Monthly Archives: August 2008

Going the distance

Posted on August 31, 2008 by Ray

I’ve often been guilty of asserting that Zinfandel doesn’t last. I’ve opened too many aging Zins to find them falling apart, so much so that I had given up aging them. And honestly, it’s not so bad drinking them when … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Phoenix flight

Posted on August 30, 2008 by Ray

When Vacu-Dry ceased operations in Sebastopol, California, many bemoaned the continuing decline of the apple industry in Sonoma’s West County region. Yet from those ashes many a high-flying phoenix has taken flight. The large and rather dingy industrial complex that … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Hunter Valley, Lodi, Mendocino County, Mendocino Ridge, New South Wales, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Geneva starburst

Posted on August 29, 2008 by Ray

Belhurst, Finger Lakes, Cayuga 2006 There’s lots of citrus and stone fruits to smell and the palate dazzles with the sweet and tart character of Middle Mosel Rieslings – delicious. The RS is 2.7%. P&B in Geneva 12.5% $14.95 at … Continue reading →

Posted in Cayuga White, Finger Lakes, New York | Leave a comment

Bandol legend

Posted on August 27, 2008 by Ray

Domaine Tempier, Bandol 2005 The black fruit is blended with herbs of the region, fresh from the landscape and an element of meat on the grill. In the mouth there is lots of fruit wrapped up in tannic youthfulness. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Bandol, France, Mourvedre, Provence | Leave a comment

Baux rose et rouge

Posted on August 27, 2008 by Ray

Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rose 2007 The fresh fruit is evident in this low acid rose. This estate was farming organically before many jumped on board and all of the wines are today certified organic. The 2007 … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Rosé | Leave a comment

Budget Alsatians

Posted on August 27, 2008 by Ray

Trimbach, Alsace, Pinot Blanc 2005 Light floral notes mark the nose and the mouth has a rather creamy texture, very little residual sugar, a moderate amount of acid and the taste of stone fruits; it’s nice and simple for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, France, Pinot Blanc, Riesling | Leave a comment

Charge!

Posted on August 26, 2008 by Ray

La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 2004 The previous vintage was a concentrated, oaky heavyweight, still in its infancy when tasted in late ’07. This ’04 smells of sweet oak and New World fruit. Again we see a tannic monster … Continue reading →

Posted in Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte | Leave a comment

Besides the big guns there are…

Posted on August 26, 2008 by Ray

Cascina Castle’t, Barbera d’Asti DOC 2005 Blueberries and plums in a light-bodied, high acid format. Estate bottled by Maria Borio in Costigliole d’Asti 13.5% $11.99 at Traverso’s Cascina Castlet Bruno Giacosa, Dolcetto d’Alba DOC 2007 There’s an overtly, Beaujolais-like character … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Leave a comment

Italian whites heading nw

Posted on August 26, 2008 by Ray

Ceretto, Langhe, Arneis DOC, Blange’ 2007 This is quite fresh with lots of flowers, citrus fruit, moderate acidity and a light body. Blange is the name of Ceretto’s estate property, devoted to Arneis, spread over two villages. The wine’s production … Continue reading →

Posted in Arneis, Cortese, Gavi di Gavi, Italy, Langhe, Petite Sirah | Leave a comment

Different desserts

Posted on August 21, 2008 by Ray

Bonterra, Lake County, Bartolucci Vineyard, Muscat 2004 This wine has been well-made since the good old days when the you could taste it at the beautiful Valley Oaks facility. There are the compelling floral notes associated with Muscat plus some … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Cucamonga Valley, Lake County, Muscat, Sherry, White Dessert | Leave a comment