Monthly Archives: July 2009

Ceago Vinegarden

Posted on July 31, 2009 by RJ

Like Rosenblum Cellars on the San Francisco Bay, you can literally arrive by boat when you visit Ceago Vinegarden. The estate takes its name from a Pomo Indian word and is pronounced in the same way as Diego. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Clear Lake, Lake County, Mendocino County, Merlot | Leave a comment

Tejada Wines 2005

Posted on July 31, 2009 by RJ

With the 2005 vintage, Byron Kosuge is fully in charge of the winemaking at Tejada. In June we sampled the 05s with Ibo Tejada and his family at their estate in Lake County. The estate is noted for its focus … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Grenache, Lake County, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

Prager Tomas Port 2004

Posted on July 30, 2009 by RJ

Prager, Napa Valley, Imogene’s Vineyard, Tomas, Port 2004 This wine is full of dried fruits, prunes and dark chocolate, with sweetness and warmth. The grapes were sourced from the family’s property in Calistoga. GP&B in St. Helena 19.5% $45.99 at … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Fortified dessert, Napa Valley, Port | Leave a comment

Foxen Williamson-Dore Syrah 2006

Posted on July 30, 2009 by RJ

Foxen, Santa Ynez Valley, Williamson-Dore Vineyard, Syrah 2006 This vintage exudes sweetness, like berry jam and raspberry liqueur. In the mouth it is supple and warm, oaky and smoky – a very rich and ripe style of red wine. The … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Syrah | Tagged | Leave a comment

Dujac Chambolle Musigny 2006

Posted on July 30, 2009 by RJ

Dujac Fils & Pere, Chambolle-Musigny 2006 Give the wine some air to blow off a musty character and the fruit begins to emerge with notes of smoke and brambles. Give the wine another 40 minutes and the sweetness of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Burgundy, Chambolle-Musigny, Chardonnay, Cote de Nuits, France, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc | Tagged | Leave a comment

Zilliken Riesling Spatlese 2006

Posted on July 30, 2009 by RJ

Zilliken, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Saarburger, Rausch, Riesling, Spatlese 2006 The nose if beautifully floral with hints of petrol while the mouth features peaches galore, significant acidity and the richness of residual sugar. Owner/Winemaker Hanno and daughter Dorothee. Gutsabfullung Weingut Forstmeister Geltz in … Continue reading →

Posted in Germany, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Riesling | Leave a comment

Sequoia Grove Chardonnay 2007

Posted on July 30, 2009 by RJ

Sequoia Grove, Carneros, Napa Valley, Chardonnay 2007 There’s lots of tropical fruit in the nose, pineapples, bananas and coconuts. In the mouth the pineapple flavors come through with a hint of oak and a significant blast of green apples in … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Napa Valley | Leave a comment

Huet Moelleux 1990

Posted on July 29, 2009 by RJ

Domaine Huet, Vouvray, Le Haut-Lieu, 1ere Trie, Moelleux 1990 This wine has developed a beautiful tawny color over almost 2 decades. The nose smells of toffee, caramel and raisins. The mouth is an absolute explosions of fresh oranges covered in … Continue reading →

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, Late Harvest White, Loire Valley, White Dessert | Leave a comment

Smith Haut Lafitte 2005

Posted on July 29, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan 2005 The nose smells of leather, earth, smokiness, horse blanket and a host of descriptors that get at a sense of brettanomycees as complexity rather than a flaw. That said, I know that this level … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Pessac-Leognan | Leave a comment

Giscours 2005

Posted on July 29, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2005 The berry fruit is ripe and expressive in the nose, with a sense of cedar and a light touch of earthiness. The fruit comes through on the palate, with some chewy though ripe tannin and a … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaux, Merlot | Tagged | Leave a comment