http://www.creovino.com Wine Making, Recipes and General discussions about wine. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:10:37 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1810 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1810#comments Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:21:00 +0000 Ben Todd:

Chez Ray Old Vines Zinfandel 2002: Young jammy nose with evident alcohol; Fruit forward on palate with grape jam flavor & lively acidity. Bark & alcohol in medium finish.

Earlier description of this wine here.

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/1810/feed 0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1700 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1700#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 22:26:00 +0000 Ben
Original Review, November, 2008: This 2003 Chez Ray Meritage is made from fresh grapes from Lodi, CA - a mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel and syrah. It was fermented warm with Pasteur Red yeast, pressed at dryness after about a week's fermentation. The grapes were fermented separately, then blended at bottling.

In the glass, this is medium dusty red, deepening at the center of the glass. Aromas are modest, funky, deep, round; like your nose is in the middle of an almost-overripe plum. On the palate, a middle round sweetness is the first impression, full of ripe blackberry fruit. Following that comes the impression of oak (from the French oak chips used in aging the wine), and a pleasant, even, sweet finish. Tannins have pretty well aged out of the five-year-old wine. Ready to drink now.

Three stars out of five on the Spirit of Wine scale, as I would definitely come back to this again.
---------------

Updated review, a year and a half later, May, 2010:  Consistent color, aroma and flavors.  Holding up well.  Acids coming forward a bit.

]]>
Original Review, November, 2008: This 2003 Chez Ray Meritage is made from fresh grapes from Lodi, CA - a mix of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel and syrah. It was fermented warm with Pasteur Red yeast, pressed at dryness after about a week's fermentation. The grapes were fermented separately, then blended at bottling.

In the glass, this is medium dusty red, deepening at the center of the glass. Aromas are modest, funky, deep, round; like your nose is in the middle of an almost-overripe plum. On the palate, a middle round sweetness is the first impression, full of ripe blackberry fruit. Following that comes the impression of oak (from the French oak chips used in aging the wine), and a pleasant, even, sweet finish. Tannins have pretty well aged out of the five-year-old wine. Ready to drink now.

Three stars out of five on the Spirit of Wine scale, as I would definitely come back to this again.
---------------

Updated review, a year and a half later, May, 2010:  Consistent color, aroma and flavors.  Holding up well.  Acids coming forward a bit.

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/1700/feed 0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1122 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1122#comments Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:48:00 +0000 Ben one batch pressed dry (ie, immediately as fermentation completed); and the second batch pressed after extended maceration.

Today, I have some recently bottled sample batches of 2008 merlot and zinfandel to compare between these two pressing techniques.

Let's start with the Chez Ray Merlot, 2008:

Pressed dry: The pressed dry merlot shows medium dusty red in the glass. Aromas are bright, bold, plumy and yeasty. A strong inky, alcoholic component. On the palate, a bright but bold mid palate impact, showing very ripe plums and some blackberry. Finishes clean.

Extended maceration: The merlot which underwent extended maceration shows similar in the glass, a touch less purple. Aromas seem to show a somewhat riper, spongy plum element. On the palate, the impact is round, full and soft and ripe in the back of the tongue. Seems more aged already, with less definitive fruit. The finish curls with a bit of acid. Slightly inferior to the pressed dry version.

Now let's try the Chez Ray Zinfandel, 2008:

Pressed dry: The pressed dry zinfandel shows medium cherry red in the glass. Upon swirling, aromas are tangy, metallic and almost citrus. On the palate, a spicy fruit touches the front of the mouth first, slowly unfolding back, sweeter and sweeter as it moves back along your tongue. The finish is moderate and clean.

Extended maceration: The zinfandel which underwent extended maceration shows a similar color - possibly just a touch more faded. Aromas show a similar note, a touch less tangy and bright. The palate is even, full and flush from the start, beginning at the middle of your tongue and spreading out. Perhaps even some chocolate elements as it spreads. Slick, clean finish. Improved over the pressed dry version.

Overall observations: My expectations were that the extended maceration might cause each of the wines to lose some "edge" and distinctiveness. It is probably true that the "edge" has been slightly muted in both. However, with the zinfandel, the extended maceration did not mute the final result. In the merlot, it caused a bit more aged "genericism" in the final product. In the zinfandel, though, it nicely knitted together some otherwise discordant elements. Perhaps that would happen with age in the pressed-dry zinfandel, perhaps not.

