WS - 94/100, AG - 92/100, WE - 92/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Dark crimson.

Aroma: Oak essence. Sweet fruits aroma. Violet.  

Palate: Creamy, dense, and full. Smooth sweet tannins. Forward and fruity: ripe black fruits. A bit of spices. Long finish.

Surely Napa style of straight forward and flashy US cult Cabernet Sauvignon. Big, ripe, and sweet are the definition. So just pop now, why wait? Have something equally big to go along too. Roasted rack of lambs or venison will do, I suppose.

Yalumba The Octavius 2004

Date of Tasting: 14 November 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Shiraz

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Barossa, Australia

Appellation: Barossa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: https://www.yalumba.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 96/100, WE - 94/100, ST - 93/100, WS - 92/100, JR - 17.5/20, DC - 17.5/20, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Dark inky purple.

Aroma: Peppery, blueberry and raspberry. Mild eucalyptus and chocolate.

Palate: Velvety big boy but fine and smooth. Well structured. Long to the end. Concentrated fruits in the form of liqueur like. 

Pretty much adore this new world shiraz. It was big but also in the possession of elegance. I didn't feel much of the oozy chewy Australian shiraz here but fine yet powerful one. Such a privilege to enjoy this Yalumba now. Nice piece of rib eye and you are done.

Kenzo Estate Asuka 2012 and Rindo 2012

Date of Tasting: 10 November 2015

Wine Type: Red

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley
Web: http://www.kenzoestate.com/

Strolling around Roppongi Hills while waiting for the time to visit Tempura Yokota, surely girls would enjoy the shopping moment. However, one like me who seems to have only either food or wine in mind. With some googling research, I found that there is a wine bar of Kenzo Estate within Roppongi Hills. Hence, I did not hesitate to pop by for a few glasses before dinner.

Kenzo Estate is a winery in California which has been developed since the very beginning of 90's by inspirational Capcom founder, Kenzo Tsujimoto. The first vintage available was 2005 which consisted of Rindo, Ai, and Murasaki. For the shop in Roppongi Hills, wines definitely are shipped directly from the estate. On the 1st floor, it is more like wine bar with retail corner. Wines by glass are available for tasting from 11am until late night. While dining area on floor 2 is opened from 5pm. For my short visit, I did try 2 types from their range: Asuka 2012 and Rindo 2012.

Both wines are pretty similar in structure: USA cult wines. But they are delicious. Asuka range consists mainly of Cabernet Franc whilst Rindo is Bordeaux blend. They are rather ready for enjoying at this early stage but should age pretty nicely. Personally, I may enjoy Asuka more with its beautiful perfume. Nevertheless, pricing of Asuka is 3 folds of Rindo. QPR wise, Rindo represents much better value. For Rindo, it gives mouth coating structure with bold tannins. Earthy, leathery, and mocha too. Anyway, the charm of aroma of blue fruits from Asuka cannot really be ignored.

Well, I have to say I do like this bar of Kenzo Estate. If I do have time to visit Tokyo next time, I will surely pop by again. They may only present their range of wine but they are indeed a delicious range which is rare and can be experiencing. Cheers!!!

Kenzo Estate Asuka 2012

Grape Varieties: 94.1% Cabernet Franc, 5.9% Merlot

Alcohol: 14.8%

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR300

Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Critics' Opinion: CT - 93/100

Kenzo Estate Rindo 2012

Grape Varieties: 53.0% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15.8% Cabernet Franc, 17.5% Merlot, 13.7% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.8%

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR100

Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: CT - 93/100

Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2007

Date of Tasting: 10 July 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 15.9%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR110

Web: http://www.robertmondaviwinery.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 95/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 95/100, WS - 95/100, WE - 95/100, ST - 94/100, JS - 91/100, DC - 16/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: Dark crimson.

Aroma: Ripe currants, cassis, oak, smoke and herbs.

Palate: So big. So full. Monster. Yet it was dry and balance. Notes of black fruits. Very tannic definitely. Long lasting finish.

When my palate is seeking for softer kind of wine day by day, the big and broodingly bold Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon seems to be overwhelming. I wouldn't say I dislike this one. Of course, it is fabulously great. But it is just not my style. It is like a huge monster attacking. In fact, it is so powerful and almost like port. One would definitely need a good compliment dish to go along. It yields long aftertaste flavours. Still at least 10 more years to go for this Hulk.

