Monthly Archives: April 2008

Celebrate with pink in the South of France

Posted on April 25, 2008 by RJ

  Domaine de Fontsainte Corbieres Gris de Gris 2007 This has been a stellar rose with traditional complexity and suppleness. The ’07 is very fresh, just full of strawberries, crisp yet filled out and far from lean. The grapes are … Continue reading →

Posted in Corbieres, France, Rosé | Leave a comment

Focus on Central Otago

Posted on April 24, 2008 by RJ

The second flight of Pinot tonight is drawn exclusively from the wine region of Central Otago. Mt. Difficulty Central Otago Pinot Noir 2006 Firm, gripping and marked by earthy and berry notes. P&B in Bannockburn 14.5% $28.99 at Bottle Barn … Continue reading →

Posted in Central Otago, New Zealand, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Southern Pinot

Posted on April 24, 2008 by RJ

2 flights of Pinot from New Zealand and here is number 1 Daniel Schuster Waipara Pinot Noir Selection 2006 Intense acidity marks this Pinot to drink with food today or lay down in the cellar. P&B in Waipara 14% $26.99 … Continue reading →

Posted in Madeira, Marlborough, Nelson, New Zealand, Pinot Noir, Waipara | Leave a comment

Blending in the field

Posted on April 23, 2008 by RJ

Ridge California Lytton Springs 2005 This traditional field blend comes from the site on Lytton Springs Road running between the heart of Dry Creek and Highway 101 in Sonoma County. There is plenty of black pepper on top of the … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

South for a taste of the Rhone

Posted on April 23, 2008 by RJ

The Ojai Vineyard Santa Barbara County Grenache 2005 This wine comes from the specialist known for their dense Syrah. This Grenache is no slouch either with layer upon layer of fruit in a very supple package. P&B in Oak View … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Grenache, Santa Barbara County, Syrah | Leave a comment

Great Pinot

Posted on April 23, 2008 by RJ

Williams Selyem Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 Winemaker Cabral can be modest as his Pinots do the talking, with a worldwide fan base. This wine is Pinot Perfection!, the essence of red fruits served on velvet. P&B in Healdsburg … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma County, Sta. Rita Hills | Leave a comment

Mendo dessert

Posted on April 23, 2008 by RJ

Think rapsberry tart with this Riesling and your cares will melt away. Navarro Anderson Valley Late Harvest Cluster Select White Riesling 2006 Richness personified with acidity to balance. There is plenty of honey on top of the tropical fruit. There … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Riesling | Leave a comment

3 Alternatives when you’re feeling dry

Posted on April 23, 2008 by RJ

Navarro Anderson Valley Estate Bottle Dry Muscat 2006 This wine has consistently dazzled with the ebulent smell of Muscat in a dry format. Tonight it is perfect again. P&B in the little hamlet of Philo 13.5% $19 at the winery … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Dry Creek Valley, Gewurztraminer, Grenache, Muscat, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Virginia and Bordeaux

Posted on April 22, 2008 by RJ

Jefferson and others in America’s early history admired the wines of Bordeaux and brought their passion to the early states. This line-up features a wine from the Virginia producer that so delighted us last week and a well-regarded fourth growth … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chassagne-Montrachet, Corbieres, Corvina, France, Kremstal, Saint-Julien | Leave a comment

Sauternes on the cheap

Posted on April 22, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Gravas Sauternes 2004 This wine hasn’t been a show stopper but it isn’t bad. I mean this in the best way possible. Sauternes from the heavyweight producers has become prohibitively expensive for many. The Gravas offers a glimpse of … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon | Leave a comment