2006 Viñedo de los Vientos Tannat

The Tannat grape originated in Madiran, located in southwest France and made its way to Uruguay in 1870.
This particular bottling by Viñedo de los Vientos (Vineyard of the Winds) caught my attention while attending a wine tasting at the Spirited Gourmet a couple weeks ago. They weren't pouring it, but having already developed an interest in the wine (I'm told a good French version is best described as a "monster with manners" and pairs nicely with steak frites), I decided to pick up a bottle. Upon opening, woodsy, subtle black fruit, and bittersweet chocolate aromas become evident. Soft fruit, toasty oak flavors glide across the palate; the tannins are present, but not nearly as harsh as was expected.

2005 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills (H3) & 2007 Mollydooker The Scooter Merlots

Columbia Crest's H3 Merlot was beautiful upon opening it last night. On the other hand, my mother thought it was a bit closed and required aeration. That being said, as more was poured during dinner the luxurious amounts of fruit that flowed were a pleasant surprise; simply said, tasty and a worthy representation of Washington merlot at its finest. This is definitely a wine that can be enjoyed several days after opening, one that'll pass . Tonight, is Mollydooker's The Scooter. Upon opening, ripe cherries were the dominant aroma with a spicy overtone I find common in Australian reds. After doing The Mollydooker Shake the chunky texture described by Wine Spectator's Harvey Steinman disappeared.