So my findings on extended maceration are, in the final analysis, mixed. I believe it muddied the merlot, but enhanced the zinfandel. If I was forced to operate one way or another on all my wines based on this one tasting, I would probably choose to press dry. That is because I believe the merlot was challenged more than the zinfandel was improved.

Too bad life is so complicated!

]]> one batch pressed dry (ie, immediately as fermentation completed); and the second batch pressed after extended maceration.

Today, I have some recently bottled sample batches of 2008 merlot and zinfandel to compare between these two pressing techniques.

Let's start with the Chez Ray Merlot, 2008:

Pressed dry: The pressed dry merlot shows medium dusty red in the glass. Aromas are bright, bold, plumy and yeasty. A strong inky, alcoholic component. On the palate, a bright but bold mid palate impact, showing very ripe plums and some blackberry. Finishes clean.

Extended maceration: The merlot which underwent extended maceration shows similar in the glass, a touch less purple. Aromas seem to show a somewhat riper, spongy plum element. On the palate, the impact is round, full and soft and ripe in the back of the tongue. Seems more aged already, with less definitive fruit. The finish curls with a bit of acid. Slightly inferior to the pressed dry version.

Now let's try the Chez Ray Zinfandel, 2008:

Pressed dry: The pressed dry zinfandel shows medium cherry red in the glass. Upon swirling, aromas are tangy, metallic and almost citrus. On the palate, a spicy fruit touches the front of the mouth first, slowly unfolding back, sweeter and sweeter as it moves back along your tongue. The finish is moderate and clean.

Extended maceration: The zinfandel which underwent extended maceration shows a similar color - possibly just a touch more faded. Aromas show a similar note, a touch less tangy and bright. The palate is even, full and flush from the start, beginning at the middle of your tongue and spreading out. Perhaps even some chocolate elements as it spreads. Slick, clean finish. Improved over the pressed dry version.

Overall observations: My expectations were that the extended maceration might cause each of the wines to lose some "edge" and distinctiveness. It is probably true that the "edge" has been slightly muted in both. However, with the zinfandel, the extended maceration did not mute the final result. In the merlot, it caused a bit more aged "genericism" in the final product. In the zinfandel, though, it nicely knitted together some otherwise discordant elements. Perhaps that would happen with age in the pressed-dry zinfandel, perhaps not.

So my findings on extended maceration are, in the final analysis, mixed. I believe it muddied the merlot, but enhanced the zinfandel. If I was forced to operate one way or another on all my wines based on this one tasting, I would probably choose to press dry. That is because I believe the merlot was challenged more than the zinfandel was improved.

Too bad life is so complicated!

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/1122/feed 0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1118 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1118#comments Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:17:00 +0000 Ben 2009 Mendocino Zinfandel which was acquired as fresh grapes.

Yield was approximately 9 gallons from four crates of grapes.

]]> 2009 Mendocino Zinfandel which was acquired as fresh grapes.

Yield was approximately 9 gallons from four crates of grapes.

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/1118/feed 0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1115 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1115#comments Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:15:00 +0000 Ben By way of background: The Chez Ray Zinfandel, 2004, was made from Lodi grapes, fermented warm, with a combination of French and American oak.

In the glass: Medium to deep red.

On the nose: Fruity, lightly smoky, wet red cherry.

On the palate: Smooth, red fruit in the middle of your mouth. Like a gob of blackberry that has all the tartness removed. Kinda nice in that respect. Balance of the flavors include a general even sweetness, tiny bits of acids crawl up into your cheeks.

And the finish: Sweet acids slowly fade away, and with them any hints of fruit.

In summary: Pleasant, though not intense nor distinctive. Less intensity andfriendliness than I'd expect from a zinfandel. Still, three stars on the Spirit of Wine scale, as I would return to this another time. Could be a nice blender with something offering a bit more structure.

]]> By way of background: The Chez Ray Zinfandel, 2004, was made from Lodi grapes, fermented warm, with a combination of French and American oak.

In the glass: Medium to deep red.

On the nose: Fruity, lightly smoky, wet red cherry.

On the palate: Smooth, red fruit in the middle of your mouth. Like a gob of blackberry that has all the tartness removed. Kinda nice in that respect. Balance of the flavors include a general even sweetness, tiny bits of acids crawl up into your cheeks.

And the finish: Sweet acids slowly fade away, and with them any hints of fruit.

