NY Times Wine School - our South Alabama Wine Review on the Haute-Medoc 2009 Bordeaux

My little home became a gathering of some amazing South Alabama ladies, one great mother-in-law and one hot hubbie (that would be mine) who came together for one reason - to taste wine. We are participating in the monthly Wine School tasting with the NY Times wine critic.

Our goal: provide a realistic and informed wine review for the 2009 Haute-Medoc Bordeaux from Chateau Larose-Trintaudon.

We opened the bottle about 20 minutes prior to tasting and "violently" decanted it and let it sit for a bit. Although the NY Times wine critic does not believe the glass you drink from is important, I do. I made sure that each of us had a decent stemmed wine glass to taste from. It does not have to be a fancy wine glass, just a wine glass. You have great and affordable options at Target or Wal-Mart if you need some. If possible, go with the Riedel brand.

We poured about 2-3 ounces in each glass. We then read aloud the three questions we were asked to answer -

What does the wine smell and taste like?

What is its texture?

How does the taste change over time?

Well, here it is friends -

Wine School Wine Review
Wine: 2009 Haute-Medoc 2009 Bordeaux from Chateau Larose-Trintaudon
60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot
What does the wine smell and taste like?: Smell - Oak, Currants, Blackberries, Cherries
Taste - Heavy alcohol taste, Pepper, Heavy Tannins, Earthy, Sediment, Iron
What is its texture?: Grainy, heavy
How does the taste change over time?: Lost its bitterness once paired with food; half believed the second glass was better and half did not
Wine Momma Wine Scale: A solid 4

Comments: Most of us, including me, did not particularly like this wine. Although there were a few fruity tones in the nose, there was only earth and a strong sense of alcohol in the taste. However, it did have a beautiful dark purple color. And, lastly, it had nice legs! (AKA, alcohol content). :-)

We all had such a fun two hours tasting wine and having fun. Next up - we are going to attempt a blind tasting with two whites and two reds. Those results should be interesting - let's see who can get it right!

All that said, friends, this is such a fun and easy thing for you to do at home. Just make some calls and send some emails and get the wine tasting going!

Cheers!