Monthly Archives: May 2008

Coooool Pinot

Posted on May 7, 2008 by RJ

Two star producers show their wares from the Santa Rita Hills (I still find it hard to spell this appellation in the new fashion). Foley Sta. Rita Hills Rancho Santa Rosa Pommard Clone Pinot Noir 2006 Another hit that melds … Continue reading →

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

This ain’t the Scotch

Posted on May 7, 2008 by RJ

Ballentine Vineyards Napa Valley Estate Grown Zinfandel Port 2004 There’s a sense of a brand new, just crushed wine in the cellar, with vivacious, grapy fruit. There’s definitely some heat as we would see from Portugal, yet this New World … Continue reading →

Posted in Napa Valley, Port, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

SA Pinot

Posted on May 6, 2008 by RJ

Hamilton Russell Vineyards Walker Bay Pinot Noir 2006 Quite earthy, toasty and tannic. Grown, made, matured and bottled on the estate in Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, Hermanus 14% $31.99 at Bottle Barn Hamilton Russell

Posted in Pinot Noir, South Africa, Walker Bay | Leave a comment

Refreshers from the deep south

Posted on May 6, 2008 by RJ

This flight features two wines from a personal favorite winery, Mulderbosch. Neither of these wines is shy in the acid department and the Sauvignon is particularly herbaceous – yummmm! Mulderbosch, Stellenbosch, Chenin Blanc, Steen op Hout 2007 P&B in Stellenbosch … Continue reading →

Posted in Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa, Stellenbosch, Western Cape | Tagged | Leave a comment

Primo Zin

Posted on May 2, 2008 by RJ

Collier Falls Dry Creek Valley Primitivo 2005 This is lovingly slathered in oak. P&B in Geyserville 15.2% $32 at the winery Collier Falls Bella Alexander Valley Big River Ranch Zinfandel 2005 A very balanced Zin with tannic structure and dense … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, California, Dry Creek Valley, Primitivo, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Tuscan M&Ms

Posted on May 2, 2008 by RJ

Poliziano Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2005 This has been a stalwart good value in a modern style, though the price has crept to the border of $20. The ’05 vintage is light-bodied, accessible and subtly laced with a bit of … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Montalcino, Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Leave a comment

Pizza time

Posted on May 2, 2008 by RJ

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG 2004 The previous vintage showed some herbaceousness and tannic grip, as well as cherry, fresh and evolving with complexing earthiness. Here again with the 2004 there is a rusticity and astringency. 85% Sangiovese, 10% … Continue reading →

Posted in Amador County, California, Sangiovese, Sierra Foothills | Leave a comment

Creme caramel company

Posted on May 2, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Raymond-Lafon Sauternes 2003 Amazing balance for such a lusciously sweet wine with creme caramel flavors. Going back to the 2002, my notes again emphasize the complexity, concentration and appropriate VA levels. A class favorite, very rich and thick, very … Continue reading →

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

LHSB

Posted on May 1, 2008 by RJ

Trecini Russian River Valley Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2006 The grapes for this wine were harvested at 33 brix. The Sauvignon character really comes through with citrus and some herbaceousness. The mouthfeel is lighter than other dessert wines, making this … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Late Harvest White, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Round the world with Pinot

Posted on May 1, 2008 by RJ

Les Carabenes Vin de Pays d’Oc 2006 Too bad this sample is corked. Imported by PlanetWine in Oakland Mis in the postal code F-11300 13.5% 14.99 at Traverso’s Greenstone Point South Island Pinot Noir 2006 A little weedy, very firm … Continue reading →

Posted in Casablanca Valley, Chile, Languedoc, New Zealand, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment