Monthly Archives: July 2008

Mountain Port 2

Posted on July 8, 2008 by RJ

Renwood Sierra Foothills Vintage Port 2003 Sweet and slathered in oak essence – a class favorite. 5 traditional Portuguese grapes made this wine, Tinta Cao, Alvararhao, Souzao, Bastardo and Touriga. Aged in neutral American oak for 2 years, 7.9% RS. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Port, Sierra Foothills | Leave a comment

Piemonte lineup

Posted on July 8, 2008 by RJ

Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Grignolino 2005 Truly one of the ‘lightest of the light’ red wines and an aromatic charmer as well. P&B in St. Helena 12.5% $15.50 at Traverso’s Heitz Poderi Aldo Conterno Langhe Dolcetto DOC Masante 2006 Quite … Continue reading →

Posted in Barbera, Barolo, California, Dolcetto, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte | Leave a comment

Further differentiation between Riesling and Gewurz

Posted on July 8, 2008 by RJ

Domaine Weinbach Alsace Grand Cru Schlossberg Riesling 2006 This wine is the middle offering of the domaine’s Rieslings designed for savoury food. There’s a beautiful perfume , lots of flowers and Riesling’s characteristic racy acidity. This dry wine is very … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, California, France, Gewurztraminer, Monterey County, Riesling | Leave a comment

Barbera in the hills

Posted on July 7, 2008 by RJ

Yorba Amador County Barbera 2005 A touch rustic but the fruit comes out showing nicely after 15 minutes. One of the students suggested stewed rhubarb as a descriptor, which was right on, when you think of the tartness of rhubarb … Continue reading →

Posted in Amador County, Barbera, California | Leave a comment

Mountain Port

Posted on July 7, 2008 by RJ

Macchia Amador County Linsteadt Vineyard Dangerous Port 2004 In the house style of ripeness and richness with integrated alcohol. The grapes are a combo of Barbera and Zinfandel. P&B in Lockeford 20.1% $25 at the winery Macchia

Posted in Amador County, California, Port, Sierra Foothills | Leave a comment

Beyond Cannery Row

Posted on July 7, 2008 by RJ

Joelle Santa Lucia Highlands Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 Stony and warm with vanilla overtones. P&B in San Francisco 14.8% $44 at the winery Joelle Truckee River Winery Santa Lucia Highlands Garys’ Vineyard 2005 Black fruits, cola, green herbs … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Monterey County, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands | Leave a comment

AV and not audio visual

Posted on July 7, 2008 by RJ

Handley Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2005 The reserve Pinot from Handley was a big hit last semester. This wine features sweet vanilla notes wrapped around supple cherry fruit – an extra silky texture. Winemaker Milla Handley. P&B in Philo 14.5% … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Chenin from both sides now

Posted on July 7, 2008 by RJ

Vinum Cellars Clarksburg CNW Wilson Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2006 From the ABC crowd at Vinum, these guys are willing to bet on the ‘other grapes’. Barrel fermented and aged 6 months in oak for complexity yet the bracing side of … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg, Mendocino County | Leave a comment

Darling grape

Posted on July 7, 2008 by RJ

Bonterra 73% Mendocino 27% Lake Counties Viognier 2006 This has been a consistently fresh, aromatic wine across the vintages. The flowers and peaches are in full bloom followed by a lowish-acid fresh mouthfeel. All certified organically grown grapes from a … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Lake County, Mendocino County, Organic grapes, Viognier | Leave a comment

Tuscan hit parade

Posted on July 2, 2008 by RJ

2 great producers and 2 classic wines. Fonterutoli Chianti Classico DOCG 2004 There’s some appropriate barnyard notes tied into the tart cherry and lightly tannic palate. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 2% Malvasia Nera and 2% Colorino, aged for one year … Continue reading →

Posted in Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Italy, Montalcino, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Leave a comment