Going Vertical

For years I've dreamed of a vertical tasting. A really focused comparison of the same wine over three or more years... to really discover the differences, both subtle and crude, of the effects of climate or blend.

Unfortunately, I've never held onto anything for long enough to have actual bottles to open... if you know what I mean. Really, wine's for drinking, not keeping, no?

This week was it, however, I now had three bottles of Linne Calodo Nemesis, from '05, '06, and '07! I was soooo excited. (What can I say, I'm a simple man)

I had no idea just how revelatory it was going to be! The real "nemesis" turned out to be Mourvedre. A blending grape not generally used as a single varietal in California or in France. Here the Mourvedre was less than 15% of any of the blends:

2005:

85% Syrah

11% Mourvedre

4% Grenache

Kick ass!! Super velvety, deep back cherry type fruit with slight spice. Tannins were smooth, but the wine had tremendous structure and depth.

2006:

82% Syrah

14% Mourvedre

4% Grenache

Leathery, tight and aggressive.

2007:

82% Syrah

12% Mourvedre

6% Grenache

Fabulous earthy flavors, a little eucalyptus on the nose. Very similar to the 2005. Should age very well.

The big difference here was the Mourvedre, and it showed! Mind you, all three of these releases are fantastic! The 2006 is far better than most bottles for the same price (around $65), but compared to its brethren, that little change in blend balanced made a HUGE difference.

The 2006 was leathery and tannic... whoo boy was it.... and the 2007 was so close to the 2005 that I believe it will be just as velvety and gorgeous in another few years.... if I can wait that long.

If you can hold onto wine for 5 years then you may get to experience the same kind of fun... after all, you get to drink the "leftovers" over the next few days!