Wines tasted on November 5th, 2008

1) Catena Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 13.5% ALC, Mendoza, Argentina
2) Norton Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, 13.8% ALC, Napa Valley, California, USA
3) Chateau Lastours 2005, 12.5% ALC., (30% Syrah, 30% Baucol, 20% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon), AOC Gaillac, Bordeaux, France
4) Greenpoint Shiraz 2005, 14% ALC, Victoria, Australia
5) Andezon “A” 2006, 14% ALC, AOC Cotes-du-Rhone, France
6) Qupé Syrah 2006, 13.5% ALC, Central Coast, California, USA
7) Cantele Primitivo 2005, 13.5% ALC, IGT Salento, Puglia, Italy
8) Seghesio Zinfandel 2006, 15.4% ALC, Sonoma County, California, USA

A bunch of wines for this tasting and not many good ones. Instead of reviewing all of them I'll just give my two cents on the ones I liked.

5) This wine was meaty, a little smoky and called for food. It probably had a little bit of Granache with the Syrah, leading to some rich spicy flavors. Very earthy but surprised me with the ripe new world style fruit on the taste.

7) What a price for this wine. A great example of a wine that most people will enjoy. It had sweet fig aromas and was jammy on the taste.