In summary: Pleasant, though not intense nor distinctive. Less intensity andfriendliness than I'd expect from a zinfandel. Still, three stars on the Spirit of Wine scale, as I would return to this another time. Could be a nice blender with something offering a bit more structure.

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/1115/feed 0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1089 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1089#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:03:00 +0000 Ben

Similar to the Lanza merlot, I will ferment in separate batches with different yeast in each, accordingly:


Lalvin ICV-D254
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9A)

Lalvin ICV-D80
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9B)

Lalvin BM45
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9C)

]]>

Similar to the Lanza merlot, I will ferment in separate batches with different yeast in each, accordingly:


Lalvin ICV-D254
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9A)

Lalvin ICV-D80
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9B)

Lalvin BM45
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9C)

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/1089/feed 0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1088 http://www.creovino.com/archives/1088#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:03:00 +0000 Ben

Similar to the Lanza merlot, I will ferment in separate batches with different yeast in each, accordingly:


Lalvin ICV-D254
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9A)

Lalvin ICV-D80
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9B)

Lalvin BM45
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9C)

]]>

Similar to the Lanza merlot, I will ferment in separate batches with different yeast in each, accordingly:


Lalvin ICV-D254
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9A)

Lalvin ICV-D80
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9B)

Lalvin BM45
Mendocino Zinfandel (ZM9C)

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/1088/feed 0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/557 http://www.creovino.com/archives/557#comments Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:42:00 +0000 Ben Further explore wine blending.

Start with eight or ten single varietals from a vintage that is getting ready to be drinkable, line 'em up and figure out the blends that may work. A hundred sips later, you may have a few workable blends.

Indeed, for the 2005's, I did manage a couple worth noting.

PM5 (Carneros Sonoma Pinot Noir(P5)/Carneros Napa Merlot 2005 (M'5)): First, the Sonoma Pinot Noir (P5) is still taut - but mixing with 1/2 measure of another bright varietal, the Carneros Napa Merlot (M'5) gives it just a bit of fruit and brightness. So this combo, which I'll code as PM5, is probably a good serving option for the 2005 Pinot Noir for the longer term. Corlor is deep ruby red. Aromatics are subtle, with a touch of red currant fruit. Bright palate, but spreading clean fruit in the middle. Still some tannins for age. Clean finish. I like this better than either of the components, so that makes for a successful blend.

B5 (Bordeaux blend 2005: State Lane Yountville Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (CS5)/Carneros Sonoma Merlot (M5)/Russian River Sonoma Cabernet Franc (F5)): Each of these wines had a similar style - ready to drink, silky, lightly aromatic. Together, they comprise an excellent blend. In the glass, very deep red, hints of brick. Aromas are solid, sweet and yielding, just a little bit leafy. On the palate, a lightly sweet, bold and balanced attack in the front - wonderful tannins, aromatic deep red fruits, outstanding lingering finish. One of the best ever from Chez Ray! Each of the components is an outstanding offering in its own right, but I loved the balance in the blend.

A5 (Aromatic blend 2005: Russian River Sonoma Zinfandel (Z5)/Rutherford Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (CR5)): Both of these wines were stand-outs as aromatically-rich, quite youthful, bright wines. The combo makes a uniquely potent, aromatic blend. Color is very deep red, almost opaque. Nose is rich, sweet and inky - black sweet ink that you want to guzzle from the fountain pen like it's a lick'em'aid stick. On the palate, a sweet, viscous, peppery assault runs across your mouth. The powerful tannins stick to the roof and sides of your mouth, bringing the rich, black nectar slowly down. Takes a minute or more to dislodge from the crevices. Awesomely lingering finish. Not for the faint of heart. Sweet steroids. Can mellow out for years to come.

]]> Further explore wine blending.

Start with eight or ten single varietals from a vintage that is getting ready to be drinkable, line 'em up and figure out the blends that may work. A hundred sips later, you may have a few workable blends.

Indeed, for the 2005's, I did manage a couple worth noting.

PM5 (Carneros Sonoma Pinot Noir(P5)/Carneros Napa Merlot 2005 (M'5)): First, the Sonoma Pinot Noir (P5) is still taut - but mixing with 1/2 measure of another bright varietal, the Carneros Napa Merlot (M'5) gives it just a bit of fruit and brightness. So this combo, which I'll code as PM5, is probably a good serving option for the 2005 Pinot Noir for the longer term. Corlor is deep ruby red. Aromatics are subtle, with a touch of red currant fruit. Bright palate, but spreading clean fruit in the middle. Still some tannins for age. Clean finish. I like this better than either of the components, so that makes for a successful blend.

