Monthly Archives: September 2008

The real deal in Dry Creek Valley

Posted on September 21, 2008 by RJ

Fred Peterson has a winemaking resume to rival many. He’s been at some of California’s most famous estates, working in Monterey, the Santa Cruz Mountains and Sonoma County. Just over 20 years ago he took up the building of his … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carignane, Dry Creek Valley, Mendocino County, Sangiovese, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | 1 Comment

The wine that keeps on giving

Posted on September 20, 2008 by RJ

Small Vines, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir 2006 This is a wine of dense concentration from biodynamically farmed grapes. Upon first pouring the nose is quite tight so give it some time to open. The mouth is packed with red … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | 1 Comment

Sauvignon that sings

Posted on September 20, 2008 by RJ

Dutcher Crossing, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This Sauvignon smells of sweet and ripe tropical fruit. The fresh fruit continues on the palate where there is a softer, rounder feel than with many Sauvignon. Don’t get me wrong, I … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County | 1 Comment

Steen

Posted on September 19, 2008 by RJ

Sebeka, Western Cape, Chenin Blanc 2008 This is a softer version of Chenin than you might expect from South Africa. While the Chenin produced at Mulderbosch and Thelema have electrifying acidity, this has a softer touch of the acid hand … Continue reading →

Posted in Chenin Blanc, South Africa, Western Cape | 1 Comment

Urbane class and Dry Creek Valley

Posted on September 18, 2008 by RJ

Downtown Healdsburg has become a destination for luxurious wine and food experiences. One of the venues in which to indulge, just off the square, is the tasting room of Williamson Wines. The beauty of the tasting that Bill and Dawn … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Merlot, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Almost to Spain

Posted on September 17, 2008 by RJ

Les Clos de Paulilles, Banyuls Rimage 2005 There are stewed fruits and raisins to smell while the mouth is a supple presentation of evolving fruit and moderate sweetness that is crying out for dark chocolate. The grapes are 100% Grenache … Continue reading →

Posted in Banyuls, Fortified dessert, France, Grenache, Roussillon | Leave a comment

Superstar

Posted on September 17, 2008 by RJ

Meo-Camuzet, Morey-Saint-Denis 2004 At Les Grands Jours in the spring we were treated to a few of the domaine wines which were everything the reputation leads one to expect. With this wine we taste a bottle from the negociant line … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Morey-Saint-Denis, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Their regional wine

Posted on September 17, 2008 by RJ

Robert Groffier, Bourgogne, “Pinot Noir” 2005 The house style does not oppose earthiness and the bit of brett I picked up earlier in the spring is a bit more in the horse blanket zone now. In the mouth the earthiness … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, France, Pinot Noir | Leave a comment

Beau

Posted on September 17, 2008 by RJ

Louis Jadot, Beaujolais-Villages 2007 Clean berry and cherry fruit with a little minerality. The mouth is fruity with a light body, characteristic acidity and just a hint of tannic greenness – an easy picnic quaff. Eleve et mis at 71570 … Continue reading →

Posted in Beaujolais, Burgundy, France, Gamay | Leave a comment

North of Beaune

Posted on September 17, 2008 by RJ

William Fevre, Chablis, Champs Royaux, 2007 There’s a sense of stones and wet pavement in the nose. There are tangy green apples in the mouth that go on for a long time – very refreshing. Champs Royaux is a special … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chablis, Chardonnay, France | Leave a comment