Monthly Archives: December 2007

Musing on Muscat

Posted on December 14, 2007 by Ray

Innocent Bystander Victoria Moscato 2007 This wine is so pretty – it has the essence of Muscat’s perfume in a light-bodied format. It would be perfect with a light dessert of fresh berries in the summer. Produced in Healesville 5.5% … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Sweet Sparkling, Victoria | Leave a comment

Bubbling Red

Posted on December 14, 2007 by Ray

d’Arenberg Mclaren Vale The Peppermint Paddock Sparkling Red Chambourcin Loads of overt fruit mark this a fun quaffer. Grown, produced and bottled in McLaren Vale 14.5% $$17.99 at K&L d’Arenberg Charles Melton Sparkling Red This is amazingly delicious with complexity, … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, McLaren Vale, South Australia | Leave a comment

Aussie Bubbles

Posted on December 14, 2007 by Ray

Taltarni Victoria & Tasmania Brut Tache Rose 52% Chardonnay, 41% Pinot Noir and 7% Pinot Meunier. A bit of red wine is added at disgorging. P&B in Moonambel in Victoria 13% $13.99 at K&L Taltarni Taltarni Tasmania Clover Hill Brut … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia | Leave a comment

Kiwi Sparkling

Posted on December 14, 2007 by Ray

No.1 Family Estate Marlborough Cuvee No.1 Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine nv Crisp and concentrated, like biting into a green apple. As with Blanc de Blancs from Champagne, this is 100% Chardonnay, aged two years en tirage. Owner & winemaker … Continue reading →

Posted in Marlborough, New Zealand, Sparkling Dry | Leave a comment

No Slouches Here

Posted on December 12, 2007 by Ray

Elyse Napa Valley Syrah 2004 Else consistently goes for ripe flavors and richness in their red wines. They never fail to delight my clients and students. Cellared and bottled in Oakville 14.6% $33 at the Wine Emporium Elyse Seven Hills … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, California, Napa Valley, Red Mountain, Syrah, Washington | Leave a comment

Last of the Summer Rose

Posted on December 12, 2007 by Ray

Robert Stemmler Carneros Vin Gris Pinot Noir Rose 2006 As the winter comes on strong we might be inclined to skip the pink wine. Yet this wine can stand in well where you would normally think of serving a crisp … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Cabernet Aussie-Style

Posted on December 10, 2007 by Ray

Yalumba Coonawarra The Menzies Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 The 2002 smelled of cigar box, tobacco, light green pepper and a hint of pickle. In the mouth there was ample acidity which carriesd the juicy red flavors for a long time. Sourced … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, Margaret River, South Australia, Western Australia | Leave a comment

Merlot in Transit

Posted on December 10, 2007 by Ray

Mollydooker South Australia Merlot 2006 Sourced from Padthaway and McLaren Vale 15.5% $18.99 at Bottle Barn Mollydooker

Posted in Australia, Merlot, South Australia | Leave a comment

Screamin’ Semillon

Posted on December 9, 2007 by Ray

Pepper Tree Hunter Valley Semillon 2005 This baby is screaming with acidity – very green and right on target. Put it to bed for the long haul and enjoy it when it matures. 100% Semillon fermented in stainless. Winemaker Chris … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Semillon | Leave a comment

Sweet side of Semillon

Posted on December 7, 2007 by Ray

Margan Hunter Valley Botrytis Semillon 2005 This wines has tropical fruit and the volatility that accompanies many botrytis wines. The palate is very thick and the acidity seems shy though the stats say otherwise at 10 g/L. RS 12.7%, alcohol … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Barossa, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, South Australia, White Dessert | Leave a comment