A Panel Tasting of J

About Reserve Wine - Part 3

A Panel Tasting of J.Lohr Wines

In "About Reserve Wines Part 2" we went into detail about the vineyards, the grapes, and the winemaking methods used in the making of these wines. We also mentioned putting together a varied cross section of wine lovers for this tasting. The panel is made up of four tasters, each with different wine backgrounds and experiences. For example, I am a wine writer involved in the wine business, while another taster in the group is a professional winemaker. These different experiences and viewpoints add more interest and scope to a tasting.

The J.Lohr wines we tasted:

1999 "Riverstone" Monterey Chardonnay

2000 "Riverstone" Monterey Chardonnay

1999 "Arroyo Vista" Arroyo Seco Chardonnay

1999 "Seven Oaks" Cabernet Sauvignon

1998 "Hilltop Vineyard" Cabernet Sauvignon

Where We Tasting the Wines:

Our tasting was held at Willie Mc Bride's an Irish pub and restaurant located in Newburgh, N.Y. Our whole tasting panel plus my wife and sister-in-law who helped us with the tasting, all enjoyed their food and are looking forward to dining there again. Willie Mc Bride's offers perfectly cooked entrees like, Grilled Swordfish Steak topped with lemon caper sauce, and Filet Mignon grilled to perfection, Au Poivre crusted with peppercorns and topped with a brandy cream sauce. My wife loved the Grilled chicken in a mushroom sherry cream sauce with rigatoni. The service and staff were great. We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to our friends at Willie Mc Bride's

Willie Mc Bride's 394 Washington Ave. Newburgh, N.Y. Phone: 845-565-9088

The Tasting Panel:

Colleen Mairead Hughes: Colleen is a photographer and a graphic artist. She has also worked with wineries conducting wine tastings and winery tours.

Mark Daigle: Mark is a professional wine maker who has worked in the Napa Valley, Burgundy, Champagne, Portugal, Spain, and New York State.

Bob Barrow: Bob is also a professional winemaker and a chemist with a broad knowledge of wine and wine making.

WinePhilosopher: I'm just your basic everyday "wine-nut". You can check out the "About Us" page for more.

Tasting The Chardonnays

We started the tasting with the Chardonnays, and all three of them were well received. The following notes are a synopsis of the taster's comments.

To read all the comments; Tasting panel's detailed notes.

Color: All three Chards had good color. They were all a bright straw to gold in color with the 1999 "Arroyo Vista" being the deepest and most golden.

Aroma: The 1999 Riverstone and the '99 Arroyo Vista seemed to be tied for best bouquet while some tasters found a slight mustiness in the background of the Riverstone.

Texture: All these wines had a smooth, palate-coating, buttery feel. From the tasting notes I would have to say the '99 Arroyo Vista was the favorite with the '99 Riverstone in second.

Flavor: As far as flavor went, all three were likeable in there own way, but I think the slight edge went to the '99 Arroyo Vista.

Finish: All three Chards finished clean, dry, and with buttery fruit. The '99 Arroyo Vista was the panels favorite, I think because it shows a bit more balance and refinement.

Overall Impression: All in all if we were stuck on a desert island with a choice of one Chardonnay this panel would all take the 1999 Arroyo Vista. The Arroyo Vista had better balance, and more complexity and refinement. Its not one obvious element or another that makes the Arroyo Vista this panel's favorite but its a combination of different subtle elements that give the Arroyo its edge.

Tasting The Cabernets

After tasting the Chardonnays we moved on the Cabernet Sauvignons. We found both Cabs to be fruit-driven and California-like in style. The following notes are a synopsis of the taster's comments.

To read all the comments; Tasting panel's detailed notes.

Color: Both Cabs were dark red to purple in color with good clarity and intensity.

Aroma: Both were on the fruity side with oak, currant, and blackberry aromas, but we all agreed that the Hilltop was more intense and intricate.

Texture: The Hilltop won out here, with more refinement, length, and balance.

Flavor: Both wines had nice flavors but the Hilltop is more complex and layered, while also being more tannin and closed.

Finish: The Seven Oaks finished softer and fruitier, while the Hilltop was drier, more tannin, longer, and richer.

Overall Impression: All the tasters agreed that they would rather drink the Hilltop if given a choice. It had a firmer structure, more complexity, and better balance between the fruit, acidity, tannins, and oak. Two tasters commented that even though the Hilltop is better, they think the Seven Oaks is actually drinking better right now, because it is softer, fruitier, and less tannin. Keep in mind that the Hilltop has not yet reached its peak of maturity.

About Reserve Wines - Part1 About Reserve Wines - Part2

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