Monthly Archives: March 2008

Value Pinot

Posted on March 31, 2008 by Ray

2006 Mirassou California Pinot Noir There still are values to be found in the ever popular and price-escalating field of Pinot Noir. This wine was a hit in two of my recent classes, showcasing clean fruit, light body and the … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

3 Red Wines, 3 Different Styles

Posted on March 21, 2008 by Ray

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 … Continue reading →

Posted in Amador County, Barbera, California, Lodi | Leave a comment

3 White Wines, 3 Different Styles

Posted on March 21, 2008 by Ray

Tasting through this flight of 3 can give you a sense of your favorite style of white wine. Perhaps you love the full on acidity of the Hanna, prefer the richness of the Benziger or find the light sweetness of … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Monterey County, Riesling, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Les Grands Jours de Bourgogne: Focus on the Cote de Nuits Part 2, Chambolle-Musigny and Morey-Saint-Denis

Posted on March 15, 2008 by Ray

Heading south from Gevrey-Chambertin, the tasters moved to the Grange Hall in the village of Gilly-Les-Citeaux. Here we met with Burgundian producers sampling their Morey and Chambolle from the 2006 vintage along with a few 2005s. Chambolle is known for … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chambolle-Musigny, France, Morey-Saint-Denis, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Les Grands Jours de Bourgogne: Focus on the Cote de Nuits Part 1, Gevrey-Chambertin

Posted on March 14, 2008 by Ray

Day 2 at Les Grands Jours provided an opportunity to assess the wines from the Cote-d’Or’s northern half. This is the territory famous for Pinot Noir. Gevrey-Chambertin has long been known for its muscular Pinot Noir. Such Pinot is a … Continue reading →

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

Les Grands Jours de Bourgogne: Focus on Chablis

Posted on March 14, 2008 by Ray

It was quite a rainy day in Chablis on Monday for the start of the 2008 Grand Jours. At the Petit Pontigny we tasted the latest offerings, as well as a few mature wines, from dozens of producers. Following are … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chablis, France | Leave a comment

Comparing Bruts

Posted on March 6, 2008 by Ray

Brut and Natural are words that we use to describe the final dosage or sweetness level of sparkling wine. In France, Natural, Brut Nature or any of the various proprietary names communicating the same, ranges from 0 to 6 g/l. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Champagne, France, Mendocino County, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry | Leave a comment

Sweet Treats

Posted on March 4, 2008 by Ray

Paradise Ridge Winery Russian River Valley Ode to Joy Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Lots of complexity in this wine, with honey galore. This dessert wine was crafted to honor the memory of Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars. 330 g/l sugar at harvest. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Hungary, Late harvest red, Late Harvest White, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Tokaji, Zinfandel | Leave a comment