Monthly Archives: April 2009

Brunel Les Cailloux 2006

Andre Brunel, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Les Cailloux 2006 In the nose the fruit goes from fresh to raisin, with black pepper and spices from the cupboard. In the mouth, this wine is approachable already, chewy and dripping with acidity with plenty of … Continue reading

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

#2 Beaucastel 2005

Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge, 2005 The black fruits are alight in the nose with a liquer-like character. In the mouth the fruit is very expressive with the structure you’d expect – a great combo. The grapes are sourced from … Continue reading

Posted in Cinsault, Cotes du Rhone, France, Grenache, Mourvedre, Rhône, Syrah | Leave a comment

Guigal Cote-Rotie 2005

E. Guigal, Cote-Rotie, Brune et Blonde de Guigal 2005 Here is a Syrah that demonstrates the black pepper quality that lurks in this variety. There’s also earthiness, a benign Band-Aid character adding to the complexity of the nose. The mouth … Continue reading

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JC Cellars Syrah 2006

JC Cellars, California Cuvee, Syrah 2006 This is an inky Syrah to look at. The nose features sweet black fruits and berry pie. The mouth is a rich expression of Syrah, with sweet-appearing fruit and ripe tannins. Winemaker Jeff Cohn. … Continue reading

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South Coast Rose 2007

South Coast, California, Grenache, Rose 2007 In the nose there is candy, flowers and the smell something citrus. The mouth is plump and amplified by a about 1% RS. This took the sweepstake award for pink wine at the Chronicle … Continue reading

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Carol Shelton Rose 2007

Carol Shelton, Mendocino County, Rendezvous Rose 2007 This wine is redolent of strawberries – just bountiful! In the mouth this rose is truly dry yet with plenty of fruit it comes across as quite concentrated.  I bought a 6 pack … Continue reading

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Copain Viogner 2007

Copain, Mendocino County, ‘Tous Ensemble’, Viognier 2007 It’s a pleasure to find a tasty Viognier under 14% and this one delivers with the classic peaches and flowers – fresh and delicious. P&B in Healdsburg 13.7% $17.99 at Traverso’s Copain Wines

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Leitz Riesling 2007

Leitz, Rheingau, Rudesheimer, Magdalenenkreuz, Riesling, Spatlese 2007 This wine speaks of flowers, both the sweet and the spicy type. The mouth shows us candied fruit, apricots both dried and sweet, driven by a healthy dose of acidity. There is great … Continue reading

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Schloss Lieser Kabinett 2007

Schloss Lieser, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Riesling, Kabinett 2007 Give this wine a little air when you crack the screwcap to blow off a bit of reductiveness. Then you can see Riesling’s petrol character already shining through with citrus in the nose. The … Continue reading

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Dr. L 2007

Dr. Loosen, Mosel, Dr.L, Riesling 2007 This wine is reminiscent of SweetTarts – the candy I loved as a child, with a bit of phenolic grip on the palate – austere but reasonably priced for a sense of the region. … Continue reading

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