Monthly Archives: April 2009

Hibou de Nuit Gewurz 2006

Posted on April 28, 2009 by RJ

Hibou de Nuit, Sonoma County, Gewurztraminer 2006 The nose features a vibrant combo of floral and tropical notes, including pineapple and candied banana. In the mouth this Gewurz is quite dense with a streak of acidity to keep it fresh. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Gewurztraminer, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

St. Joseph Riesling 2003

Posted on April 28, 2009 by RJ

St. Joseph, Grand River Valley, Riesling 2003 In the nose there are floral notes, apricots and candied lime. The mouth features peaches and apricots in a semi-dry appearance, fresh and delicious. The staying power of this wine is amazing – … Continue reading →

Posted in Grand River Valley, Ohio, Riesling | Leave a comment

Canzona Cabernet 2005

Posted on April 28, 2009 by RJ

Canzona Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 There are sweet smells of caramel and vanilla, bright cherry fruit, cassis and a hint of cigar box. The mouthfeel is supple. Certainly the structure of Cabernet is there to experience, but the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley | Leave a comment

Small Vines revisited

Posted on April 28, 2009 by RJ

I had an opportunity to visit with Paul and Kathryn Sloan of Small Vines Wines on Sunday, during their open house at the winery in Santa Rosa. We retasted the ’06 Russian River and ’06 Sonoma Coast which I reviewed … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | 1 Comment

Kimmel Chardonnay 2007

Posted on April 27, 2009 by RJ

Kimmel, Mendocino, Chardonnay 2007 The tropical notes on this wine are explosive.  It’s as if there’s a banana Popsicle hiding in the glass. Joining with the fruit there are brown spices and a sense of freshly-split oak. In the mouth … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Mendocino County | Leave a comment

Jordan de Asso Crianza 2005

Posted on April 27, 2009 by RJ

Jordan de Asso, Carinena DO, Crianza 2005 This wine features a great balance of oak and fruity flavors, driven by a long sense of acidity. The grapes behind this blend are 40% Tempranillo, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Aragon, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carinena, Spain, Syrah, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

Trentadue Port

Posted on April 24, 2009 by RJ

Trentadue, Alexander Valley, Estate, Zinfandel, Port 2003 Raisins mix with the fortifying spirit in the nose, a sense of candy with a bit of brandy thrown in. The mouth features ripe cherries, prunes, brown sugar and the alcohol boost. Grown, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, California, Port, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Geyser Peak Reserve Alexandre 1999

Posted on April 24, 2009 by RJ

Geyser Peak, Alexander Valley, Reserve Alexandre, Meritage 1999 The nose is drying out yet there is quite a bit of chocolate to enjoy. The mouth has reached a rather astringent phase, drying out. The acidity is carrying some nice elements … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Meritage, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Rusina Petite Sirah 2007

Posted on April 24, 2009 by RJ

Rusina, Alexander Valley, Petite Sirah 2007 The nose features a dusty character with a bit of spirit while the mouth is redolent with berries and the tannins are tamed making this quite accessible today. There is probably a little Zin … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, California, Petite Sirah, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Alexander Valley Zinfandel

Posted on April 24, 2009 by RJ

Stryker Sonoma, Alexander Valley, Estate, Old Vines, Zinfandel 2006 The fruits are, fresh, stewed and jammy, all at the same time and dusted with black pepper. The mouth is vibrantly fruity with a little warmth and a touch of tannin. … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Leave a comment