Monthly Archives: September 2009

Husch Gewurztraminer 2007

Husch, Anderson Valley, Gewurztraminer 2007 This Gewurz has a lot of sweet perfume in the nose. In the mouth, it’s fresh, tasting of lychee with just a bit of RS at .8% – nice. GP&B in Philo 13.9% $9.99 at … Continue reading

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

Elena Walch Gewurztraminer 2007

Elena Walch, Alto Adige, Gewurztraminer 2007 Let this current vintage air a bit as its a little stinky at first. With time the roses that you expect emerge. Though the wine is dry, the body is big and viscous, low … Continue reading

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McManis Pinot Grigio 2008

McManis Family Vineyards, California, Pinot Grigio 2008 This is a fruit-driven Pinot Grigio with a little pettilance, plenty of tangy citrus flavor and a roundness in the mouth – a delicious value. Most of the fruit was sourced from the … Continue reading

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Weinbach Catherine Pinot Gris 2007

Domaine Weinbach, Alsace, Cuvee Ste. Catherine, Pinot Gris 2007 This is a another gem from Weinbach.  In the nose there are candied fruits, as in a fresh fruit tart glazed with a layer of sweetness while at the same time … Continue reading

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2004 Napa Bordeaux Blends

Franciscan, Napa Valley, Magnificat 2004 This wine exudes sweet ripe fruit in the nose. This profile follows through in the mouth with chalky tannins and lingering acidity. Produced and bottled in Rutherford 14.5% $50 at the winery for the latest … Continue reading

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Stags Leap District | 1 Comment

California Zinfandel 2006

Terra d’Oro, Amador County, Deaver Vineyard, Zinfandel 2006 The nose features stewed fruits, raisins, caramel and brown spices. In the mouth the wine is warm, with sweet, pruny fruit. The vines were planted in 1881. P&B Plymouth 15.5% $30 at … Continue reading

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Smith-Madrone Chardonnay

I’ve long been a fan of the Riesling produced by Smith-Madrone and further an ardent admirer of their willingness to stick with a grape which despite the great wines it can deliver, doesn’t bring home the biggest side of bacon … Continue reading

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LangeTwins Viognier 2008

We visited with Joe Lange at the winery during the summer and he took us through their most state-of-the-art facility. We learned about the tremendous commitment the Lange family has made to sustainability.  And on top of that, they’re making … Continue reading

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Frostwatch Chardonnay 2007

Frostwatch, Bennett Valley, Sonoma County, Chardonnay 2007 The nose is complex and toasty with a sense of hazlenuts.  In the mouth the fruits are tropical, like papaya and pineapple. This is a big-bodied Chardonnay with viscosity and buttery richness, as … Continue reading

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Earthquake Petite 2005

Earthquake, Lodi, Petite Sirah 2005 In the nose there’s a very ripe sense of berries in this wine, with chocolate thrown on top. In the mouth the tannins are present but tamed compared to what you might expect with Petite. … Continue reading

Posted in California, Lodi, Petite Sirah | Leave a comment