Monthly Archives: September 2009

J. Lohr Riesling 2007

J. Lohr Estates, Monterey County, Bay Mist, White Riesling 2007 The nose features minerality and a little petrol. Over the years this wine has been spot-on with light RS and balancing acidity. 100% Riesling with some botrytis, all stainless, and … Continue reading

Posted in California, Monterey County, Riesling | Leave a comment

Merryvale Starmont 2007

Merryvale, Napa Valley, Starmont, Chardonnay 2007 There’s plenty of oaky richness in the nose while the mouth adds the richness of butter and viscosity while at the same time maintaining a refreshing apple character – nice. P&B in Napa 13.5% … Continue reading

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

Sauvignon Republic Russian River 2008

Sauvignon Republic, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 This has been a consistent winner and the current vintage features freshly mown grass and citrus. In the mouth there’s a zippy thread of acidity and the taste of fresh oranges – … Continue reading

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

Saucelito Canyon Late Harvest Zin 2006

Saucelito Canyon, Arroyo Grande Valley, Late Harvest, Zinfandel 2006 This wine is evolving prematurely, showing the uptake of oxygen in the nose. In the mouth, the sweet berries are still delicious. RS is 11%. GP&B in Arroyo Grande 15.6% $25 … Continue reading

Posted in Arroyo Grande Valley, California, Late harvest red, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

Terra Valentine Yverdon Cab 2005

Terra Valentine, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District, Yverdon Vineyard, Estate, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 This dense wine sports cedar in the nose, as well as black fruits and cigar box.  In the mouth it is quite dense and structured, built to … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District | Leave a comment

Caceres Reserva 2001

Marques de Caceres, Rioja, Reserva 2001 The nose smells of stewed cherries, evolving nicely, developing complexity. In the mouth, the characteristic acidity is on display, on a plate of suppleness, with leather, olive and cherries – very nice. The fruit … Continue reading

Posted in Rioja, Spain, Tempranillo | Leave a comment

Machia Barbera 2006

Macchia, Amador County, Cooper Ranch, Infamous, Barbera 2006 There are aspects to the nose that remind me of berry pie, with ripe berry fruit, sweetness and pastry dough. In the mouth, the acidity is alight, coupled with the richness of … Continue reading

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

Mordoree Tavel Rose 2008

Domaine de la Mordoree, Tavel, “La Dame Rousse” 2008 The freshness of strawberries are evident in the nose and in the mouth that theme is over a rather big and slightly warm structure. The grapes behind this pink wine are … Continue reading

Posted in France, Grenache, Rhône, Rosé, Syrah, Tavel | Tagged | Leave a comment

Napa Valley Wines

Grgich Hills, Napa Valley, Estate Grown, Fume Blanc 2007 This wine is always ripping with acidity, tangy and bright and the same is certainly true today – yes! Sourced from biodynamically grown fruit grown in American Canyon and the Carneros, … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District, Pinot Noir, Rutherford, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Spring Mountain District, Stags Leap District | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

DeLoach Chardonnays 2007

DeLoach, Sonoma Coast, Golden Coast, Chardonnay 2007 The nose features plenty of fresh oak. In the mouth there is more of the same with green apples and warmth. The wine was barrel fermented and the lees were stirred. P&B in … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | 1 Comment