Monthly Archives: December 2008

Segura Viudas Aria Cava

Posted on December 12, 2008 by RJ

Segura Viudas, Cava, Brut, Aria, Pinot Noir nv This seems a sweeter brut than many with some astringency – awkward. This is traditional method sparkling, fermented in the bottle opened and produced in Torrelavit 12% $7.49 at Bottle Barn

Posted in Cava, Pinot Noir, Spain, Sparkling Dry | Leave a comment

Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose

Posted on December 11, 2008 by RJ

Lucien Albrecht, Cremant d’Alsace, Brut, Rose nv In the nose are candied fruits and flowers. The mouth is quite fruity, moderately acidic with some creaminess – nice value. This wine is all Pinot Noir and the wine spends 9 months … Continue reading →

Posted in Alsace, Cremant d'Alsace, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Leave a comment

Williams Selyem Vista Verde Pinot 2006

Posted on December 11, 2008 by RJ

Williams Selyem San Benito County, Vista Verde Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2006 Tasted at the Wine & Spirts Magazine panel tasting last week, this was one of the eleven of 45 wines passed through to the next round. In the nose, … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, San Benito County | 1 Comment

California Viognier

Posted on December 10, 2008 by RJ

This flight provides an interesting contrast in California Viognier. Both are well-made but different animals entirely. The Preston is lighter, fresher, with aromatics that might remind one of a dry California Gewurztraminer. The Cold Heaven is rich, thick and buttery, … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Sonoma County, Viognier | Leave a comment

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Posted on December 10, 2008 by RJ

Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Ripe citrus and floral notes dazzle your nose when you smell this wine. In the mouth, it is round and softer than many SBs, with ripeness of fruit and a little warmth. When … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Oregon Pinot Noir

Posted on December 5, 2008 by RJ

Cloudline, Oregon, Pinot Noir 2007 There’s vegetative characters and compost with a sense of carbonic maceration. The nose on this wine never seemed to come around. The mouth repeats on the smells and is very light-bodied and low in concentration. … Continue reading →

Posted in Oregon, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley | Leave a comment

Woodenhead Anderson Valley Pinot 2003

Posted on December 5, 2008 by RJ

Woodenhead, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir 2003 The wine has developed volatility which shows in both the smell and on the palate yet the fruit is still quite vibrant across the tongue. P&B in Forestville 14.5% estimated price of $40 at … Continue reading →

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

Toulouse Pinot Noir 2006

Posted on December 5, 2008 by RJ

Toulouse, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir 2006 Smoky and spiritous in the nose and warm and gripping in the mouth. The wine was aged for 12 months in French oak. P&B in Philo 14.5% $39 at the winery Toulouse Vineyards

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

Reds from the Northern Rhone

Posted on December 3, 2008 by RJ

This flight features 3 wines from the Northern Rhone, all 100% Syrah. Domaine Eric et Joel Durand, Cornas, Empreintes 2005 In the nose there is tar, a sense of permanent solution, meat and black fruits. With more air the black … Continue reading →

Posted in Cornas, Cote-Rotie, Hermitage, Rhône, Syrah | Leave a comment

Cotes du Rhone Red

Posted on December 3, 2008 by RJ

Jean-Luc Colombo, Cotes du Rhone, Les Abeilles 2006 This is a juicy-fruity budget offering from the famous Cornas producer. It drinks easily with a little bit of structure. Eleve et mis in La Roche de Glun in Tain 13.5% $??? … Continue reading →

Posted in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rasteau | Leave a comment