RisqueSommelier.com

Astounding… Over the last ten months Risqué has shared 130 Wine reviews with his LUSHES. If you’ve been a good Wine LUSH and followed Risqué’s recommendations, you would have swilled fifteen different Red Grape Varietal Wines out of the 90 or so Red Varieties… Though we’ve still a ways to go… Risqué thought his precious, precious LUSHES would enjoy knowing just where they’re taste buds had been…

Red Wine Grape Poster ($16)
www.allposters.com

Risqué’s Reviewed Red List:

Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot , Mourvedré, Nebbiolo (Barolo), Petit Verdot, petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Tempranillo, Zinfandel/Primativo

Risqué has also sampled, several other varietals which he is yet to review for his LUSHES and felt his mignon’s might like to brush up on a few of these on their own… Risqué loves to hear from his LUSHES about what they like! Give these other tasty Rouge varieties a try…

Alicante Bouschet, Barbera, Cinsault, Dornfelder, Gamay, Norton, Valdiquié

The next months will surely reveal a new map for Risqué and LUSHES palates…. A trip well anticipated!!!

La Fenêtre 2006 Pinot Noir Le Bon Climat Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, CA

Risqué had tortured himself for two weeks on Phase 1 of the South Bitch Beach Diet forgoing any alcohol and specifically his life blood… wine!!!! When he crossed that imaginary finish line of the second week… besides looking fabulous… he ran for the best sections in his cellar and pulled an anxiously awaited Pinot Noir. As Risqué carefully chilled, opened and poured this luscious strawberry laden liquid into his glass, he peered through the windows hanging on his glass into a field… a field of strawberries… something to get “hung” about… oh let Risqué take you down!!!

This jewel of a filtered Ruby’esq liquid has a truffled earthy nose of rich concentrated strawberry fruit, contrasted with flinty minerality and candied citrus peel transitioning into a palate of earthy mushrooms, tart Montmorency Cherries, with spiced cocoa, rich green cedar and smoky pancetta meaty notes again echoing dried strawberries… all on a perfectly balanced tannic frame with a dry finish and shaley minerality. The liquid is far more complex than the lyrics of the song.

The Beatles were wrong!!!! Some things are real!!!! La Fenêtre is absolutely the real thing and Risqué thinks in Beatle jargon.. “That is I (Risqué) think I (Risqué) disagree(s)”… these strawberry fields are something to be “hung” about. Extraordinary!!! The complexity and earthiness of this delicious Bacchius beverage lends itself to anything loaded with truffle… a sumptuous bone-in (pun intended) Rib Eye layered with freshly sliced truffles or Black Truffle Risotto studded of Chanterelle Mushrooms. Oh Hell!… just go to David Myer’s SONA and ask for the “Truffle” add on! (in season of course!)

After all the notes are sung… Risqué is all about something to be “hung” about!!!!

Alcohol 14% ($50) Natural Cork Closure

Tolosa “1772” 2005 Pinot Noir, Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo, CA

Bacchus, the God of wine must have premeditated Risqué’s sampling Tolosa’s “1772” 2005 Pinot Noir as the tasting felt intended, almost unavoidable. Seemingly as unavoidable as the Tolosa naming their “1772” label after the historic Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa which was founded in the same year and named after Saint Louis of Anjou, the bishop of Toulouse. Tolosa takes great pride in the brand as it is sourced from their best lots and aged for 10 months in 50% new French oak…definitely a worthwhile wine to have captured Risqué’s attention.

The “1772” 2005 Pinot Noir emanates fragrant scents of spicy cinnamon and nutmeg, full ripe cherry, just peeled pomegranate, French vanilla and a subtle hint of cured bacon. On the tongue is a divine silky concentrate of ripe tart Montmorency cherry, black pekoe tea, violet and earthy mushroom all supporting a nice tannic structure ending with a long lingering cola finish. The tannic structure will allow hoarding for another five years.

Since Risqué was incarnated as a follower of Bacchus, in his presence, abundant wine flows from bottle to glass and every glass is always half full…or at least filled to the appropriate level. In spite of the fateful intentions for Risqué’s sampling, it was his own “free will” that led him to be a believer in Tolosa “1772” 2005 Pinot Noir. His gregarious spirit and “free will” drive him to share this good news with his predestined fellow wine disciples.

Predestination is a great destination…if there is wine!