Dry River Pinot Noir Martinborough 2008

Date of Tasting: 17 August 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 12.5%

Origin: Martinborough, New Zealand

Appellation: Martinborough

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://dryriver.co.nz/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 91/100, WE - 91/100, JR - 17.5/20, CT - 90/100

Appearance: Ruby in colour with hint of purple.

Aroma: Sweet red fruits and cherry mainly with forest floor on the background. Mild spices.

Palate: Exhibit layers of sweet fruits primarily: cherry, raspberry, and plum. Fresh and crisp. Medium-full on the structure. Fine tannins. Hint of vanilla and oak. 

Not quite the same in character as in other New Zealand pinot noir. Its fruit character stands out pretty nicely. But its sexiness comes when more dimension started showing out: spices, vanilla, flowers, earth, and etc. It is not quite old world in style nor masculine new world. Elegant and velvety are sure ones. Though it is not my style but I cannot disagree it is an enjoyable one.

Craggy Range Chardonnay Kidnappers Vineyard 2011

Date of Tasting: 17 April 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Appellation: Te Awanga

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR15

Web: http://www.craggyrange.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 89/100
Critics' Opinion: WS - 89/100, WE - 87/100, JS - 91/100, FS - 87/100, JR - 16/20, CT - 88/100

Appearance: Light yellow

Aroma: Aroma of citrus and tropical fruits. Undertone fresh herbs.

Palate: Medium-full and creamy on the palate with balance of crisp acidity and minerality. Notes of apple and lemon. Clean and pure. Dry and stony.

Clean, crisp, and subtlety in style. It is a great table wine as well as for drinking as aperitif. I like the way that it does not need much attention to enjoy it at the same time it can still manage to keep its momentum throughout. This perhaps exhibits the style in the similar pace to Chablis. Its life might not last long and it might as well last long in your cellar. Cheers.

Quilceda Creek Columbia Valley Red Wine 2009

Date of Tasting: 25 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec

Alcohol: 15.2%

Origin: Washington, USA

Appellation: Columbia Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.quilcedacreek.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 94/100, ST - 91/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Deep crimson

Aroma: Herbs, smoke, cocoa, tobacco and black fruits

Palate: Full on the palate. Deep exotic spices. Sweet ripe berries, chocolate, graphite, and oakiness. Fine and smooth tannins.

Needless to say much. This second wine from Quilceda Creek is surely one of the top of New World wine from Washington. It is sexy and yet opulent. Ones will indeed enjoy a big punch of this bordeaux blend. It is ready now and should be fabulous at least 5 years ahead. Quilceda Creek Red Wine 2009 will surely be a perfect compliment with red meat and rich dishes. Raise the glass!!!!

Chateau Montelena Chardonnay Napa Valley 2010

Date of Tasting: 3 April 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 14.1%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://montelena.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 91/100
Critics' Opinion: WA - 92/100, ST - 91/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: Pale golden straw

Aroma: Citrus aroma and white flowers

Palate: Lingering acidity presented. Medium-full on the touch with oil-like softness. Notes of sweet and sour grapefruit and honey lemon. Very mild oakiness on the finish.

It was a nice one in which I could enjoy with food and solely as aperitif. It's not big nor light. The penetration of acidity comes into play a little too much for my liking. Though Chateau Montelena Chardonnay shows its gorgeous side, I wish there were more of complexity wave of notes. Chablis-like in the form of Napa Valley chardonnay in my point of view. Not sure if it would develop anything further but if you like this kind of style, drinking now won't harm you.

Walter Hansel Pinot Noir Cuvee Alyce 2012

Date of Tasting: 9 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.2%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Russian River Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR45

Web: http://www.walterhanselwinery.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Professional Rating: WA - 97/100, AG - 93/100, ST - 92/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: Dark red

Aroma: Ripe black cherry. Spices with mild forest floor.

Palate: Full on the body. Outgoing characters with fruit forward. Cherry and raspberry notes with vanilla tone on the palate.

Beautiful wine at decent price that can be nicely consumed at its young state and should live well to 2020. Not the kind of overly jammy / oaky as in typical Californian pinot noir but hybrid of European characters. I, personally, even enjoy it alone but it should be great with red meat dishes. Cheers!!!!

Craggy Range Sophia Gimblett Gravels 2008

Date of Tasting: 13 March 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

Appellation: Gimblett Gravels

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.craggyrange.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 95/100
Professional Rating: WA - 94/100, CT - 94/100

Appearance: Opulent garnet

Aroma: Persistent aroma of dark berries, spices, and floral

Palate: Firm and tannic kind of style with big bodied but yet subtlety. Sweet blackcurrant and cassis bursting out at the first sip. Rich and smooth texture. Vibrant acidity balanced the picture well. Apparent toasty oaky feel.

