Domaine Tempier, Bandol 2005 The black fruit is blended herbs of the region, fresh from the landscape and an element of meat on the grill. In the mouth there is lots of fruit wrapped up in tannic youthfulness. The balance is there in the concentration of the wine to the amount of tannin. Sit [...]

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Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rose 2007 The fresh fruit is evident in this low acid rose. This estate was farming organically before many jumped on board and all of the wines are today certified organic. The 2007 rose is about 60% Grenache with a medley of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Cabernet [...]

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Trimbach, Alsace, Pinot Blanc 2005 Light floral notes mark the nose and the mouth has a rather creamy texture, very little residual sugar, a moderate amount of acid and the taste of stone fruits; it’s nice and simple for the price. Mis en bouteille a Ribeauville 12.5% $11.79 at Bottle Barn Trimbach
Martin Schaetzel, Alsace, Cuvee [...]

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E. Guigal, Cotes du Rhone 2005 This wine is typically on the more polished side of Rhone blends with a hint of oak. That sense comes through again with a bit of earth and dried fruits. The blend is 55% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre and some other stuff. Eleve et mis en bouteille Ampuis [...]

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Domaine de la Mordoree, Cotes-du-Rhone, La Dame Rousse, Rose 2007 Smells of strawberry showing quite full-on tonight. There’s a broad mouthfeel with the follow-on fruit to taste and added weight from the alcohol - very nice. The grapes behind this pink wine are 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 15% Cinsault and a bit of [...]

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J, Russian River Valley, cuvee 20 nv Clean, fresh, fruit, tasted at the winery in May. This wine has the zip of fresh green apples. The base wine is from 2003 with 25% oak-aged reserves adding to the final blend. Aged for 3 years on the lees from the 2nd ferment and disgorged in 2007. [...]

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La Morandina, Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2007 The ‘07 is just as vibrantly fresh and full of orange blossoms as the previous vintage. There’s lots of residual sugar and the light body and freshness that you expect in Moscato d’Asti. P&B in Castiglione Tinella 5.5% $20.99 at Traverso’s
Charles Heidsieck, Champagne, Brut Reserve This is certainly a [...]

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Monticello, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Estate Grown, Syrah 2005 Lush and graced by black fruits and a bit of black pepper. P&B in Napa 14.5% $ at the winery Monticello
Trinafour, Mendocino County, Niemi Vineyard, Carignane 2006 There’s ample acidity to give this wine some tang and the tannins are ripe and refined. Sourced from [...]

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Papapietro Perry Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006
intensely concentrated berry, liquer-like fruit and a little warmth. P&B in Healdsburg 14.25% $38.49 at Bottle Barn Papapietro Perry
Sonnet Santa Lucia Highlands Tondre’s Grapefield Pinot Noir 2004
Smokey oak and cherry pie on a viscous palate. P&B in Los Gatos 13.5% $38 at the winery Sonnet
Domaine Arlaud Chambolle-Musigny 2003
Lots [...]

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Joseph Drouhin Fleurie 2005
A little rustic with a tart framework. Mis by Drouhin, negociant eleveur a Beaune 13% $15.99 at Bottle Barn Drouhin

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Berger Niederosterreich Gruner Veltliner 2007
This wine has been a value and notice that you still get a super size. A lean and acidic refresher. Estate bottled by E. & M. Berger in Gedersdorf in Krems 12.5% $10.99 at Bottle Barn
Domaine Vacheron Sancerre 2007
This domaine has consistently delivered the goods in concentrated, high acid [...]

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Chateau Doisy Daene Sauternes 2003
There’s lots of creme caramel and toastiness in this wine and a little lower on the RS scale than other Sauternes. The vineyard is planted to 87% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle. The final blend is about 80% Semillon and is aged in new oak. Mis en bouteille au [...]

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Excitement and innovation from the south of France
Les Calades Vin de Pays d’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Very overt berries, very light-bodied and a little bit of an astringent edge. 13.5% $7.99 at Bottle Barn
Mas de Daumas Gassac Vin de Pays de L’Herault 2006
Lots of reduced sulfur smells of onion and garlic; there’s quite an astringent grip [...]

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Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Vielles Vignes Cuvee Unique 2006
The previous vintage was a solid wine, balanced in medium weight with ripe fruits and structure. The 2006 follows suit with smells of black pepper as well. Sourced from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this wine is a blend of 90% old vine Grenache, 8% Syrah and 2% [...]

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Domaine Weinbach Alsace Grand Cru Schlossberg Riesling 2006
This wine is the middle offering of the domaine’s Rieslings designed for savoury food. There’s a beautiful perfume and Riesling’s characteristic racy acidity. This dry wine is very concentrated. Mis en bouteille a la propriete a Kaysersberg 13.5% $42.99 at Bottle Barn Weinbach
Thomas Fogarty Monterey County Gewurztraminer 2006
Kudos [...]

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Though often talked about in the same breath, these two grapes are quite dissimiliar.
Esterlina Cold Ranch Dry Riesling 2006
Contcentrated stone fruit wrapped in acidity - long, great, delicious. P&B in Healdsburg 13.8% $14.99 at Bottle Barn Esterlina
Elena Walch Alto Adige Gewurztraminer DOC 2006
Lots of spicy rose, broad and with a touch of classic Gwz bitterness. [...]

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Over the past few weekends I’ve had the opportunity to visit some of the wineries in Sonoma’s famed Russian River Valley. This region is rightfully known for its Pinot Noir, a red wine of suppleness coupled the food-friendly charm of acidity.
Yet there are other wines that delight from this wine region north of San Francisco. [...]

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