Monthly Archives: July 2008

Raving Riesling

Posted on July 11, 2008 by RJ

Greenwood Ridge Mendocino Ridge Estate Bottled White Riesling 2006 This has always been a crowd pleaser; this vintage pushes the RS up to 2.8%. GP&B in Philo 13.5% $13.69 at Bottle Barn Greenwood Ridge Dr. Loosen Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling … Continue reading →

Posted in Germany, Mendocino County, Mendocino Ridge, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Riesling | Leave a comment

Bordeaux and her blends

Posted on July 11, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut-Medoc 2005 Toasty oak, ripe tannins and black fruits – delicious. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc from vines at an average 30 years old. Mis au chateau par Jean Gautreau in St. Seurin de … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Haut-Medoc, Merlot, Napa Valley, Rutherford | Leave a comment

Merlot

Posted on July 11, 2008 by RJ

Christian Moueix Bordeaux Merlot 2003 From the Petrus folks, a value-oriented red from the land of very expensive wine. This is on the earthy side with fruit that is evolving in a raisin direction; it’s light-bodied and acidic. Mis en … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, California, Lalande-de-Pomerol, Merlot, Napa Valley | Leave a comment

Crisp thirst quenchers

Posted on July 11, 2008 by RJ

Berger, Niederosterreich, Gruner Veltliner 2007 This wine has been a value and notice that you still get a super size. A lean and acidic refresher. Estate bottled by E. & M. Berger in Gedersdorf in Krems 12.5% $10.99 at Bottle … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, France, Gruner Veltliner, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

The sweet stuff

Posted on July 10, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Doisy Daene Sauternes 2003 There’s lots of creme caramel and toastiness in this wine and a little lower on the RS scale than other Sauternes. The vineyard is planted to 87% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Sauternes, Semillon | Leave a comment

5 Bordeaux grapes and 3 continents

Posted on July 10, 2008 by RJ

Clarendon Hills Clarendon Brookman Merlot 2005 Roman Bratasiuk pulls no punches with his opulent wines. This Merlot features ripe fruit and the cigar box characters we often associate with Bordeaux. The texture is oh so plush. P&B in Blewitt Springs … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Australia, Bordeaux Style Blends, Guenoc Valley, Idaho, Lake County, McLaren Vale, Meritage, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, South Australia | Leave a comment

Summer zip

Posted on July 10, 2008 by RJ

Salomon Undhof Hochterrassen Gruner Veltliner Trocken Qualitatswein 2007 The fruit for this wine comes from hillside terraces along the Danube by the towns of Krems and Stein in the region of Kremstal. This wine features laser-like acidity and concentrated citrus. … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, Gruner Veltliner, Kremstal, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Vin de Pays

Posted on July 9, 2008 by RJ

Excitement and innovation from the south of France Les Calades Vin de Pays d’Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Very overt berries, very light-bodied and a little bit of an astringent edge. 13.5% $7.99 at Bottle Barn Mas de Daumas Gassac Vin … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Languedoc | Leave a comment

Scintillating Syrah

Posted on July 9, 2008 by RJ

Bridlewood Central Coast Winner’s Circle Selection “Dusty Trails” Syrah 2004 A few months ago we tasted another of the Winner’s Circle Selection Syrah and it was true to the the house style showing lots of oak essence wound into a … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Leave a comment

On the Rhone

Posted on July 9, 2008 by RJ

Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Vielles Vignes Cuvee Unique 2006 The previous vintage was a solid wine, balanced in medium weight with ripe fruits and structure. The 2006 follows suit with smells of black pepper as well. Sourced … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache | Leave a comment