Wine Regions & Grapes
Sampling of Wineries
- Acorn
- Allegrini
- Atlas Peak
- Balletto
- Benziger
- Blandy's
- Bodega Navarro Correas
- Bollinger
- Bonterra
- Burgans
- Chronicle
- d'Arenberg
- Domaine Carneros
- Domaine de la Mordoree
- Dow's
- Dr. Loosen
- Famega
- Fonseca
- Foppiano
- Foxen
- Glen Ellen
- Innocent Bystander
- Kendall-Jackson
- Korbel
- Madeira Wine Company
- Martin Codax
- Masi
- Merryvale
- Mulderbosch
- Napa Cellars
- Navarro Vineyards
- Noceto
- Paul Hobbs
- Reynoso
- Roederer Estate
- Ruggeri
- Sawyer Cellars
- Sbragia
- Shed Horn
- Sonoma State Wine Business Institute
- St. James
- Trinchero Winery
- Vietti
- Wildhurst
- William Fevre
Monthly Archives: June 2008
Two sides of the county line
Mumm Napa Napa Valley Devaux Ranch Methode Traditionnelle 2002 There’s lots of citrus with a hint of the zest and a touch of alcohol. The grapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the wine was aged 3 years on the … Continue reading
Posted in California, Carneros, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry
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Sparkling in the pink
Domaine Chandon, Sonoma County 62%, Napa County 38%, etoile, Rose nv The house style is one of forward fruit and a soft profile. Likewise with this wine in a copper color and an added zip of acidity. The fruit source … Continue reading
Island wine from Portugal
Cossart Gordon Madeira 5 Years Old Malmsey nv This is a rich style of Madeira from the Malvasia grape, known as Malmsey. The nose features toffee and caramel with a healthy dose of toasted nuts. In the mouth, you taste … Continue reading
Posted in Fortified dessert, Madeira, Malvasia, Portugal
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Riesling and Gewurztraminer differentiated
Though often talked about in the same breath, these two grapes are quite dissimiliar. Esterlina Cole Ranch Dry Riesling 2006 Concentrated stone fruit wrapped in acidity – long, great, delicious. P&B in Healdsburg 13.8% $14.99 at Bottle Barn Esterlina Elena … Continue reading
Posted in Alsace, Alto Adige, California, France, Gewurztraminer, Italy, Riesling
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Gris and grigio
This flight examines 3 approaches to the grape that goes by both the names Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. Cantina Terlano Alto Adige Pinot Grigio Denominazione di Origine Controllata 2006 Mineral and stone fruit flavors with palpable acidity. Bottled in … Continue reading
Posted in California
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Nutty dessert
Lustau, Sherry, Denominaciónes de Origen, Solera Reserva, Rare Cream nv This is a step up from Lustau’s Deluxe Cream Sherry and cries out for a fireplace after dinner. There’s tons of complexity to this wine, the sort of experience for … Continue reading
Rioja star
Muga Rioja DOC Reserva 2004 This wine has some guts for aging. There’s sweet oak, black fruit and a nice light level of brett to add complexity to this structured baby. 70% Tempranillo, 20% Garnacha and 10% Mazuelo and Graciano. … Continue reading
Posted in California
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Spanish values
San Alejandro Calatalud Las Rocas Garnacha 2005 100% Grenache, 70-100 years old. The Las Rocas line is bottled for Eric Solomon, from a cooperative effort of growers in Calatalud. Elabroado y embotellado in Miedes 14.5% $8.49 at Bottle Barn Legaris … Continue reading
Posted in Calatayud, California, Ribera del Duero, Spain
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