Monthly Archives: May 2008

In heaven there must be Pinot

Posted on May 9, 2008 by RJ

This flight of 5, charts 3 vintages and 4 appellations. See the ‘Focus on Arlaud’ for the last of this flight. Lost Canyon Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch Morelli Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 Raisins, evolving fruit and warmth show … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, Burgundy, California, Carneros, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley | Leave a comment

Focus on Loosen

Posted on May 9, 2008 by RJ

Dr. Loosen Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Blue Slate Riesling 2006 If you love Jolly Ranchers, this is the liquid form, a sweet and tart, delicious value. Qualitatswein, bottled in Bernkastel 8% $12.49 at Bottle Barn Dr. Loosen Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Spatlese 2006 … Continue reading →

Posted in Germany, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Riesling | Leave a comment

Burgundinan Chardonnay

Posted on May 9, 2008 by RJ

Verget Saint Veran 2006 Minerals and stone fruits to smell. There’s plenty of acid for you fans of Chard. without the butter. Long and a good value though the prices are creeping. It’s a poor time to be buying Burgundy … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, Saint Veran | Leave a comment

Pinot stars compete

Posted on May 8, 2008 by RJ

Domaine Henri Gouges Nuits-St-Georges Clos des Porrets St.-Georges 1er Cru 2005 This is a monopole for Gouges, the legend from Nuits-St-Georges. The wine is quite tight, just a baby, packed with fruit and earthy notes with a tannic exterior. Lay … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, California, Edna Valley, France, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County | Leave a comment

Off to Oregon

Posted on May 8, 2008 by RJ

This flight features 4 Oregonian Pinots Brandborg Umqua Valley, Oregon Ferris Wheel Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir 2006 P&B in Elkton 13.8% $40 at the winery Brandborg Ken Wright Cellars Yamhill-Carlton District Shea Vineyard 2006 This was the hands-down star of … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon, Pinot Noir, Umpqua Valley, Willamette Valley | Leave a comment

Musical Rose

Posted on May 8, 2008 by RJ

Etude Carneros Pinot Noir Rose 2006 Lots of strawberry to smell and the palate features refreshing acidity with a glistening sheen of creamy fruit. P&B in Napa 13.9% $19.95 at Traverso’s Etude

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

Battling Bubblies

Posted on May 7, 2008 by RJ

This flight pits top wines from Schramsberg in Calistoga and Roederer Estate in Philo. Roederer Estate Anderson Valley L”Ermitage Estate Brut 2000 This has been a personal favorite balancing the racy house style with the complexity given by time on … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Napa Valley, North Coast, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Leave a comment

More bubbles

Posted on May 7, 2008 by RJ

J Russian River Valley late disgorged brut 1997 Smelling of acacia flowers and a bit of bread with brie, the mouth is elegant with richness and a the taste of warm biscuits. P&B in Healdsburg 12.5% $79.99 at Bottle Barn … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry | Leave a comment

Napa sparkles

Posted on May 7, 2008 by RJ

Domaine Chandon etoile Brut This is true to type with the house style of forward fruit and a soft profile. The fruit source for this wine is 54% from Napa and 46% from Sonoma. After primary ferment this wine was … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry | Leave a comment

The grapes behind the bubbly

Posted on May 7, 2008 by RJ

Much of our North American Sparkling features Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This flight features one of each, in the full expression of their color. Iron Horse Sonoma County Green Valley Estate Bottled Blanc de Blancs 2001 This wine sports tart … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Green Valley, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County | Leave a comment