Pretty nice bottle of Merlot based wine in its own style. Rich in fruit. Elegant despite power. Somewhat fabulous with oakiness that did not overwhelm. It might, however, be a little plain for those who look for multi dimensions structure. Well, it is wonderful now for drinking. I enjoyed it with nice piece of medium-rare rib eye. Red meat dish that is not too complex should pair well. Cheers!!!

Forman Vineyard Napa Valley Chardonnay 2013

Date of Tasting: 27 February 2015

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: St. Helena, Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR40

Web: http://www.formanvineyard.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Professional Rating: WA - 94/100, AG - 94/100

Appearance: Yellow straw

Aroma: Primary scent of lemon, stone, and mild herbs

Palate: White fruits and stony notes. Sheer power but bright. Pin-pointedly cut of acidity. Long and lingering. 

Whole cluster pressed with 10% new oak fermentation. Fairly priced and distinctive character. This is some adorable Chardonnay of new world. Enjoyable now and shall be nice with seafood based pasta. It is sure a food friendly wine. Raise the glass!!!!!!

Walter Hansel The North Slope Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

Date of Tasting: 30 December 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.2%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Russian River Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR35

Web: http://www.walterhanselwinery.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Professional Rating: WA - 94/100, AG - 92/100, ST - 92/100

Appearance: Ruby red

Aroma: Sweet red berries and spices

Palate: Rather rich medium-full bodied pinot. More fruit forward. Dark cherry flavour with fine acidity. Some spicy notes. Gentle and smooth tannins. Balance on the overall.

Nicely approachable Californian Pinot Noir. I had this with shabu shabu and sukiyaki. Food and wine supported each other well. Fruity palate but not too heavily weighted: more of feminine than masculine. To me, this is like a half-blood style of Pinot Noir: i.e. half Burgundian, half New World. Would not mind at all to follow this producer in the future.

Walter Hansel Chardonnay Cuvee Alyce 2012

Date of Tasting: 29 December 2014

Wine Type: White

Grape Varieties: 100% Chardonnay

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Russian River Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR30

Web: http://www.walterhanselwinery.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 95/100, AG - 92/100, ST - 92/100, CT - 91/100

Appearance: golden yellow

Aroma: perfume of peach, pear, tropical fruits, and flowers

Palate: Buttery, creamy, and concentrated body. Ripe pear with spices and smoky note. Nice acidity and subtle oak. 

Simply said, a fine bottle of Chardonnay that would not break your bank. If the full bodied type with some fruits, spices, and a balance of delicate oak and acidity is what you like, here is an alternative for you. This one would perhaps pair well with white meat dishes or rich flavour fish. I do enjoy this bottle now.

Dominus Estate Christian Moueix Napanook 1994

Date of Tasting: 2 January 2015

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.1%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Napa Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR300

Web: http://www.dominusestate.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 98/100
Professional Rating: WA - 99/100, WS - 91/100, FS - 95/100, ST - 97/100, JR - 17/20, CT - 95/100

Appearance: dark hue that tends towards garnet

Aroma: tobacco and smoke, mushroom, spice scents, and some black fruits

Palate: Medium-full bodied with so fine texture, thanks to well integrated tannins. Particular splendid mouth-feel with great depth of flavour. Ripe cassis, sage, and spices. Persistent and elegant.

Such a precious bottle. It would be extremely difficult to keep hands off the cork of any remaining bottles once you have experienced it. Striking perfume caught on the nose of everyone right at decanting. At this point, I was already stunned. Tannins have mellowed down nice leaving so fine and so smooth texture on the palate: seamless structure. Don't feel like having those big and bold Napa Bordeaux blend at all but elegant Bordeaux instead. Such finesse, it possesses. Drink now if you have them in cellar whilst it still shows the sexiness that would blow off your mind. This piece of art rocks. Cheers!!!!!!

Almaviva 2010

Date of Tasting: 8 December 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Carmenere, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.5%

Origin: Maipo Valley, Chile

Appellation: Alto Maipo

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR110

Web: http://www.almavivawinery.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 94/100
Professional Rating: WA - 92/100, WS - 94/100, JS - 97/100, ST - 94/100, JR - 17.5/20, CT - 93/100

Appearance: dark red / violet

Aroma: cassis, currants, spices, and mild vanilla

Palate: Big and bold but great balance with lingering acidity. Soft and fresh on palate. Fruit forward with ripe tannins. Dark berries note with some bitter chocolate.

