RisqueSommelier.com

Opus One 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon

As everyone knows there is nothing more wonderful than a great musical composition and a fabulous glass of wine. The creative work of those at Opus One has taken care of the wine with their 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon. At first Risqué gasps in ecstasy at first site of the label, then a little squeal can be heard as he anticipates the wine being served to him. Risqué’s final response… “une composition musicale de timelessness du palais.

The small concentrated berries produced a wine that has become deep Ruby Red. Sensational scents of dark black currants, Japanese plum, Bing cherries and lush vanilla, with hints of spice. The oral pleasure brings the gratification of cassis and black cherries followed by a rich dark chocolate, more fruit and spice. The Cabernet embodies 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.

Upon such occasions to indulge in the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon brings a symphony in the mouth while pulling on the heart strings.

Risqué would have it no other way! Maestro, play on…

($150)

Michaud 2003 Chardonnay, Monterey County, California

The 2003 is brilliant with scents of ripe white peach, fuji apple, honey and a light hint of oak. The crisp vivid taste endows fruits of green apple, peach and apricot indulging a nice acidic balance.

According to Michaud, the “smaller than average” harvest 2003 Chardonnay is expected to mature over couple years however Risqué says “it is pleasing to the tongue now so why wait?” With an adequately filled wine glass and a few more limp wristed swirls, Risqué continued to indulge his senses with his new found glass of vino.

Alcohol 14.3% ($38)

Everyone loves the mysticism and magic associated with Fairies and certainly Risqué is no exception. In fact, Risqué only remembers during his earlier years there only being female fairies…you know…like Tinkerbell. Bart Dick undeniably uses his talent and imagination in creating the fabulous fairytale male pixie “Moonfairy”. Moonfairy appears to be working his magic by pointing his finger past his subject and spreading his magic dust. One wonders if the magic dust actually works or is it just his captivating long muscular physic, mythical elf like head, intricately beautiful wings or his prowess is what entrances his submissive subjects. As with most fairy-like creatures they are up to mischief and it is imaginable that Moonfairy is no different.

From drawings to paper cuttings, Bart expresses his emotions through all his amazing art. Check it out at www.mannenknipwerk.be/.

“Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.”

— Attributed to Benjamin Franklin

2005 Tenuta di Pietra Porzia Frascati Superiore Regillo

The label on this Frascati Superiore is what initially attracted Risqué’s eye but it was the dimension of the flavors that held his attention.

The lovely light golden hue swells with the HUGE scent of ripe pear, honeydew melon and billowous pink honeysuckle hinting at soft MAN musky notes. The body of this delight is light but again with HUGE wonderful citrusy acidity, succulent ripe white peaches and white pepper, and the perfumed taste of apples and cloves finishing into a LENGTHY almond finish.

The “Dioscuri” or the Youth’s of Zeus on the label are only a hint at the bright star that this lovely Italian table white is to the tongue. The delivery is so much greater than the expectation!

Risqué would say… .These twins are definitely GROWERS!

Norman Vineyards 2003 Syrah, Paso Robles

An interesting find is a nice 2003 Syrah made by Norman Vineyards. A gratis provision via Norman Vineyards, Risqué passionately opened the bottle and to his surprise found a beautiful wet cork stained with an inky lush Ruby color.

The nose disrobes scents of black cherry, plum, wild raspberries, black tea, cinnamon, anise and a lovely toasted French oak. The taste beckons characteristics of raisin, plum, tart Montmorency cherry all finishing with a kiss of coffee and cocoa.

Risqué recommends laying away some bottles as 5 years will let you know that truly it is Norman.

Alcohol: 13.9% $20.00

2006 Moillard Les Violettes,

While sniffing… Risqué rooted out several lovely little rewards, and specifically a 2006 Moillard Les Violettes Côtes du Rhône.

A sparkling rhodolite garnet colored liquid in the glass has a tantalizing nose of spiced cherries, pine and pekoe tea. As the light bodied liquid slides silkily across the tongue it yields delicious tangy cherry, plum and black pepper, more nutmeg and cinnamon spice wrapped in supple tannins with a fruity sweet impression but dry finish of raspberries and nosegays of old fashioned violets.

Risqué noted… “What a delightful Côtes du Rhône”, especially at $18.

Alcohol 13.5% ($18)