Wines that were sampled, with general "like it, love it, hate it" comments... as obviously, I'm unsure what everyone thought in specifics
Although some of you left your notepads behind...
REDS
2004 Wellington Victory Reserve - Liked it, leaning towards loved it. General thoughts were that it felt unfinished, that perhaps it could spend a little more time in the bottle before we break open another. Drinking window is 2007-2016, so there's the probability this will only get better with age, but was pretty darned good right now.
2004 Reininger Helix Pomatia - Loved it. Felt it was better than the Victory, certainly more of this was drank than the Victory. I personally did not get around to having some, but everyone else seemed to really enjoy it.
2006 Two Hands Angel's Share Shiraz - Liked it, the remainder went home with the bringer. Again, no comment from me, I tried a bit but can't remember... didn't write anything down being too busy hosting. Didn't hear much by way of comments from others on it.
2005 Finca Luzón Jumilla Altos de Luzón - Liked it. No one can pronounce the name. There's still some left in my fridge, which I will probably have with dinner tonight when I get around to it. Again, didn't get to try this one personally, but the general floating comments were that it was yummy.
WHITES
N.V. Chateau Grand Traverse Riesling Sweet Harvest - Loved it. Smooth, delicious, easy to drink. Loved. Not too many tried it, but those who did all went "Wow, that's really good"
2004 Silver Spur Chardonnay Sangiacomo Vineyards - I'm not sure what the feeling was on this one. I don't care so much for chards myself, but there's quite a bit left in the bottle, if that's any indicator to you.
N.V. Chaucer's Raspberry Mead - Liked it, but leaning towards dislike. The smell of this was just terrible. Way too strong - possibly due to drinking window being closed. However, it tasted pretty good - very honey with the taste of raspberry, as expected in a raspberry mead. General consensus was "do not smell this, just drink it".
2006 Mandolina Pinot Grigio - Loved it. I did not taste this myself, however all those at the party who did commented that it was quite good - those who don't typically like pinot grigio loved this one and made note to find some for themselves.
N.V. SakeOne Asian Pear - Didn't like it. here was almost no scent to the sake. The first sip was a little potent and bitter, but afterwards became incredibly smooth - like water. But, it also tasted mostly like water, too, with a hint of pear juice. It didn't present the kick I was expecting from a sake.
SPARKLING
N.V. Gloria Ferrer Sonoma Brut - Loved it. Infused this champagne into chocolate-dipped strawberries (and had some for myself). Enhanced the flavor of the strawberries tremendously. The smell of this bubbly was sweet, and the flavor was mild and much smoother for a white than I anticipated. Easy to drink. Apparently makes good pineapple mimosas...
N.V. Mumm Napa Cuvée M - Loved it. Mumm is Yumm... General consensus was that this was the superior of the champagnes, although both were delicious.
ICEWINE
2003 Crown Bench Estates Winery Ambrosia Chocolate Ice - Loved it. This was a hit among the ladies. This was created by layering the fermenting wine with Belgian chocolate, which came through very much in the flavor. The aroma of chocolate floods your senses as you breathe in the vapors of this delicious dessert ice wine. As you sip, the flavors of peaches and chocolate cross the palate, sweet and irresistible. A cordial glass seems too small for this flavorful, powerful wine, and yet, with its body and fullness, the cordial may be all you need. This wine's got legs to stand on, coating the glass with a beautiful golden shine. The one word to sum up this one: Flawless!
2003 Crown Bench Estates Winery Hot Ice - Loved it. This was a hit among the men. This one was created by infusing hot peppers into the wine. Golden in color with a slightly reddish hue, the aroma this gives off is deceptive of the taste that is to come. The smell is sweet, and just barely gives off a spice note. As the wine crosses your palate, the sweetness remains, and the flavor sticks true to the scent. However, after a moment, the spice kicks in - not harshly. A pleasant, flavorful spice that ignites the senses. The sommelier comments that he has seen a varying range of reactions to this wine - some taking just a sip and their faces turn red, while others are not affected at all. Not a wine for the faint of heart!
2004 Sawmill Creek Vidal Icewine Bin 88 - Liked it. This was a pretty standard ice wine, the kind you'll find pretty much at any winery that produces ice wines. Your base, if you will. All your base are belong to me.
I think that's all of them. Pictures still to come...
CT | I saw HitAnyKey42 on wine.woot! and clicked "I want one!"