On the ridge

Ridge, California, Pagani Ranch, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel, 2006 There’s a wealth of liquer-like fruit in the nose – very pretty with floral tones as well. The fruit carries through in the mouth with moderate structure like last year. Notes on the...

Down the boot

Botromagno, Puglia IGT, Primitivo 2006 The nose shows drying and oxidized fruit while the mouth is extremely tannic. The astringency dominates; it was a mistake to take a chance on this wine. Bottled in Gravina 13.5% $14.99 at Traverso’s

Well well

Benessere, Napa Valley, Estate, Sangiovese 2005 You can smell sweet, candied cherries and vanilla in the glass while the mouth is a supple showcase of the same with Sangiovese’s textbook acidity. The house style is one of polished wines. 12 different clones of...

V for Vernaccia

Casa Alle Vacche, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG, I Macchioni, 2007 There is a New World ripe expression of fruit in the nose, along with perfume, green herbs and some minerality. In the mouth there is ample acidity with some thick, fleshy fruit as well to fill it...

Dazzling Champagne

I had the opportunity to meet with two respected growers from Champagne at the WineWise and Terry Theise tasting today in San Francisco. Both are producers as well, crafting dynamite sparklers, each with their own house style. If forced to make a choice, I would take...