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January 03, 2005
Childhood
I think I am reverting to my childhood: recently I have lavished an inordinate amount of attention on wonderfully, wonderfully shallow wine. To be sure, I've had my share of complex pinots (the kind which you don't so much drink as engage in bi-lateral negotiations), etc. But I'm also turning a little weird, and by weird I mean silly (eg why did I drink two bottles of the Beaujolais Nouveau that tasted like strawberry Kool Aid?).
The latest example is Coppola's Syrah. Their tasting notes suggest "deep ruby-purple color with generous aromas of black plums, raspberries and fresh violets. Subtle notes of cedar, vanilla and sweet licorice weave seamlessly through dense layers of black currants, plum and berries, adding depth and complexity to the lush array of flavors on the palate. Dark chocolate and pepper spice, framed by silky tannins, highlight the long finish."
Pretty accurate I'd say (though I missed the plums), but they leave an important point out: 90% of this is pure raspberry heaven. It arrives with all of the subtlety of a cruise missile, and yet you can't help yourself. You need to have another glass. It is just too hopelessly right. This is a really, really fun wine.
And here's an alert for all fellow lovers of History Channel\Discovery\etc. Specials AND the classical world: if you missed last night's History Channel special on the life of Hannibal, try to catch the re-runs. And while were at it, the Discovery Channel is going to have a special on the last day of Pompeii later this month.
Posted by dag at January 3, 2005 12:32 PM