Monthly Archives: April 2008

Tuscan classic

Posted on April 22, 2008 by RJ

Castellare Chianti Classico 2004 This estate has traditionally shown an Old World expression in their wines from Tuscany. This wine is spot-on again, showing the lean and acidic style of Sangiovese with a touch of green character. The grapes are … Continue reading →

Posted in Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Leave a comment

Here comes Austria

Posted on April 18, 2008 by RJ

Two of the leading white wine varieties make up this tiny flight. Berger Kremstal Gruner Veltliner 2006 This wine has been a value and notice you get a super size. Again tonight this wine is on target, lean and acidic. … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, Kamptal, Kremstal | Leave a comment

Bordeaux grapes and their blends

Posted on April 18, 2008 by RJ

This flight features 5 wines where Cabernet and others of the famous 5 make an appearance, in vintages ranging from 2005 back to 2002. The Sinskey and ZD were the clear favorites from the recent vintages in this flight. Their … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Cotes de Castillon, Napa Valley, Pauillac, Virginia | Leave a comment

Black Magic

Posted on April 18, 2008 by RJ

Carol Shelton Sonoma County Black Magic Late Harvest Zinfandel 2006 Many feel that Carol has a magic hand when it comes to Zin. This offering for dessert is on the lighter side of RS with just 6.5% residual sugar, making … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

A search for the most affordable Pinot

Posted on April 17, 2008 by RJ

In the search for ever more affordable Pinot Noir, California producers are looking abroad. The 1.5 litre offering from Gallo’s Twin Valley line now sports an Italian origin. Gallo Twin Valley Provincia di Pavia Pinot Noir nv                                This is certainly … Continue reading →

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Sweet Sparkling

Posted on April 15, 2008 by RJ

La Spinetta Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2006 A favorite from the legend. I was blessed to meet Rivetti before the skyrocket to fame. This wine remains an affordable gem, with the essence of Muscat aching for fresh berries on a summer … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Muscat, Piemonte | Leave a comment

Madeira my dear?

Posted on April 11, 2008 by RJ

Cossart Gordon, Madeira, 5 Years Old, Bual nv This is a rich style of Madeira from the Bual grape, though not as sweet as Malmsey. P&B by the Madeira Wine Company in Funchal 19% purchased for $20.79 at Bottle Barn … Continue reading →

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Perhaps some tannin?

Posted on April 11, 2008 by RJ

Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG 2003 The Scavino wines show a consistent polish. There’s loads of black licorice to smell and the tannins, while definitely present, have some ripeness that soften the hard edges of this youthful wine. There’s also a … Continue reading →

Posted in Barolo, Nebbiolo, Piemonte | Leave a comment

Big Barbera

Posted on April 11, 2008 by RJ

Seghesio Alexander Valley Barbera 2006 Previous vintages with the broader Sonoma appellation showed the zip of Barbera with a richness to take Barbera beyond it’s workhorse role as a mere foil to fatty food. This latest offering repeats the style. … Continue reading →

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Spotlight on Allegrini

Posted on April 11, 2008 by RJ

Allegrini Valpolicella DOC 2006 This wine has been consistently clean and refreshingly full of acidity, though in previous vintages it was labeled as being only from the Classico district. 60% Corvina, 35% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. Estate bottled in Fumane … Continue reading →

Posted in Corvina, Italy, Valpolicella, Veneto | Leave a comment