Monthly Archives: November 2009

Pirramimma Shiraz 2005

Posted on November 16, 2009 by RJ

Pirramimma, McLaren Vale, Shiraz 2005 There’s a heavy heft of oak in this wine, from the beginning to the end with a dark chocolate character as well. Winemaker Geoff Johnston GP&B in McLaren Vale 14% $18.79 at Bottle Barn Pirramimma

Posted in Australia, McLaren Vale, South Australia, Syrah | Leave a comment

Marques de Caceres Crianza 2005

Posted on November 16, 2009 by RJ

Marques de Caceres, Rioja, Crianza 2005 Unfortunately the first bottle of this vintage tasted in November ’09 had a little cork taint which suppressed the nose and adding uncharacteristic astringency on the palate. The second bottle tasted in July 2010 … Continue reading →

Posted in Rioja, Spain | Leave a comment

fre Red

Posted on November 16, 2009 by RJ

Sutter Home, Fre, Premium Red 2007 The nose is very grapy, smelling like a croissant slathered with blackberry jam. In the mouth it is light, sweet and fruity with a little bit of tannic grip – interesting. The alcohol has … Continue reading →

Posted in Dealcoholized | Leave a comment

Fort Ross Rose 2008

Posted on November 16, 2009 by RJ

Fort Ross, Sonoma Coast, Fort Ross Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Rose 2008 There are cherries and raspberries in the nose and the mouth is bone dry with a little warmth. P&B in Napa 14.2% purchased for $9.69 at Bottle Barn Fort … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Blue Coast Chardonnay

Posted on November 15, 2009 by RJ

Blue Coast Vineyards, Vin de Pays de Mediterranee, Chardonnay nv This new wine in a box is clean and tangy with a little hint of buttery richness in the background. The grapes are all Chardonnay. Shipped by the Union des … Continue reading →

Posted in Chardonnay, France, Vin de Pays de Mediterranee | Tagged | Leave a comment

Pride Merlot 2007

Posted on November 15, 2009 by RJ

Pride Mountain Vineyards, 56% Sonoma County, 44% Napa County, Merlot 2007 In the nose you’ll find tons of sweet oak and brown spices. In the mouth it is very smooth, suppleness defined, while at the same time very dense and … Continue reading →

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The wines of Newton Vineyard

Posted on November 14, 2009 by RJ

Winemaker Chris Millard had an opportunity to visit with our Napa Valley class to describe the wines that he is crafting at Newton. On top of the mountain overlooking St. Helena, he has an extraordinary amount of fruit to select … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Merlot, Napa Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment

Kendall-Jackson Stature 2001

Posted on November 13, 2009 by RJ

Kendall-Jackson, Napa Valley, Stature 2001 There’s a nice ripe structure to this wine, giving it chewiness and the acidity to frame the still quite youthful fruit – nice. The grapes behind this Bordeaux blend are about 2/3 Cabernet Sauvignon and … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Napa Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment

The wines of Spring Mountain

Posted on November 13, 2009 by RJ

Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District, Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 In the nose there is caramel and tobacco with red raspberries and vanilla.  In the mouth this wine is quite youthful, with significant grip and acidity. Produced and bottled in … Continue reading →

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Pope Valley Merlot 2006

Posted on November 13, 2009 by RJ

Pope Valley Winery, Napa Valley, Eakle Ranch, Merlot 2006 The nose if full of oak and chocolate. In the mouth the wine is supple with plummy fruit and plenty of acidity to make it a refreshing – an elegant wine.  … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Merlot, Napa Valley, Pope Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment