Ken Wright Cellars, Carter Vineyard

I was shocked and excited to discover one of Oregon's (My home state) most respected and sought after wines. Although at a higher price than back home, I highly recommend this excellent wine to anyone who'd like to try a pinot noir which is completely different (and in my opinion much better) from France's Burgundy.

Ken Wright Cellars,
100% Pinot Noir
Vintage:2006
Region: Willamette Valley
Vineyard: Carter Vineyard
Price: NT$2200
Value: Great!



This wine starts great and ends great. Strawberries and mint on the nose. the first drink is powerful but soft; lots of chocolate and cherry flavors with a subtle hint of pipe tobacco. The finish is long and smooth with vanilla, black cherry and a little oak. fantastic.

Raices One

This blend is the Premier bottling from the makers of Raices de Garnacha *see previous posting..

Raices 1 1998 Vintage
Bottled 2000.
Bldend:40% Monastrell, 30% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo
Price:NT$1350
Value: Good.


For a wine that spent two years in barrels, the oak flavors were surprisingly subtle. The nose had strong notes of rose petals and blackberry. It drinks nicely, soft dark fruit and blueberry pie and a long finish with just enough barrel toast to make me happy.

I'm not sure if any more is available in Taipei, but if it is I recommend it for the experience. However, in my opinion the younger Raices de Garnacha, Raices de Monastrell and Raices de Tempranillo (all available at half the price) are a better value.

Raices de Garnacha

Great.
Raices de Garnacha 2005
100% Garnacha(aka Grenache)
Calatayud Region, Spain.
Price NT$700
Value: Great

Since I arrived in Taiwan I've been overwhelmed by the dominance of French wines. There's plenty of good stuff to choose from... but it's all French. I was excited to find a place with a competitive Spanish selection. Tried a couple and found THIS:


It is damn good. Big and chewy with great dark fruit and just enough earthy tannins to balance the fruit and oak. I want to keep it all for myself so I'm not going to tell you where to buy it in Taipei... But if you live here and want to try it let me know and i'll share a bottle with you. *also available in Tempranillo and Monastrell

welcome

Hello and welcome to Good Wine, Bad Wine.




People call me Devino, I drink wine and then I talk about it. I've decided to start writing about it too.

stay tuned for more soon.

Thanks,

Devino