B5 (Bordeaux blend 2005: State Lane Yountville Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (CS5)/Carneros Sonoma Merlot (M5)/Russian River Sonoma Cabernet Franc (F5)): Each of these wines had a similar style - ready to drink, silky, lightly aromatic. Together, they comprise an excellent blend. In the glass, very deep red, hints of brick. Aromas are solid, sweet and yielding, just a little bit leafy. On the palate, a lightly sweet, bold and balanced attack in the front - wonderful tannins, aromatic deep red fruits, outstanding lingering finish. One of the best ever from Chez Ray! Each of the components is an outstanding offering in its own right, but I loved the balance in the blend.

A5 (Aromatic blend 2005: Russian River Sonoma Zinfandel (Z5)/Rutherford Napa Cabernet Sauvignon (CR5)): Both of these wines were stand-outs as aromatically-rich, quite youthful, bright wines. The combo makes a uniquely potent, aromatic blend. Color is very deep red, almost opaque. Nose is rich, sweet and inky - black sweet ink that you want to guzzle from the fountain pen like it's a lick'em'aid stick. On the palate, a sweet, viscous, peppery assault runs across your mouth. The powerful tannins stick to the roof and sides of your mouth, bringing the rich, black nectar slowly down. Takes a minute or more to dislodge from the crevices. Awesomely lingering finish. Not for the faint of heart. Sweet steroids. Can mellow out for years to come.

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/557/feed 0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/551 http://www.creovino.com/archives/551#comments Sat, 30 May 2009 23:27:00 +0000 Ben here.

Let's see how it's doing with a couple of years of age...

In the glass, it is deep magenta with a touch of rust color. Aromas are bold, purple-inky and wildly alcoholic. Keep the lit matches away! Fruit is a bright blackberry.

Upon sipping, this zinfandel slides to the middle of your palate, emitting minerally, smooth, liquor-like drapes of sweet, easy fruit. Acids and tannins are hidden entirely, but you feel they are underneath, pumping up the intensity. Finishes with a clean metal sheen, touches with glints of fruit. Four stars on the Spirit of Wine scale. Quite ready to drink now, though another year or two in bottle won't seem to hurt anything.

]]> here.

Let's see how it's doing with a couple of years of age...

In the glass, it is deep magenta with a touch of rust color. Aromas are bold, purple-inky and wildly alcoholic. Keep the lit matches away! Fruit is a bright blackberry.

Upon sipping, this zinfandel slides to the middle of your palate, emitting minerally, smooth, liquor-like drapes of sweet, easy fruit. Acids and tannins are hidden entirely, but you feel they are underneath, pumping up the intensity. Finishes with a clean metal sheen, touches with glints of fruit. Four stars on the Spirit of Wine scale. Quite ready to drink now, though another year or two in bottle won't seem to hurt anything.

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/551/feed 0 http://www.creovino.com/archives/266 http://www.creovino.com/archives/266#comments Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:58:00 +0000 Ben
Review: This is one of my earliest experiments - "wine in a bag" from 2002. A 6 gallon kit wine made to just over 5 gallons. Let's see what this is like...

In the glass, deep magenta still, though bricking at the edge. Aroma has that characteristic "grapey kit" feel, along with some heavy oak dust. Hint of iron in there too.

On the palate, a friendly, round, sweet, playful middle. A "curling up with Teddy Bear" wine. Actually, a solid balance between fruit and acids with still a touch of mild tannins.

Aromas are just a tad off from what I might hope. But I'll award this three stars out of five on the Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for that playful edge.

]]>
Review: This is one of my earliest experiments - "wine in a bag" from 2002. A 6 gallon kit wine made to just over 5 gallons. Let's see what this is like...

In the glass, deep magenta still, though bricking at the edge. Aroma has that characteristic "grapey kit" feel, along with some heavy oak dust. Hint of iron in there too.

On the palate, a friendly, round, sweet, playful middle. A "curling up with Teddy Bear" wine. Actually, a solid balance between fruit and acids with still a touch of mild tannins.

Aromas are just a tad off from what I might hope. But I'll award this three stars out of five on the Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for that playful edge.

]]> http://www.creovino.com/archives/266/feed 0