Monthly Archives: February 2008

Roaming for Rhone

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Ray

Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Vielles Vignes Cuvee Unique 2005 This is a solid wine, balanced in medium weight with ripe fruits and structure. The ripeness is such that there are liquer-like black fruits. The alcohol is showing … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah | Leave a comment

Oh Burgundy

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Ray

Deux Montille Chambolle-Musigny “Les Babilleres” 2005 This is brimming with fresh cherries and surrounded by a silky texture kissed by the taste of oak. The Pinot for this wine was sourced from Les Babilleres, situated between Les Charmes and the … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chambolle-Musigny, France, Gevrey-Chambertin, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Back to Burgundy

Posted on February 28, 2008 by Ray

Verget Macon Villages 2006 Open this a little early to blow off the reductive funk and after 20 minutes the fruit will come through. From Jean-Marie Guffen, this Chardonnay has been a spot-on value in notes back to the 2003 … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, France, Macon | Leave a comment

Another Look at Gewurz

Posted on February 26, 2008 by Ray

Harvest Moon Russian River Valley Dry Gewurztraminer 2007 Estate grown fruit and some oak treatment. G, P&B in Santa Rosa. 12.5% $?? at the winery, winery sample Harvest Moon Rosemount Estate South Eastern Australia Traminer Riesling 2005 65% Gewurz and … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, California, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Russian River Valley, South Eastern Australia | Leave a comment

California Tour

Posted on February 23, 2008 by Ray

This flight features 4 wines to showcase the breadth of flavors found in California wine. Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Clean, light-bodied and straightforward value in Sauvignon from the home front. P&B in Middletown, up above Calistoga in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Lake County, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Northern Sonoma Exploration

Posted on February 12, 2008 by Ray

Off the beaten track we find quality Chenin Blanc and Bordeaux-style blends. This Chenin displays minerality and nerve while the Alluvium is quite rich in its styling. Leo Steen Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2006 Sourced from vines … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Gewurz Goes Up

Posted on February 5, 2008 by Ray

We’ve seen the creep of California Gewurztraminer in both esteem and price. This flight features two current offerings in the mid-twenties$$. Londer Vineyards Anderson Valley Dry Gewurztraminer 2006 Full-on roses mark the nose of this wine and fruity flavors in … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Russian River Valley | Leave a comment