Monthly Archives: January 2010

Bodega Celdran Vinto Tinto Reserva 2004

Posted on January 15, 2010 by RJ

Bodega Celdran, Sonoma County, Vinto Tinto, Reserva 2004 In the nose you’ll find read fruits and cedar with a bit of the sweet tobacco of Bordeaux. In the mouth the texture is supple, the fruit is ripe and an Old … Continue reading →

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Sonoma County, Spanish Blend, Zinfandel | Tagged | Leave a comment

Trione Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Posted on January 15, 2010 by RJ

I hope you don’t think that I’m on the payroll at Trione ’cause here is another review of a super wine. At the Chronicle judges’ dinner last week we were each given a gift-wrapped bottle of a wine to take … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County | Tagged | Leave a comment

Prairie Berry Rhubarb

Posted on January 13, 2010 by RJ

Prairie Berry, South Dakota, red ass rhubarb nv This wine sports a great balance of sweetness and acidity while tasting as if you have the live fruit in your mouth – delicious! The fruit behind this wine is 90% rhubarb … Continue reading →

Posted in Fruit Wine, Rhubarb, South Dakota | Tagged | 2 Comments

Trione new releases

Posted on January 13, 2010 by RJ

Trione, Russian River Valley, River Road Ranch, Pinot Noir 2008 In the nose you’ll find sweet red fruit with pastry notes, think cherry pie, warm and aromatic. In the mouth you’ll find a supple expression of that cherry pie, absolutely … Continue reading →

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Blandy’s 5 Year Old Verdelho

Posted on January 12, 2010 by RJ

Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Verdelho nv The flavor profile puts together the best of Amontillado from Spain with a splash of sweetness. You’ll find a woody, nutty essence with warmth and dried oranges. This is a weighty aperitif that … Continue reading →

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Keuka Spring Gewurztraminer 2008

Posted on January 11, 2010 by RJ

Keuka Spring, Finger Lakes, Gewurztraminer 2008 The nose features spicy floral notes, like roses and very pretty at that. In the mouth it is round, with a little RS, lots of lychee fruit, and a brightness that eludes many of … Continue reading →

Posted in Finger Lakes, Gewurztraminer, New York | Tagged | Leave a comment

Wines of the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout

Posted on January 11, 2010 by RJ

The final round of judging in the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout was held today at Bistro Boudin on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I was asked to join about 30 other judges to pick the best of the best from … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Francois Chidaine Montlouis Clos Habert 2007

Posted on January 10, 2010 by RJ

Francois Chidaine, Montlouis sur Loire, Clos Habert 2007 This wine was a tremendous disappointment after my experience with the previous vintage, reviewed earlier. First it was worrisome that the colour was quite golden. Smelling the wine was a first rate … Continue reading →

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley, Montlouis sur Loire | Tagged | Leave a comment

2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Big Winners

Posted on January 9, 2010 by RJ

This morning I visited with Henry Tennenbaum of KRON-TV 4. During our segment we sprinted through a tasting of these four Judges’ Choice Winners. My notes are just a brief snapshot from memory so pick up a bottle of each … Continue reading →

Posted in California | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Posted on January 7, 2010 by RJ

The Results are coming tomorrow – online first at SFGate. It’s been a grueling week in Cloverdale at the top end of Sonoma County. Chris Sawyer is one of over 60 judges who lent a palate to help evaluate 4,913 … Continue reading →

Posted in Media | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments