THE DEUCE IMBIBES: BROTHER LOU AND THE GHOST OF MR. SCHU, A #WINEWEDNESDAY INEBRIANT EXTRAVAGANZA

This past #WineWednesday was supposed to boast a meeting with the magnanimous Mr. Schu, yet from what Brother Lou told me, Mr. Schu seems to have had another run-in with Critical Bill (veiled Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead reference right here!).  So Lou, ever the trooper, soldiered on solo, with no less than 17 wines on deck for the Deuce and an also-absent Miss Shannon:

Torresella Prosecco Veneto NV.  Grade=Good.  A decent Prosecco with nice effervescence, slight lemonade and mineral notes.

Boutari Elios Mediterranean White 2010.  Grade=Good.  A decent, light-bodied white blend comprised of Moschofilero, Chardonnay, Roditis and Savatiano.

Torresella Pinot Grigio Veneto 2009.  Grade=Good.  Light-bodied, showing slightly-surprising notes of citrus and mineral still present.  Would think this old, but still tastes fresh.

Seven Daughters Sauvignon Blanc California NV.  Grade=Good.  Solid effort, with notes of lemon, lime, guava and straw.

Seven Daughters White California NV.  Grade=Good.  Slightly sweet white blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Symphony, Gewurtztraminer, Orange Muscat, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc (and a partridge in a pear tree).  Nice quaffer.

Chapoutier Cotes-du-Rhone Blanc Belleruche 2010.  Grade=Outstanding.  Delicious white Rhone blend of Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Bourboulenc that gets old school on you with green apples, citrus and white spices.

Chapoutier Luberon Blanc La Ciboise 2010.  Grade=Outstanding+.  Exceptional white Rhone blend of Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Ugni Blanc and Roussanne, this medium-bodied white is impressive with lemon, white flowers, dragon fruit, cherimoya and hints of white pepper.  An incredible value!

Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Blanc Petite Ruche 2010.  Grade=Amazing.  100% Marsanne, this delicious, full-bodied white possesses nuances of green apples, creamy pears, white flowers, dragon fruit and peaches.  Undertones of white pepper and lemon peel add depth.

Tangley Oaks Chardonnay Napa Valley 2007.  Grade=Good.  There is some residual apple and nectarine elements here, but you have to wade through an ocean of wood slivers and lychee nuts to get to it.  It’s like drinking a wet log, but still nice enough for the Chardonnay diehards.

Torresella Pinot Noir Sicily 2007.  Grade=Okay.  Kind of old, with faded cherry and dusty earth tones.  Not much left.  Like getting to a garage sale and all that’s left are empty boxes.

Seven Daughters Pinot Noir California NV.  Grade=Very good.  A juicy, light-bodied Pinot Noir that seems to have some jammy-red-fruit-infusion from a bit of Syrah.  Good, easy-drinking red.

Tangley Oaks Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2009.  Grade=Outstanding.  Impressive, medium-bodied red with hints of black cherries, toasted almonds, cinnamon and mulberry.  Finishes with a touch of vanilla cream and mocha dust.

Seven Daughters Red California NV.  Grade=Very good.  Another kitchen-sink blend with Merlot, Alicante Bouschet, Grenache, Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Juicy, slightly sweet red finishing up with bright cherry and dry raspberry notes.

Chapoutier Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge Belleruche 2009.  Grade=CORKED!

Chapoutier Luberon Rouge La Ciboise 2009.  Grade=Outstanding.  This blend of Grenache and Syrah is rich with medium tannins, black cherry, red currant, boysenberry, roasted game and black pepper notes.  A terrific value.

Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage Petite Ruche 2008.  Grade=Outstanding+.  100% Syrah, this full-bodied red is loaded with red, black and blue fruits, zesty spices, dried herbs, smoked meats, a bit of bacon fat, and spicy, dark chocolate undertones.

Mazzoni Rosso Toscana 2008.  Grade=Outstanding.  Sangiovese and Merlot bring together old world charm and new world swagger in a full-bodied Tuscan red that shows power and grace.