Daily Archives: August 29, 2009

Graham’s Six Grapes

Graham’s, Porto, “Six Grapes”, Reserve nv The nose combines blackberry liqueur, raisins and a spiritous note. In the mouth you taste something akin to blackberry candy poured over a Tootsie Roll – chocolate and black fruit with a healthy shot … Continue reading

Posted in Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal, Touriga Nacional | Leave a comment

Il Conte d’Alba Moscato d’Asti

Il Conte d’Alba, Moscato d’Asti DOCG nv This wine smells of ginger and flowers while in the mouth it is sweet and lightly fizzy. It’s almost perfect except for a bit of TCA which unfortunately is adding a bit of … Continue reading

Posted in Italy, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet | Leave a comment

Martin & Weyrich Moscato Allegro 2007

Martin & Weyrich, California, Moscato, Allegro 2007 The orange blossoms are alight in the glass when you pick it up. In the mouth it is light, airy, fruity, flowery, sweet and delightful. Fermentation was stopped early to lock in the … Continue reading

Posted in California, Muscat, Sparkling sweet | Leave a comment

Kendall-Jackson Riesling 2007

Kendall-Jackson, California, Vintner’s Reserve, Riesling 2007 Stone fruits come to mind when you raise this glass, a sense of peaches and apricots. In the mouth the apricot flavor is delightful, augmented by the residual sugar and balanced by the acidity. … Continue reading

Posted in California, Riesling | 2 Comments

La Crema Chardonnay 2007

La Crema, Sonoma Coast, Chardonnay 2007 In the nose there’s a sense of biscuits, croissants and other freshly baked doughy things with hints of oak and vanilla. In the mouth this wine is rich with oak yet the apples and … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Bogle Phantom 2006

Bogle Vineyards, California, Phantom 2006 Dark fruits and a bit of berry jam mark the nose with a hint of toffee. In the mouth, the fruits are surrounded by tannins that are ripe, with just a little grip to let … Continue reading

Posted in California, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Dr. Loosen Bernkasteler Lay 2006

Dr. Loosen, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Bernkasteler, Lay, Riesling, Kabinett 2006 Minerality combines petrol giving a glimpse that Riesling is in the glass, even if you didn’t see the label. Limes and candy spark through in the mouth, with refreshing acidity tempering the … Continue reading

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

Rombauer, Carneros, Chardonnay 2006

Rombauer Vineyards, Carneros, Chardonnay 2006 You can’t miss the oak on the nose of this wine as if you just split a stack in the backyard. In the mouth there is citrus and tropical fruits with layers and layers and … Continue reading

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

Sauvignon Republic Marlborough 2008

Sauvignon Republic, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 The current vintage shows plenty gooseberry and freshly cut grass. In the mouth, it is racy as ever, with added depth of flavor and a sense of citrus peel – very nice. Notes on … Continue reading

Posted in Marlborough, New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a comment

Wiederkehr Tawny Port

Wiederkehr, Arkansas Moutain, Tawny Port nv The nose sports lots of vanilla with nuts and a very overt sense of oaky richness. In the mouth the nuttiness continues with caramel sweetness. The alcohol is perfectly integrated so watch that it … Continue reading

Posted in Arkansas, Concord, Fortified dessert, Port, Tawny Port | Leave a comment