Alcohol 14.2% ($52) Natural Cork Closure

René Capone – “Admitting Our Falls”
Ink Wash and Graphite

Risqué was captivated when his eyes gazed upon René Capone’s “Admitting Our Falls”…although, he could not put a finger on exactly what emotion the artist was guiding him to feel. Since René likes to play on human emotions such as “Love, Hate, Jealousy, Fear, Anger and Passion”, is it possible that he wants Risqué to feel all these emotions at one time??? Risqué is moved…

René Capone, a San Francisco artist who attended New York City’s Parsons School Of Design studying fine art, attains his “fascination for the physiological aspect of art” by conveying a story in each of his beautiful and thought provoking pieces. Having grown up in New York, René has made his way to San Francisco where he finds his creative energy through freedom of expression and creation.

Almost knowing what the faceless subject is feeling, Risqué is astonished to find himself resembling this man…a time gone by…a feeling of being stripped down to bare innocence…admitting his own imperfections…a whirl of emotions!

Lynmar 2005 Pinot Noir, Five Sisters, Russian River Valley

Not surprisingly, Risqué’s only experience around five sisters, were the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence”. But when Risqué found himself on the terrace gardens at Lynmar Winery and had indulged in the wineries 2005 “Five Sisters” Pinot Noir, he had an epiphany to the true meaning of “Perpetual Indulgence”. Lynn Fritz, owner of Lynmar Winery pays homage to his five daughters in this gratifying sacrament as “a wine which illustrates that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts”. Adding to the almost religious experience, Risqué had the privilege to meet and linger under the yellow umbrella with the visionary mogul and philanthropist.

Rich as the Garnets in one of Risqué’s favorite rings, the 100% Pinot Noir radiates subtle floral notes intertwined with fruity aromas of dark, dark cherry, ripe raspberry, summer strawberry and cassis. Shitake mushrooms add an earthy dimension with hidden characteristics of black tea unveiled, followed by licorice and root beer. The shear delightful fruit aromas are prolonged in the mouth with bright fruit forward echoing flavors of cherry, raspberry, strawberry and cassis supported by a lovely structured tannic backbone fading to seemingly infinite notes of cocoa.

Winemaker Hugh Chappelle and consulting Winemaker Paul Hobbs aged this “Divine Wine” for 16 months in French barrels (65% new) producing 390 cases. The 2005 “Five Sisters” Pinot Noir is edified perfectly by Italian Truffled cheese, oiled salt cured olives and as Lynmar’s own winery Chef Sandra Simile impeccably paired, with a plate of sacrificially succulent Pan Seared medallions of Lamb loin with Pinot Sauce.

Risqué wonders…shouldn’t everyone seek perfect “Perpetual Indulgence”?

Alcohol 14.4% ($100) Natural Cork Closure

Risqué must apologize…No wine review tonight, Risqué has imbibed too much to write but will share the dirty details in the morrow.  Good night my LUSHES!

Wine Guerrilla 2005 Zinfandel, Forchini Vineyard Extreme, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, CA

From the Militant Mao influenced graphic “chicky” Picasso meets Gustav Klimt stylized labeled bottle to the “”Sinfully Zin” liquid contained, it has held Risqué hostage from his first captivating sip!

With a sparkling raspberry beret color this Molotov 92% Zin detonates in the olfactory with raspberries…sweet vanilla with an opposing affront of earthy mushroom and wet hay. The palate leads with a creamy cherry bomb blast and a commando assault of ripe raspberries. Reinforcements of sweet cola charge across the tongue with a transuding espresso finish.

Risqué loves it when a canteen of wine makes him setup camp and pitch his tent! The limited 97 Cases of this smokin’ extreme ammunition stack up to the images bolstered by the Wine Guerrilla… Brigades of Flavor. Risqué‘s Special Ops LUSHES loved the extreme assault on their taste buds… but rebelled when they were rationed to the one bottle Risqué had on hand! Revolution!

Alcohol 16.5% ($25) Stelvin Closure

Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard 2004 Pinot Noir, Bailey’s Branciforte Ridge

Risqué couldn’t believe his eyes… or nose… or mouth. His trustworthy, usually sterling nose and golden taste buds were in serious conflict with the information his eyes had sent to his brain…. The label said “Pinot Noir”… but the liquid in Risqué ‘s mouth was masquerading as Syrah!

