Rosenblum Cellars, Lodi, Ripkin Ranch, Late Harvest Viognier, Lot 34 This is peaches in a glass with a thick mouthfeel, a little heat and the low acidity that often marks Viognier. The fruit was botritised and harvested at 36 brix. The final RS is 10%. P&B in Alameda 14% $14.49 for a 375ml bottle at [...]

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When Vacu-Dry ceased operations in Sebastopol, California, many bemoaned the continuing decline of the apple industry in Sonoma’s West County region. Yet from those ashes many a high-flying phoenix has taken flight.
The large and rather dingy industrial complex that used to house Vacu-Dry has been turned into a rabbit warren of artisan winemakers, each with [...]

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Like white wine, red wine comes in many shapes and sizes, from the silky, flowing ribbons to brawny, square-jawed brawlers. Here are 3 takes on red wine style.
Lincourt Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2004
Easy drinking cherries in a glass. This wine is a compilation of fruit from the Santa Maria Valley and the Rancho [...]

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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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This flight features 2 wines from an area that has distinguished itself for its long-established vineyards and good values.
Gnarly Head Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2005
Jammy liquer-like fruit and sweet vanilla in the nose. The wine is light-bodied, sweet appearing and supple. Aged in Fr, US and Hungarian oak. V&B in Manteca 14.5% $9.99 at Traverso’s [...]

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Gran Sasso, Puglia, Primitivo IGT 2005
Tasted in May ‘08 this wine was blooming with brett and would repulse most consumers. A bottle tasted later in the summer proved to be a different animal. Oaky and earthy with new world fruit, an appropriate amount of acid to brighten the wine and some tannin. Thus it lacked [...]

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