Monthly Archives: June 2008

Partners in wine

Posted on June 25, 2008 by RJ

Zin and Petite often work together, one behind the scenes of the other who gets the billing on the label. Claudia Springs Redwood Valley John Ricetti Vineyard Zinfandel 2005 There’s jammy fruit and a little warmth from the alcohol. Winemaker … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Mendocino County, Petite Sirah, Redwood Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

A touch of sweetness

Posted on June 25, 2008 by RJ

Pine Ridge California Chenin Blanc – Viognier 2007 Pine Ridge has made some incarnation of Chenin for years. This blend couples 80% Chenin Blanc, which has ample acidity, with 20% Viognier, adding aromatics and lusciousness. There’s a touch of residual … Continue reading →

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2 sides of dry part 3

Posted on June 25, 2008 by RJ

There’s a broad spectrum to what is considered dry white wine, as we see in these two examples from California. Kunde Estate Sonoma Valley Magnolia Lane Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is an exciting wine of floral and citrus notes, high … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley | Leave a comment

Red style part 2

Posted on June 24, 2008 by RJ

Here we take another look at variations on the taste and feel of dry red wine. ZD Carneros Pinot Noir 2006 Lots of sweet cherries and palpable acidity make this a refreshing Pinot. This wine originates with Pinot grown in … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Carneros, Napa Valley, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

2 sides of dry part 2

Posted on June 24, 2008 by RJ

Another round of variations on the theme of dry white wine. Longboard Vineyards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Citrus and herbs in a high acid profile with citrus peel in the mouth. This Sauvignon is mostly done in stainless … Continue reading →

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Red style

Posted on June 23, 2008 by RJ

Like white wine, red wine comes in many shapes and sizes, from the silky, flowing ribbons to brawny, square-jawed brawlers. Here are 3 takes on red wine style. Lincourt Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 2004 Easy drinking cherries in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Lodi, Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

2 sides of dry

Posted on June 23, 2008 by RJ

So many of us enjoy dry white wine. Yet what is dry is not one thing, as we see in the case of these two dry white wines. Benziger Sonoma Valley MacLeod Family Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2006 This is crisp … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley | Leave a comment

Heron spotted

Posted on June 4, 2008 by RJ

Heron Hill Finger Lakes Ingle Vineyard Riesling 2005 The smell is a combination of lime, flowers and that Riesling petrol quality. The mouth features the sweet tart character often associated with German Riesling. It is very concentrated with great length … Continue reading →

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