Cooter's Wine Reviews: Curve Balls

I can't barely remember where that whole thing started but I thought we were talking about the rules of Nine Ball pool, but then he started talking about aerodynamics as it related to putting "English" on the cue ball was just like two fingers together producing a curve ball, tacking the sail just off the headwind, or riding the curve while accelerating at the angle to increase velocity and stability. Some still objects could blow over with the amount of wind being generated.

Pitching a line from the dock takes a flick of the wrist like skipping a stone across the water. If the line or stone is wet, you'll get different action. Wind always plays a part, as does gravity. Buckminster Fuller spoke of the idea of a natural inclination for the velocity of a moving object to proceed in an arc instead of a straight line. Makes me think of the science of pouring ale into a pint glass, or vino into a wine glass.

Morande Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2008. Sweet, nutty and complex. Similar to Sherry or Marsala.

Riaza Faultline 2014 California Red Blend, 90% Tempranillo (from two vineyards) & 10% Zinfandel. Big berry and plum overtones, dry, earthy.

Hilt & Blade Zinfandel Lodi 2015. Full fruit, long finish, hearty. Typical of the better Lodi Zins.

Rock Springs Sierra Foothills 2013 Red Blend. Ripe fruit, balanced. Opened up nicely after two hours. Perhaps a bit more age would improve? Quite good nevertheless.

VQ Cuvee VIII Napa 2012  25% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 15% Tempranillo, 10% Carignan, 10% Petit Syrah, and others. Big fruit, complex, solid structure & finish. Pomegranate notes. Pretty sure this is only the second wine I've had with Carignan grapes.

White Cliff Pinot Noir 2013 Winemaker's Selection Marlborough, New Zealand. At first I realized I needed to let this wine breathe as it was extremely tart on first sip, and opened up to be a very interesting mix of cranberry & raspberry. Stunningly good when you consider this is about $6, and you'd normally pay $35-50 for a Pinot this good from down under.

Alder Springs Vineyard Ukiah Row Rive 2013 Red Cuvee. Full-bodied fruit, slightly dry, a solid choice.

Projection Winemaker's Cut Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. Strawberry notes. Great cab for the price, on par with most cabs I've had in the $25-30 range. One of my favorites I've had a few times from Grocery Outlet in recent months. I wonder if cellaring could improve this vintage? I'm happy to drink this now.

Pythian Rock 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Sebastopol Big, fruity Cabernet with solid tannins, structure, tart cherry, raspberry & plum notes. Another solid Grocery Outlet bargain.