Raymond, Napa Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features the smell of fresh oak, stone fruit and a bit of coconut and banana. In the mouth it is smooth and restrained, showing richness without thickness – an elegant Chardonnay. This wine was fermented in stainless, 40% of it was aged in new and one year [...]

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The final round of judging in the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout was held today at Bistro Boudin on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I was asked to join about 30 other judges to pick the best of the best from over 250 entries across the world.
It was an easy day of judging, tasting just 32 [...]

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Siduri, Sta. Rita Hills, Cargasacchi Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose features lots of fresh, candied fruit. The mouth captures the same essence, fruit driven and ready to drink. P&B in Santa Rosa 14.1% $47.49 at Bottle Barn Siduri Wines
Laetitia, Arroyo Grande Valley, Estate, Pinot Noir 2006 Unfortunately corked. Winemaker Eric Hickey. Estate grown, produced [...]

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Flying Goat, Santa Maria Valley, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 Concentrated cherries, sweet oak in July 08. In February ‘09, there’s some nice complexity as well, with the fruits stewing a bit – nice. Winemaker Norm Yost. P&B in Lompoc 14.3% $39.95 at Traverso’s Flying Goat
Byron, Santa Maria Valley, Nielson Vineyard, Pinot Noir [...]

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There’s a broad spectrum to what is considered dry white wine, as we see in these two examples from California.
Kunde Estate Sonoma Valley Magnolia Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2007
This is an exciting wine of floral and citrus notes, high acidity and light body. G, P & B in Kenwood 13.8% $9.49 at Bottle Barn Kunde
Cambria Santa [...]

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J. Wilkes Santa Barbara County Bien Nacido Vyds Pinot Blanc 2005
Clean, lime and candy like a Riesling, quite dry with perhaps a bit of warmth which disappearred with chilling, long flavor of lime Bot. in Sant Maria 14.1% $20 at the Wine Emporium.
Ancien Carneros Sangiacomo Vineyard Pinot Gris 2006
Fresh fruit galore to smell, lusch fruit, [...]

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