Monthly Archives: August 2008

Power to the Pinot!

Posted on August 21, 2008 by Ray

Artesa, Carneros, Estate Reserve, Pinot Noir 2006 Artesa has been making some great wines and has shown greater success with their still wine program. This is a light-bodied, red fruit expression of Pinot with the warmth of alcohol. Winemaker David … Continue reading →

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

Mature Fogarty

Posted on August 21, 2008 by Ray

Thomas Fogarty, Monterey, Gewurztraminer 2003 Kudos to Fogarty for continuing to produce this wine. Earlier this summer we tasted the ’06 which was showing these youthful characteriestics: spicy floral notes, a hint of RS and the taste of fresh lychee … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Gewurztraminer, Monterey County | Leave a comment

Set sail

Posted on August 21, 2008 by Ray

Dry Creek Vineyard, Sonoma County, Fume Blanc 2006 This wine has been a good standard for a budget Sauvignon. There’s plenty of citrus and ample acidity making this clean and dry. Production is all stainless. 13.5% $14.50 at the winery … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

From SF head east

Posted on August 21, 2008 by Ray

Rombauer, California, Zinfandel 2006 This has always been on the very rich end of Zin styles with perceptible residual sugar – nonetheless a crowd-pleaser. This vintage follows the same path. The fruit is 59% Amador, 24% Napa, 11% lake and … Continue reading →

Posted in Amador County, California, El Dorado County, Lake County, Napa Valley, Sierra Foothills, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Up and down the Rhone

Posted on August 20, 2008 by Ray

E. Guigal, Cotes du Rhone 2005 This wine is typically on the more polished side of Rhone blends with a hint of oak. That sense comes through again with a bit of earth and dried fruits. The blend is 55% … Continue reading →

Posted in Cotes du Rhone, Crozes-Hermitage, France, Grenache, Syrah | Leave a comment

In the pink

Posted on August 20, 2008 by Ray

Domaine de la Mordoree, Cotes-du-Rhone, La Dame Rousse, Rose 2007 Smells of strawberry showing quite full-on tonight. There’s a broad mouthfeel with the follow-on fruit to taste and added weight from the alcohol – very nice. Tasted again in late … Continue reading →

Posted in Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Syrah | Leave a comment

Italian classics

Posted on August 19, 2008 by Ray

Castello della Paneretta, Chianti Classico DOCG 2005 There’s loads of acidity and the taste of cherries. The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo. Estate bottled in Barberino val d’Elsa 13% $17.99 at Traverso’s Paneretta Andrea Oberto, … Continue reading →

Posted in Chianti Classico, Italy, Langhe, Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Leave a comment

Grigio

Posted on August 19, 2008 by Ray

Cantina Terlano, Alto Adige, Pinot Grigio DOC 2007 The 2006 showed the palpable acidity one would expect. The ’07 is again right-on with fresh fruits and perfume with plenty of acidityBottled in Terlano 13% $19.99 at Traverso’s Terlano

Posted in Alto Adige, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio | Leave a comment

Something to crow about

Posted on August 18, 2008 by Ray

Red Rooster, Okanagan Valley VQA, Rose 2006 There’s the smell and taste of candied strawberries and a slippery viscous texture. The grapes behind the wine are 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. Produced in Penticton 13% $15.99 Canadian for … Continue reading →

Posted in British Columbia, Canada, Okanagan Valley, Pinot Noir, Rosé | Leave a comment

Artsy rose

Posted on August 15, 2008 by Ray

Hillebrand, Ontario VQA, Artist Series, Gamay Noir Rose 2006 There’s a scent of toffee and candied fruit that leads an expectation of sweetness yet there’s plenty of acidity to make this dry rose refreshing. Vinted in Niagara-on-the-Lake 12% $11.95 Canadian … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Leave a comment