Simply powerful and dense but a harmonious and fine bottle from Chile. Pretty nice and accessible now. With nice steak, this would be a wonderful way to enjoy. Stay with it if power style (with a bit of oakiness of course) is what you are looking for.

Kistler Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2012

Date of Tasting: 4 December 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 14.1%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: Russian River Valley

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR70

Web: http://www.kistlervineyards.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 92/100
Professional Rating: WS - 90/100, CT - 92/100

Appearance: bright ruby

Aroma: perfume of rose, menthol, red fruits, and spices

Palate: Subtle and silkily smooth with medium body. Savoury raspberry notes with spices and lively acidity. Fresh, dry, rich and elegant. 

Cool climate style of pinot noir with vibrant and elegant style rather that the usual sweet and dense US pinot noir. The soft and smooth touch are the plus points on the palate whilst the highly perfumed nose is as well wonderful. It is made to be accessible young so consume during the next 5 years. I shall indeed enjoy more of this. Cheers!!!!!

Revana Family Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Date of Tasting: 15 November 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.8%

Origin: California, USA

Appellation: St. Helena

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR120

Web: http://www.revanawine.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: WA - 88/100, WS - 97/100, ST - 92/100, CT - 93/100

Appearance: dark inky garnet but bright

Aroma: pepper and herbs, black fruits aroma, and toasty oak

Palate: Soft, supple, and elegant with integrated fine tannins in medium-full body. Sweet ripe currants and cherries. Mild herbaceous and graphite notes intermix. 

Not so much of the big and bold style of Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon but more of the elegant style. Had this along side striploin steak and it was fantastic. Nice bottle, I would say. But pricing might not be so attractive. Not really a wine to last long and perhaps at its peak at the moment. Enjoy this until the end of this decade perhaps.

Pascal Marchand-Tawse Morey Saint Denis 1er Cru Les Millandes 2011

Date of Tasting: 22 August 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bourgogne, France

Appellation: Appellation D'Origine Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ EUR60

Web: http://www.marchand-tawse.com/
Chubby Appreciation: 93/100
Professional Rating: ST - 88/100, BH - 92/100

Appearance: deep ruby

Aroma: red berries and herbs

Palate: full bodied with density and power. lingering red fruits palate. long and fine silkily tannins.

This is more like a bigger style of pinot noir from Morey Saint Denis. It is big but refined and seamless. The red berries note dominate throughout with support from fresh spices. Impressively long on the finish. Still rather young at the moment so let this baby sleeps until the end of this decade. Cheers!!!!!

Pascal Marchand-Tawse Fixin 1er Cru Clos du Chapitre 2011

Date of Tasting: 8 August 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 13%

Origin: Bourgogne, France

Appellation: D'Origine Controlee

Expect to Pay: ~ THB2,000

Web: http://www.marchand-tawse.com/
Chubby Score: 92/100
Value for money: 7/10

Professional Rating: n.a.

Appearance: deep ruby

Aroma: floral and red currants infusion, some earth

Palate: medium bodied with opulent punch. some sweet red fruits and plum. sharp long finish. flavour development stemming along the course. a little low on acidity. a bit of pungent aftertaste.

It is a rather modern Burgundy for me. There are volume and mild sweetness like those pinot noir from California. I might as well say it is a half-blood. Nevertheless, there was so much joy from this bottle. After an hour from opening, it was blossoming splendidly. Rather value for money from my opinion and is the one to watch for development.

Achaval Ferrer Finca Altamira Mendoza 2008

Date of Tasting: 31 May 2014

Wine Type: Red

Grape Varieties: 100% Malbec

Alcohol: 13.5%

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina

Appellation: La Consulta

Expect to Pay: ~ THB3,000

Web: http://www.achaval-ferrer.com/
Chubby Score: 95/100
Value for money: 8/10
Professional Rating: WA - 97/100, WS - 94/100, WE - 90/100, ST - 93/10, CT - 93/100

Appearance: bright and deep purplish ruby

Aroma: cassis, dark berries, exotic spices

Palate: big and broad with sublime smoothness. long and lush with violet fruit forward and graphite note. excellent balance with fine acidity. subtle aftertaste.

Excellent bottle of single vineyard at the altitude of 3,400 feet and low yield (12 hectoliters/hectare) by Achaval Ferrer. This is a kind of power and opulent that combines with elegance as well. So rich on the flavour and so smooth on the texture. It showed fabulously throughout the 2 hours period of drinking. It gives so much pleasure right now and should be impressive for a decade to go. Looking forward to revisit in a few years.