Monthly Archives: March 2009

Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva 2005

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Ray

Marchesi de Frescobaldi, Chianti Rufina, Nipozzano, Riserva DOCG 2005 The nose is toasty, charred and sweet smelling. In July ’09 the brett is starting to show itself yet still in a complexing way. In the mouth, the intense acidity of … Continue reading →

Posted in Chianti Rufina, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Leave a comment

La Rasina Rosso 2005

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Ray

La Rasina, Rosso di Montalcino DOC 2005 There are cherries and green herbs in the nose. In the mouth the cherries are vibrant and tart with some tannic grab. Estate bottled by Marco Mantengoli in Montalcino 13.5% $22.49 at Bottle … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Leave a comment

Moccagatta Barbaresco Bric Balin 2004

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Ray

Moccagatta, Barbaresco, Bric Balin 2004 There’s a classic sense of licorice in the nose burnished by the sweetness of oak. The structure is a whopper like you would expect yet the extract is there, keeping up with the structure – … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbaresco, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte | Leave a comment

Cantina Valle Isarco Pinot Grigio 2007

Posted on March 31, 2009 by Ray

Cantina Produttori Valle Isarco, Alto Adige, Valle Isarco, Pinot Grigio DOC 2007 Stone fruits and flowers fill the glass with a sense of candy and spice – there’s something a bit reminiscent of Alsace. In the mouth there is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Alto Adige, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Valle Isarco | Leave a comment

Penet-Chardonnet Champagne Grande Reserve

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Ray

Penet-Chardonnet, Champagne, Grand Cru, Grande Reserve, Extra Brut nv There is a light golden color in the glass and the biscuit notes are quite developed in the nose – very complex. Besides the biscuits there are browned apples, cherries and … Continue reading →

Posted in Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Comments Off

Dr. Frank Rkatsiteli 2006

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Ray

Dr. Konstantin Frank, Finger Lakes, Rkatsiteli 2006 We opened this wine last night and were delighted by its similarity to Riesling. The acidity is quite intense and the wine has the stuffing to fill out the experience in the mouth. … Continue reading →

Posted in Finger Lakes, New York, Rkatsiteli | Leave a comment

Fess Parker Big Easy Syrah

Posted on March 27, 2009 by Ray

Fess Parker, Santa Barbara County, The Big Easy, Syrah 2005 The nose features stewed black fruits, prunes and a heavy wack of oak. In the mouth, the wine is soft, oaky, lowish in acidity and warm. There’s a sense of … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah | 1 Comment

Back to wine reviews

Posted on March 27, 2009 by Ray

I’ve been teaching with a focus on the business side of wine since returning from the sensory seminar with VESTA in Missouri – thus the silence on the wine review front.  The Marketing class at the SRJC and the Wine … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Leave a comment

Carter Cabernet 2000

Posted on March 18, 2009 by Ray

Carter, Napa Valley, Oakville, Beckstoffer Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon 20009 Almost 9 years on this wine is hitting its stride. The nose shows the bottle bouquet development of exotic spices like sandelwood. There’s a healthy mix of dried fruits and herbs, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Oakville | 2 Comments

Dancing Bull Zinfandel 2006

Posted on March 17, 2009 by Ray

Dancing Bull, California, Winemaker’s Reserve, Zinfandel 2006 There are smells of baked berries and vanilla in a pie, a sweet essence that is mingled with a fresh grinding of black pepper. In the mouth, this is a light-bodied and soft … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Zinfandel | Leave a comment