Monthly Archives: July 2008

Sparkling the world over

Posted on July 16, 2008 by RJ

La Morandina, Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2007 The ’07 is just as vibrantly fresh and full of orange blossoms as the previous vintage. There’s lots of residual sugar and the light body and freshness that you expect in Moscato d’Asti. P&B … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Moscato d'Asti, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry, Sparkling sweet | Leave a comment

Sparkling pink wine from Napa and Anderson Valleys

Posted on July 16, 2008 by RJ

This flight shows a nice contrast in approach to the making of pink sparkling in California. The Roederer embraces a high acid framework that is very crisp while the Mumm goes for a softer approach with a more visible hint … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, Blanc de Noirs, California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sparkling Dry | Tagged , | Leave a comment

All over Rhone

Posted on July 15, 2008 by RJ

Monticello, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Estate Grown, Syrah 2005 Lush and graced by black fruits and a bit of black pepper. P&B in Napa 14.5% $ at the winery Monticello Trinafour, Mendocino County, Niemi Vineyard, Carignane 2006 There’s ample … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carignane, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, France, Grenache, Mendocino County, Mourvedre, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Santa Barbara County, Syrah | Leave a comment

2 shades of extra dry

Posted on July 15, 2008 by RJ

Cristalino, Cava, Extra Dry nv This wine isn’t amazing but it has a hint of RS, it truly is methode champenoise and it’s cheap. The grapes are Macabeo, Parellada and Xarel-lo, traditionally grown in the Penedes for Cava. Produced by … Continue reading →

Posted in Cava, Italy, Prosecco, Spain, Sparkling Lightly Sweet, Veneto | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Paso Port

Posted on July 14, 2008 by RJ

Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Vintage Port 2005 A sumptuous berry dessert with integrated alcohol. The grapes are traditional, as in Portugal, 36% Touriga, 30% Alvarelhao, 20% Souzao and 14% Tinta Cao. Aged in barrel for 24 months. Winemaker Don Brady. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Paso Robles, Port, San Luis Obispo County, Touriga Nacional | Leave a comment

Driving for Zin

Posted on July 14, 2008 by RJ

Neyers, Contra Costa County, Pato Vineyard, Zinfandel 2005 Stewed and raisiny fruit. P&B in St. Helena 15.6% $24.49 at Bottle Barn Neyers Z, Amador County, Massoni Ranch, Zinfandel 2005 Sweet oak multiplied by sweet fruit – plush. Z is Jeff … Continue reading →

Posted in Amador County, California, Contra Costa County, Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

SB Pinot

Posted on July 14, 2008 by RJ

Flying Goat, Santa Maria Valley, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 Concentrated cherries, sweet oak in July 08. In February ’09, there’s some nice complexity as well, with the fruits stewing a bit – nice. Winemaker Norm Yost. P&B in … Continue reading →

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

Central coast bright whites

Posted on July 14, 2008 by RJ

Tablas Creek, Paso Robles, Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2005 There are stones and flowers to smell and a big body for this dry, warm wine. This white Rhone-style blend is composed of 70% Roussanne, 25% Grenache Blanc and 5% Picpoul … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Leave a comment

Pinot please

Posted on July 11, 2008 by RJ

Papapietro Perry Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 intensely concentrated berry, liquer-like fruit and a little warmth. P&B in Healdsburg 14.25% $38.49 at Bottle Barn Papapietro Perry Sonnet Santa Lucia Highlands Tondre’s Grapefield Pinot Noir 2004 Smokey oak and cherry … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, Burgundy, California, France, Mendocino County, Monterey County, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands | Leave a comment

In a flurry?

Posted on July 11, 2008 by RJ

Joseph Drouhin Fleurie 2005 A little rustic with a tart framework. Mis by Drouhin, negociant eleveur a Beaune 13% $15.99 at Bottle Barn Drouhin

Posted in Beaujolais, France, Gamay | Leave a comment