2007 Cabernet Franc from Pollak

We went to this Vineyard about a month ago. It is a very young winery but with excellent scenery. Kids had a lot of fun there. Through the course, we tasted 7+ different wines. We thought this Cab Franc and its Merlot were out standing.

 

It is dark color, full body, acid and very dry (must thank to the 13 month in oak barrels). I guess because of previous two wines just had - Tempranillo from Spain and Merlot from Chile, both were much lighter and fruity, suddenly felt this cab franc is quite strong.

  

2006 Tempranillo from Vinazaco, Rioja, Spain

Probably the third time I have a Tempranillo. The first two are from the exact same vineyard and it was not bad...

 

It was quite acid in the beginning actually. We then concluded Tempranillo always has to be waken up for more than a hour before drinking. It turned as good as the previous Tempranillo. it is relatively light body, with some flowerish aromas, little fruity but none of them is too strong...

Everything is kind of slim and light... but nothing is bad. I think so far I like Tempranillo because you never has the worry that wine could overpower food.
Meanwhile, the Cost to Value for Tempranillo is always good.

Tumi Alpha multi-card case

Finally I got my Tumi Alpha to replace my lovely Burberry black label card case!!!
This is long overdue... Burberry is in perfect size, very handy and elegant.
Tumi is .... just American style, bold, rugged and bigger (even it is the smallest one I can find)...

2007 Merlot from Cooper Vineyards

Got from a friend. Slightly acid and earthy than my impression about Merlot (which I don't drink much). But it is full body and stronger than the previous Merlot (Sombras).

Turn out the vineyard is about 25 mins drive from my home... very family business style vineyard. Went there and happened to be the free tasting day... Tried about 11 different wines... Got to say its sweet one like ice and dissert wine are much more impressive.

2008 Merlot from Sombras Del Sol

 
I got it from a small but nice (seems quite professional) wine cellar nearby. … It got my attention firstly because it also has Carmenere. The sales rep lady was very nice and had me tried all her variety. However, its Carmenere and Cab were not impressive at this Merlot

Price is very reasonable since it is quite a new brand. But I got to say it is quite top of my Merlot experience. Even my mom who normally don’t drink Merlot, asked immediately where I got it after one sip. There were some complains about that it was Foster behind the scene. But who cares

Fruity, smooth, nice flower-like aroma(I am not that good in distinguishing flowers). It is quite easy to drink (actually, made me drink too much).

Definitely thinking to buy another one, if I still can find it..

2009 Beaujolais Nouveau from Jean-Claude Debeaune

The first Beaujolais for me, thanks to our Japanese sommelier friend.

After some research, I found beaujolais is quite an interesting category for me, since it supposed to be more fruity, sweeter but not too much, not so much depth, fresher and lighter than ordinary wine... I think it will do well in certain occasions. And personally like it, surprisingly.