Monthly Archives: July 2009

Sobon Viognier 2008

Posted on July 28, 2009 by RJ

Sobon Estate, Amador County, Viognier 2008 The tropical notes are such that this wine reminds me of the banana popsicles that I enjoyed as a boy. There’s also a layer of richness as well, making this wine slippery smooth. Besides … Continue reading →

Posted in Amador County, California, Sierra Foothills, Viognier | Leave a comment

Ceago Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Posted on July 28, 2009 by RJ

Ceago Vinegarden, Clear Lake, Kathleen’s Vineyard, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 The nose assertively expresses gooseberries and herbaceousness when first opened and continues with stone fruits. In the mouth it is crisp and clean and reminiscent of fresh grapefruit with … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Clear Lake, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Chapoutier Banyuls 2007

Posted on July 27, 2009 by RJ

M. Chapoutier, Banyuls 2007 There’s lots of pruny complexity in the nose. In the mouth it is spot on, nuttiness and raisins tossed in molasses – yum. There was a touch of TCA in the first bottle tasted, described here … Continue reading →

Posted in Banyuls, Fortified dessert, France, Grenache, Roussillon | Leave a comment

Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas 2006

Posted on July 27, 2009 by RJ

Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2006 California sunshine comes through in this New World wine, with ripe liqueur-like fruit and polished edges. There’s a sense of tart cherries and cranberries as well, acidity balancing the ripe character. … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Grenache, Paso Robles, Rhone Blend | Leave a comment

Perrin Vacqueyras 2006

Posted on July 27, 2009 by RJ

Perrin & Fils, Vacqueyras, Les Christins 2006 Black pepper and red fruits combine with a sense of the garrigue when you smell this wine. In the mouth it is structured and ready to accompany a pepper steak; the acidity carries … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache, Rhône, Syrah, Vacqueyras | Leave a comment

Jade Mountain La Provencale 2002

Posted on July 27, 2009 by RJ

Jade Mountain, California, La Provencale 2002 Raisined fruit and pruniness combines with caramel to paint a complex picture in the nose. In the mouth it’s starting to dry out and show a bit of spiritousness as it has crested the … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Rhone Blend | Leave a comment

Provisor Syrah 2002

Posted on July 27, 2009 by RJ

Provisor, Dry Creek Valley, Syrah 2002 This wine, almost 7 years on is showing quite nicely, with dried fruits and a supple texture. The wine was aged in new and older French oak for 16 months. This was the first … Continue reading →

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

Gourgonnier Rose 2008

Posted on July 27, 2009 by RJ

Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rose 2008 The fruit is evolving away from freshness as this wine seems to be aging prematurely. The mouth is quite gripping – a disappointment. Bottled with a synthetic cork; perhaps the seal … Continue reading →

Posted in France, Grenache, Les Baux de Provence, Provence, Rosé | 2 Comments

Lake County Wine Studio

Posted on July 24, 2009 by RJ

Lake County Wine Studio features the wines of the region on Main Street in the town of Upper Lake, just a stone’s throw from the end of Highway 29. We all know the congested bit of this highway where the … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Lake County, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel | 4 Comments

MacMurray Pinot Gris 2008

Posted on July 24, 2009 by RJ

MacMurray Ranch, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Gris 2008 In the nose there is a strong sense of candied fruit with a light dusting of green herbs. In the mouth the stone fruit comes alive with a little warmth in a medium … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | Leave a comment