Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah 2007

When we read about Charles Smith's wines in the newsletter I immediately got interested nad had to order a couple to try them on. After some reading on the various kinds I chose the syrah and the cab. I must say I had quite some expectations when opening the syrah and was quickly disappointed. It had the same weird terture and sweet taste as the Gnarly Head Zin. I could barely finish my glass. I really hope that the other one will be better. They are produced in Washington.

Viña Chocalan Gran Reserva Pinot Noir 2007

This is my birthday wine, really nice choice though I could really live without the headache on the morning after. This is the kind of pinot that I like, full bodied and dark, not watery and thin like some French ones that I recently tasted. You can really notice the chocolate and I am seriously concidering to get the Chocolate Block. Interesting enough, the name has nothing to do with chocolate. Apparently the word is indiginous and means "yellow flower".

Pico Alto Sauvignon Blanc

Recently I got into sauvignon blanc. This one was nothing special but tasted good and fresh. It acompanied some scones in Soho, London.

Brachetto D’Acqui, Cardinale Lanata, Piemonte

Apparenly this type of wine is not very popular and it has been impossible to find any photo of the bottle. I had it with scones at the Browns Brasserie in Mayfair, London. It is a frizzante wine with 6,8 % alcohol. I remember the bottle being black and stylish and that's it. The Braida winery is known for making good Brachettos. I am not sure what Cardinale Lanata is but I liked it very much. Bracheto is the grape and Acqui is the region in Piemonte where it is made. I hope to find it again somewhere.

Vicar's Choice Souvignon Blanc 2008

A new white favorite. Perfect with shrimp sandwich.

Coto de Imaz Reserva 2004

One of those wines with ugly labels that I have been avoiding for a while now. Tryied it at Victoria restaurant with some tapas and a few friends.