Sunday, September 5, 2010

198...199... 200!!!!


In January 2008 a quest to sample 100 different and pure varietals began.  Almost a year later and with only slight deviations from the 100% rule that quest was completed.  However I soon became aware of The Wine Century Club's "Doppel Member" distinction and the quest was extended to 200.  It took more than a year and a half to get to 200.  Last night that varietal threshold was crossed with an assortment of delicious pure bottlings from the Kent Rasmussen Winery.

A few years back under his Esoterica label Kent decided to make a deconstructed "port" in addition to the final blend.  I was lucky enough to buy one of these rare sets (less than 500 375ml bottles were made).  Included in the six bottle collection was: Tempranillo, Sousao, Tinta Cao, Touriga Nacional, Trousseau, and a final blended bottle of 20% each.  Varietals 198 and 199 the Touriga Nacional and the Sousão were well balanced, sweet without being cloying and thoroughly enjoyable.  Varietal 200 was the Tinta Cão which had more of the tannic backbone.  The blended bottle was excellent and reflected the strength of the Tinta Cao and the softness of the others.  What a treat!

In a few days I will send off my application for inclusion into the Dopple Membership.  Perhaps this will put an end to the quest as I know it.  I have however noticed that there is now a Treble membership.....