Monthly Archives: June 2008

Two sides of the county line

Posted on June 30, 2008 by RJ

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 | Leave a comment

Sparkling in the pink

Posted on June 30, 2008 by RJ

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 →

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

Old and new

Posted on June 27, 2008 by RJ

Traditional appellation wine versus a modern blend from Piemonte. Vietti, Barolo DOCG, Castiglione 2004 In June of ’08 I noted brown spices and licorice on a very tannic frame that is balanced by acidity and extract. In April of ’09, … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Italy, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Island wine from Portugal

Posted on June 27, 2008 by RJ

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 | Leave a comment

Riesling and Gewurztraminer differentiated

Posted on June 27, 2008 by RJ

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 | Leave a comment

Gris and grigio

Posted on June 27, 2008 by RJ

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 | Leave a comment

Nutty dessert

Posted on June 27, 2008 by RJ

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 →

Posted in Andalucia, Jerez, Palomino, Sherry, Spain | Leave a comment

Rioja star

Posted on June 27, 2008 by RJ

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 | Leave a comment

Spanish values

Posted on June 27, 2008 by RJ

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 | Leave a comment

Albarino in vogue

Posted on June 27, 2008 by RJ

Albarino, a.k.a., Alvarinho, is hot. This refresher from Iberia is becoming more visible in America, with more imports from abroad and more plantings on the homefront. Condes de Albarei, Rias Baixas DO, Albarino 2007 Fully aromatic and lip smacking with … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, California, Galicia, Monterey County, Rias Baixas, Spain | Leave a comment