2006 Mirassou California Pinot Noir
There still are values to be found in the ever popular and price-escalating field of Pinot Noir. This wine was a hit in two of my recent classes, showcasing clean fruit, light body and the acidity to make it refreshing. V&B in Modesto, 13.5% $6.99 at Bottle Barn in California and [...]

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Montevina Amador County 2005
This has been a consistent good value in California Barbera, showing a light-bodied, fruit forward style. P&B in Plymouth 13.5% $7.49 at Bottle Barn Montevina
Michael & David 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zin 2006
This wine has been a consistent oak bomb on the soft and plush side. V&B in Graton. 14.5% $12.99 [...]

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Tasting through this flight of 3 can give you a sense of your favorite style of white wine. Perhaps you love the full on acidity of the Hanna, prefer the richness of the Benziger or find the light sweetness of the Lohr most appealing. Like me, you may enjoy them all, at different times and [...]

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Heading south from Gevrey-Chambertin, the tasters moved to the Grange Hall in the village of Gilly-Les-Citeaux. Here we met with Burgundian producers sampling their Morey and Chambolle from the 2006 vintage along with a few 2005s.
Chambolle is known for supple wines that are approachable in youth while Morey can deliver more power and tannin. That [...]

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Day 2 at Les Grands Jours provided an opportunity to assess the wines from the Cote-d’Or’s northern half. This is the territory famous for Pinot Noir.
Gevrey-Chambertin has long been known for its muscular Pinot Noir. Such Pinot is a natural when you’re moving up the meatiness scale at dinner. The key to delighting consumers [...]

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It was quite a rainy day in Chablis on Monday for the start of the 2008 Grand Jours. At the Petit Pontigny we tasted the latest offerings, as well as a few mature wines, from dozens of producers. Following are some of the highlights.
Domaine Billaud-Simon
For me this was the star estate of the event. [...]

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Brut and Natural are words that we use to describe the final dosage or sweetness level of sparkling wine. In France, Natural, Brut Nature or any of the various proprietary names communicating the same, ranges from 0 to 6 g/l. Brut, the next level of increasing sweetness, ranges from 0 to 15 g/l.
Thus there is [...]

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Paradise Ridge Winery Russian River Valley Ode to Joy Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Lots of complexity in this wine, with honey galore. This dessert wine was crafted to honor the memory of Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars. 330 g/l sugar at harvest. Winemaker Dan Barwick. P&B in Santa Rosa. 14.3% $29.95 for a 375ml at Traverso’s.
The Royal Tokaji [...]

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