Monthly Archives: April 2009

Broadbent Malmsey 10

Posted on April 21, 2009 by RJ

Broadbent, Madeira, 10 Years Old, Malmsey nv This Malmsey has floral notes, minerality and a sense of the fortification. The mouth features a combo of toffee, sweetness and a balance of cranberries and acidity. The more time spent with this … Continue reading →

Posted in Fortified dessert, Madeira, Malvasia, Portugal | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dow’s 10 Year Tawny

Posted on April 21, 2009 by RJ

Dow’s, Porto, 10 Year, Tawny nv The nose features caramel, toasted notes and quite a spiritous character. In the mouth the wine is lusciously sweet, the alcohol is integrated and the nuts and caramel carry a long time. Bottled by … Continue reading →

Posted in Port, Portugal, Tawny Port | Leave a comment

Taylor Fladgate LBV 2003

Posted on April 21, 2009 by RJ

Taylor Fladgate, Porto, Late Bottled Vintage 2003 The new release is available to us and it shows the characteristic pruny and stewed fruits in the nose. In the mouth there is a sense of the alcohol as well as chocolate … Continue reading →

Posted in Port, Portugal | Leave a comment

Mulderbosch Chenin 2008

Posted on April 21, 2009 by RJ

Mulderbosch, Western Cape, Chenin Blanc, Steen op Hout 2008 The wet stones are dancing out of the glass with a touch of herbaceousness and citrus. The mouth sports plenty of acidity yet not without the extract to keep up with … Continue reading →

Posted in Chenin Blanc, South Africa, Western Cape | Tagged | Leave a comment

Fleury Howell Mountain Merlot 2006

Posted on April 17, 2009 by RJ

Fleury Estate Winery, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006 This wine reminds us that Merlot need not be flacid. Acidity enhances the plumminess of Merlot and makes it all the more food-friendly. At the same time, the fruitiness and plush … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Howell Mountain, Merlot, Napa Valley | Leave a comment

Palmeri Van Ness Syrah 2004

Posted on April 17, 2009 by RJ

Palmeri, Alexander Valley, Van Ness Vineyard, Syrah 2004 This Syrah features meaty, gamey notes in the nose. In the mouth it’s a big wine, with plenty of structure and extract. Many Syrah have moved into a candy-like, no structure direction … Continue reading →

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

Flowers Pinot 2007

Posted on April 17, 2009 by RJ

Flowers, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2007 The cherries combine with forest floor and a touch of rubber in the nose. In the mouth, the cherries are enhanced by the acidity but there is also an uncharacteristic sense of astringency. P&B … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Patz & Hall Chard 2006

Posted on April 17, 2009 by RJ

Patz & Hall, Russian River Valley, Dutton Ranch, Chardonnay 2006 The nose speaks buttery richness from the get go, with toastiness and apples. The mouth is full-on thick with butter yet balanced by acidity – very concentrated. Proprietors Donald & … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Hanna Sauvignon 2008

Posted on April 17, 2009 by RJ

Hanna, Russian River Valley, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Notes back through the 2004 vintage show a consistent thread of bright citrus and high acidity. The ’08 repeats that scenario with tropical notes as well. Give it a bit of … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Navarro Gewurz 2007

Posted on April 15, 2009 by RJ

Navarro, Anderson Valley, Estate Bottled, Dry, Gewurztraminer 2007 Another long-time favorite from Navarro that captures the smell of Gewurz without the sweetness. In the nose it is like roses and baby powder while the mouth is fuller-bodied than you find … Continue reading →

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