Tom and Melody’s wine blog

We had this Altitude 500 Côtes du Ventoux 2003 on New Year’s Eve and loved it; so, I don’t know if our tastes are changing or if this wine just tastes better on a cold, winter’s night. However, tonight I wouldn’t give it as high a rating as I did in January. What I am not enjoying about the wine tonight is the nose. The nose is musty and unappealing. On the palate, however, the wine is good. It is dark, bitter chocolate and blackberries. While I actually really like the taste, I am realizing how important the nose it to the total experience. I would rate this wine as average.

Tom: I can’t say that I would recommend this Altitude 500 Côtes du Ventoux 2003. It has a very strong alcohol whiff and a vegetal nose. As Melody says, it may be an off night for us or the wine, but tonight this one doesn’t work for me.

We are finishing this bottle of Belleruche Cotes-du-Rhone tonight after opening last night. It is always interesting to taste a wine after it has been decanted to see the effect. I notice a greater aroma of cured meats. This wine has good body, a firm mouthfeel and plenty of acidity. There is a very fruity taste on the front of the tongue, with definite tannins and minerals in the finish. A dry and satisfying, lovely French wine.

Tom: This is an interesting, full-flavored, big-bouquet, dry red table wine. This is another excellent wine that we picked up at A&L Wine Castle in Ann Arbor. I pick up some smoky, tobacco-y taste and some fruit, maybe blackberry or blueberry. This is a red-wine drinker’s wine. It takes your spit away, as my father would say.

Melody: Yum. This is quite delicious. It is a deep, translucent ruby red. The aroma is of bacon, pepper, spice and fruit. It is full bodied and firm. I especially enjoy the level of acidity. This has a definite mineral finish which is long and satisfying.

12-31-06 Our choice for New Year’s Eve is this Altitude 500 Rhone Valley Cote du Ventoux! This incredible tasting wine has a strong dark-chocolate finish. Not the least bit frivolous. I tasted licorice and blackberries. Mmmmm.