Monthly Archives: February 2008

Roaming for Rhone

Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Vielles Vignes Cuvee Unique 2005 This is a solid wine, balanced in medium weight with ripe fruits and structure. The ripeness is such that there are liquer-like black fruits. The alcohol is showing … Continue reading

Posted in California, Crozes-Hermitage, France, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah | Leave a comment

Oh Burgundy

Deux Montille Chambolle-Musigny “Les Babilleres” 2005 This is brimming with fresh cherries and surrounded by a silky texture kissed by the taste of oak. The Pinot for this wine was sourced from Les Babilleres, situated between Les Charmes and the … Continue reading

Posted in Burgundy, Chambolle-Musigny, France, Gevrey-Chambertin, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Back to Burgundy

Verget Macon Villages 2006 Open this a little early to blow off the reductive funk and after 20 minutes the fruit will come through. From Jean-Marie Guffen, this Chardonnay has been a spot-on value in notes back to the 2003 … Continue reading

Posted in Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, France, Macon | Leave a comment

Another Look at Gewurz

Harvest Moon Russian River Valley Dry Gewurztraminer 2007 Estate grown fruit and some oak treatment. G, P&B in Santa Rosa. 12.5% $?? at the winery, winery sample Harvest Moon Rosemount Estate South Eastern Australia Traminer Riesling 2005 65% Gewurz and … Continue reading

Posted in Australia, California, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Russian River Valley, South Eastern Australia | Leave a comment

California Tour

This flight features 4 wines to showcase the breadth of flavors found in California wine. Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Clean, light-bodied and straightforward value in Sauvignon from the home front. P&B in Middletown, up above Calistoga in the … Continue reading

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Lake County, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Northern Sonoma Exploration

Off the beaten track we find quality Chenin Blanc and Bordeaux-style blends. This Chenin displays minerality and nerve while the Alluvium is quite rich in its styling. Leo Steen Dry Creek Valley Saini Farms Chenin Blanc 2006 Sourced from vines … Continue reading

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Chenin Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Gewurz Goes Up

We’ve seen the creep of California Gewurztraminer in both esteem and price. This flight features two current offerings in the mid-twenties$$. Londer Vineyards Anderson Valley Dry Gewurztraminer 2006 Full-on roses mark the nose of this wine and fruity flavors in … Continue reading

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Russian River Valley | Leave a comment