Monthly Archives: September 2008

Foghorn’s favourite Chardonnay

Posted on September 11, 2008 by RJ

Hahn, Monterey, Chardonnay 2006 The smell of fresh oak is alive in the glass with some tropical fruit in the background. There’s oak to chew on in your mouth along with the flavors of butterscotch and caramel and a viscous … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Monterey County | 2 Comments

Kiwi delight

Posted on September 11, 2008 by RJ

The Drylands and Omaka Springs shine in this flight and show two slightly different taste profiles. Drylands, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A pungent rush of gooseberry jumps out of the glass when you pour this wine with cut grass in … Continue reading →

Posted in Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

The Carpenters’ favourite

Posted on September 10, 2008 by RJ

Domaine des Bernardins, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2006 A complex mix of fresh peaches, flowers and alcohol, in check for the style. The RS is on the low side so it would be better to look to fresh fruit as a … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Muscat Beaumes de Venise, Rhône, White Dessert | 2 Comments

Miner wine

Posted on September 10, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Sainte-Eulalie, Minervois La Liviniere, La Cantilene 2005 There’s lots of beautiful, sun-drenched New World fruit with black pepper as well. The wine is moderately dense, structured with chewiness and acidity and nicely balanced – delicious.The grapes are 55% Syrah, … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Languedoc, Minervois, Minervois La Liviniere | Leave a comment

Last stop in France

Posted on September 10, 2008 by RJ

Domaine La Tour Vieille, Collioure, La Pinède 2004 This wine showcases cooked fruit, pastry notes and a bit of cheese on top of a tannic backbone. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignane. Mis par Vincent cantie … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Collioure, France, Roussillon | Leave a comment

To the core

Posted on September 10, 2008 by RJ

Col des Vents, Corbieres 2006 Black fruits dominate the nose; the mouth is light-bodied, lean and a little gripping. This is the budget Corbieres from Castelmaure made of 50% Carignane, 35% Grenache and 15% Syrah 13.5% $8.99 at Bottle Barn … Continue reading →

Posted in Corbieres, France, Grenache, Syrah | Leave a comment

Not really wormwood

Posted on September 10, 2008 by RJ

Noilly Prat, Original French Dry Vermouth nv This is always a great example of the complexity of herbs, white wine and fortification; yet the students usually hate it. Tonight a full 25% of the group enjoyed the wine or at … Continue reading →

Posted in Aperitif, France, Languedoc, Vermouth | Tagged | Leave a comment

A stinger in the south

Posted on September 10, 2008 by RJ

Hugues Beaulieu, Coteaux Du Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet 2007 Each vintage of this wine has been marked by true-to-form high acidity. The ’07 is the same with lip-smacking acidity, green herbs of the landscape and a sense of lemon peel … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet | Leave a comment

Halloween Chardonnay

Posted on September 9, 2008 by RJ

Ghost Pines, Sonoma Napa and Monterey Counties, Winemaker’s Blend, Chardonnay 2006 Tropical fruits and toasty oak make up the nose. The oak follows through in the mouth without being overbearing and the little bit of butteriness enhances the mouth rather … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Monterey County, Napa Valley, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Hailing the Hales

Posted on September 8, 2008 by RJ

J. Keverson, Dry Creek Valley, Hales Vineyard, Old Vine, Zinfandel 2006 There’s lost of sweet oak, cloves and cinamon in the nose. There’s a taste of strawberries and brown sugar in this elegant style of Zinfandel, with oaky notes adding … Continue reading →

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