After four kind years in the bottle, this very dimensional and complex inky amethystine liquid spills into the glass billowing with striking aromas of Valencia orange, bay leaf, mossy forest floor, cherries and berries steeped with mulling spices. In the mouth gorgeous, deep and rich mulberries, cherries and strawberry rhubarb embody syrah’esq flavors while candied orange peel, sweet cinnamon and threads of smoke swirl through the nearly endless finish.

This debut release Pinot Noir from SCM’s Bailey’s Branciforte Ridge Vineyard is astounding; intensely infused with deep rich flavors resulting from a vineyard with very restricted fruit production… heavier flavors all more typical of other varietals, such as Syrah. Winemaker, Jeff Emery has brilliantly coaxed a rare and wonderful Vin di’Dios from these grapes into a bottle wrapped with a Pinot Noir frock Label.

Only 425 cases were bottled and after tasting this bottle, Risqué plans on immediately adding more to his collection… some for “wolfing” down NOW and some for LATER… and recommends his LUSHES follow his lead on this one!

Alcohol 14.2% ($32 ) Natural Cork Closure

Andre Durand, “Neptune and Leander” 1997

Risqué just loves these modern interpretations of “HomoFabulous” Neptune and Leander by Andre Durand contrasted with Shakespearian excerpts from Christopher Marlowe’s poem, “Hero and Leander”.

Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), “Hero and Leander’, Book 1

“Had wild Hippolytus Leander seen,

Enamoured of his beauty had he been:

His presence made the rudest peasant melt,

That in the vast uplandish country dwelt;

The barbarous Thracian soldier, mov’d with naught,

Was mov’d with him, and for his favour sought.

Some swore he was a maid in man’s attire,

For in his looks were all that men desire,

A pleasant smiling cheek, a speaking eye,

A brow for love to banquet royally;

And such as knew he was a man would say,

‘Leander, thou art made for amorous play:

Why art thou not in love, and lov’d of all?

Though thou be fair, yet be not thine own thrall.’

With that he stripp’d him to the ivory skin,

And crying, ‘Love, I come,’ leapt lively in.

Whereat the sapphire-visag’d god grew proud,

And made his capering Triton sound aloud,

Imagining that Ganymede, displeas’d,

Had left the heavens; therefore on him he seiz’d.

Leander striv’d, the waves about him wound,

And pull’d him to the bottom, where the ground

Was strew’d with pearl, and in low coral groves

Sweet singing merrnaids sported with their loves

On heaps of heavy gold, and took great pleasure

To spurn in careless sort the shipwrack treasure.

For here the stately azure palace stood,

Where kingly Neptune and his train abode.

The lusty god embrac’d him, call’d him ‘love,’

And swore he never should return to Jove.

But when he knew it was not Ganymede,

For under water he was almost dead,

He heav’d him up, and looking on his face

Beat down the bold waves with his triple mace,

Which mounted up, intending to have kiss’d him,

And fell in drops like tears because they miss’d him.”

Risqué’s advice to Leander is to dump the chick, Hero and go for Neptune. Think immortal!

Justin Vineyards 2004 “Isosceles”, Paso Robles, CAA tangent took Risqué’s mind directly to the ideally proportioned triangular male shape when favorite LUSHES shared a gifted bottle of Justin’s “Isosceles” proprietary red blend. Always enticed by the two elongated equal lines with expanding angles terminating at the shoulders, Risqué postulated about the perfect male symmetry. Symmetry is precisely the description Risqué would use for summing this chiseled angular red formula.The eye is met with a rich velvety inky maroon with acute aromas of spice and chocolate, cherries, cedar forest circumferenced with vanilla cream with dimensional flavors of cocoa, spherical dark fruit essences of cherry and plum all paralleled by structured tannins that seem infinite through the protracted toasted oak espresso finish.It doesn’t take an Einstein with a slide rule to conclude that this 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Cab Franc and 10% merlot is a fine Oenophile’s formula for this yet youthful wine. To Justin’s credit… Risqué’s hypothesis states that this Isosceles’ angular corners combined with the tannins will develop perfect symmetry and proportions over the next decade. Roasted rosemary pork tenderloin stuffed with prunes and dried cherries would complete Risqué’s perfect equation when paired with the Isosceles as long as it was shared with a perfectly oblique’d hunky math geek!Alcohol 15.9% ($50)