Yet another from just down the road. Sorry, no guest reviews this time… Lucky them! We also enacted our first bylaw at this meeting. Look for it on About the Club.

Note: With the holidays coming, our schedules are a bit out of whack. Please excuse the early week meeting. We will not meet again until the 8th of January, 2010. Look forward to a white!

Chosen by: Brian
How it was chosen: It was the least valuable of what was on the wine rack.
Bought at: Veramar Vineyard – Berryville, VA
Cost: $32

Brian’s Thoughts: I found this to be the most interesting selection thus far. Complex and fairly intense. A little too much going on. Kind of earthy with a lot of sediment. I’d give it a 5 out of 10 I guess. Very dependent on an individual’s tastes for this one…
Geordie’s Thoughts: Cat pee smell, ascorbic acid flavor with a cloudy appearance. I would not purchase it, but it wasn’t as bad as the description makes it out to be. It’s actually fairly complex. Perhaps too much so. That being said, if it was paired with a flavorful meat it would hold it’s own.
Mike’s Thoughts: The bouquet had a lot going on, but all I could make out was tobacco. After some breathing, heavy alcohol scent. Visually, very cloudy, and “weird.” I had a slight cold, but WTF is this? Too many flavors fighting one another. Overall, I’d rate this a Charles Shaw minus the wicked bite. HOLY SEDIMENT, Batman!

Links: Tastings.com.

Chosen by: Mike
How it was chosen: This is my personal favorite. I always have a few bottles on hand at the house. Unfortunately, I think more are given away as gifts than we drink, but I buy it by the case so I do get a fair amount.
Bought at: Total Wine – McLean, VA
Cost: $12.99

Brian’s Thoughts: Well rounded in its mediocrity, with a semi-rough finish. On a scale of 1-10, I’d give it a 3.
Geordie’s Thoughts: The bouquet is a bit limp but pleasant with a hint of tobacco. It has a tart forward taste with a bit of oak followed by a plump middle note and a fast fade.
Mike’s Thoughts: It’s my go-to wine. I love it. Full body, not too strong, and no bite. Great with pasta and red sauce.

Links: Snooth, WineAccess, WineLog.