Monthly Archives: October 2008

Port o’ Missouri

Posted on October 24, 2008 by RJ

Stone Hill, Missouri, Port 2004 The prunes and sweet Linzer torte stand out in the nose. In the mouth there is the alcohol and tannic edge of vintage Port from the Duoro as well as chocolate and vanilla. This was … Continue reading →

Posted in Missouri, Norton, Port | 2 Comments

Rosy Anderson

Posted on October 24, 2008 by RJ

Lazy Creek, Anderson Valley, Rose of Pinot Noir 2007 This wine has the zippy acidity and vibrance of the rose from County Line with a depth of flavor, a density that fills out the wine on the palate – great … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Pinot Noir, Rosé | Leave a comment

A find in the hills

Posted on October 24, 2008 by RJ

Kanzler, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2007 This is a barrel sample from the family’s vineyard out in what is called the Sebastopol Hills, about 3 miles west of town. While dense, the wine is very polished with a slather of … Continue reading →

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Petite

Posted on October 24, 2008 by RJ

Small Vines, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2006 Like the Russian River bottling, this Pinot is packed with flavor. There’s a backbone of acidity to keep this wine going a long time in your mouth and a long time in your … Continue reading →

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Carpenter envy

Posted on October 24, 2008 by RJ

James David, Paso Robles, Penman Springs Vineyard, Muscat Blanc 2007 There’s a great variety of floral notes, from the sweet ones like honesuckle to roses and spicey numbers. The mouth is light-bodied and citrusy with a real sense of eating … Continue reading →

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Take a chance

Posted on October 24, 2008 by RJ

Clos LaChance, Central Coast, Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Sourced exclusively from the winery’s vineyard in San Martin. You knew them first from the days in Saratoga 14.5% $30 at the winery LaChance

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Heading toward Boonville

Posted on October 24, 2008 by RJ

Bink, Yorkville Highlands, Weir Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 The nose is a bit closed right now but the mouth is vibrantly fruitly in a very supple framework. Winemaker Debbie Schatzlein 14.5% $40 at the winery, just 300 cases Bink

Posted in California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Yorkville Highlands | Leave a comment

On the ridge

Posted on October 23, 2008 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

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Down the boot

Posted on October 23, 2008 by RJ

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

Posted in Italy, Primitivo, Puglia | Leave a comment

Well well

Posted on October 23, 2008 by RJ

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 … Continue reading →

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