Daily Archives: October 18, 2008

Dessert stars

Posted on October 18, 2008 by RJ

Paradise Ridge Winery, Russian River Valley, Ode to Joy, Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Lots of complexity in this wine, with honey galore – very reminiscent of Sauternes. This dessert wine was crafted to honor the memory of Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Late harvest red, Late Harvest White, Port, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel | 1 Comment

Starring Zin

Posted on October 18, 2008 by RJ

Alexander Valley Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, Redemption Zin, Zinfandel 2006 A moderate amount of jammy fruit and black pepper drive the nose while the palate is gripping, light-bodied and a little warm. P&B in Healdsburg 14.5% $18.99 at Bottle Barn … Continue reading →

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

Stars out of the Bordeaux tradition

Posted on October 18, 2008 by RJ

Adobe Road, Knights Valley, Cabernet Franc 2005 This is perfectly ripe Cab Franc – no veg to smell at all, just lots of berries. The structure of Cab Franc is in the mouth combining with the fruit and filled out … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Meritage, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Pinot stars

Posted on October 18, 2008 by RJ

Buena Vista, Carneros, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose is sweet vanilla while the mouth features red fruits, a light-body and vanilla sweetness. The fruit is sourced from the winery’s Ramal Vineyard. Produced in Sonoma and Bottled in Napa 13.5% $17.99 … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Italian style

Posted on October 18, 2008 by RJ

Ramazzotti, Sonoma County, Raffinto, Red Wine 2005 This smells like a walk in the oak forest where some of the trees have been freshly felled – an intertwining of oak and earth.  The mouth is vivaciously fruity with the oak … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sangiovese, Sonoma County, Super Tuscan | Leave a comment

The pink stars

Posted on October 18, 2008 by RJ

Taft Street, Sonoma Coast, Rose of Pinot Noir 2007 Mild but muted strawberries and an astringent profile. Unfortunately this wine has a sub-threshold level of TCA that’s blocking the fruit. The grapes come from the Pasta King, Art Ibletto. P&B … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

The white stars

Posted on October 18, 2008 by RJ

Clarbec, Sonoma County, Pinot Gris 2007 There’s fresh tropical fruit and subtle oak in the nose. The fruit comes through in the mouth with a caress of acidity and a little bit of richness – very nice. The grapes were … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Dry Creek Valley, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Sweeping sparkling

Posted on October 18, 2008 by RJ

Mayo Family Winery, Sonoma Valley, Laurel Hill Vineyard, Methode Champenoise, Brut 2003 There’s plenty of green apple and tart cherry as well as a little toastiness. P&B in Lower Lake 12.5% $27.99 at Bottle Barn Mayo

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