2007 Can Blau

[Drew]

40% Mazuelo (Carinena), 40% Syrah, 20% Grenache.

I thought this an ordinary wine, very fruit forward with little complexity. The fruit is pure showing blackberry and blue fruit and a linguring finish but still rather ordinary. Most places in my area are selling it for close to $20 which is way overpriced. 14% Alc/vol.

Drew

This is what the pros had to say...same wine?


91 points from Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Dark purple. Sexy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, Asian spices and smoked meat. Supple and open-knit, with sweet dark berry preserve flavors, velvety texture and good mineral bite. Manages to be both nervy and concentrated, with very good finishing clarity and cut. Leaves strong blue fruit notes behind and repeats the spicy quality."

(Sept/Oct '08) 90+ points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2007 Can Blau is purple-colored with a nose of cedar, mineral, baking spices, blueberry, and black cherry. This leads to a full-bodied wine with layers of flavor, enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years, and a pure, fruit-filled finish. It will be at its peak from 2010 to 2018." (08/08)

[Duane Meissner]

I had the 2006 about a year ago. Thought it quite nice (mostly because it was different for me), though perhaps a bit too fruit forward for my taste. It was the winner at that wine tasting. I only paid $16 + tax.

DM

[This message has been edited by Duane Meissner (edited 12-24-2008).]

[winoweenie]

WHO THE BLOOMIN'-BLUE-BLAZES DO YOUSE TRUST BUBBA!!!!!!!YOUR PALATE OR THEM HIGH-PAID DUDES????? SHEESH11111111 ww(hate them derned up-n-down keys.)

[brappy]

I'm not sure which Can Bleu you are tasting, but let the thing open up. Very well done when shown right.


mark

[VouvrayHead]

If it is the Can Blau Montsant you are talking about, and for the price I think it is, I'm with brappy. I think this wine is an absolute qpr stunner (I paid 14.99). I've got several sleeping. My notes are pretty similar to Tanzer's... I've had '06 and '07 and loved both.
Maybe an off-bottle? Maybe not opened up? Maybe just different tastebuds [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

[Drew]

Yes the Montsant. Might have been an off bottle, I'll try another one.

Drew

[VouvrayHead]

I hope this one is better!

[wondersofwine]

The Wine Merchant in Raleigh has it for $16.99. I may try one and let it aerate a bit.

[Drew]

Popped another today, decanted and been sippin' over the past several hours watching football and golf in Hawaii. Same experience than the first bottle. Tons of better stuff out there at that price point. Not impressed.

Drew

[VouvrayHead]

That's too bad! Maybe it was the Hawaiian air [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

[VouvrayHead]

Well, Drew. I think you're right.
I just opened one of my bottles (3 more...) of the '07. I had a glass a few months ago that I really liked (wonder if I mistook the vintage?), and I like previous vintages, but this bottle on this night was actually something less than ordinary. Plenty of fruit: dark berries and tart fruit (cranberry?) mixed together, but not much depth or complexity, and a bit hot to boot.
hmm...
I'll probably wait at least 18 months before trying again and hope to get lucky, because I can't see it getting better at the moment.

[This message has been edited by VouvrayHead (edited 05-08-2009).]

[VouvrayHead]

Just tried another one...
I've had a cold for a a while and my tastebuds aren't 100%, but again I'm disappointed. Too acidic and not much depth. Decent fruit.
I've got two more, but don't expect much.

[winoweenie]

Hard to argue wif' Herr In-spec-i-tor. WW [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb/wink.gif[/img]

[wondersofwine]

Hey, I'll argue with Drew! I liked the 2007 Can Blau, Montsant better than he did--but on the third day after opening!
Mazuelo 40%, Syrah 40%, Garnacha 20%. 14% alcohol by volume. Nifty label!
Imported by Tryon Distributing Company, Charlotte, NC. Purchased at The Wine Merchant, Raleigh for $16.99 plus tax.
On the third day I found it fruity and smooth with raspberry notes and herbal hints. I liked the way it paired with rump roast. Some sediment towards the bottom of the bottle. I think the Grenache asserts itself in the berry-like nose and flavors. I have no clue what the Mazauelo is like on its own--perhaps it is raspberry-like also.

I'll give Drew that it's not very complex, but I would purchase again, unlike Drew.

Vouvray, if you see this, try opening one and recorking and refrigerating it until day two and then again trying on the third day and see if you enjoy it more.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 03-10-2010).]

[VouvrayHead]

I will definitely try it again down the road (I have 2 more) and if still not to my liking, I'll try your suggestion! Thanks!