Monthly Archives: February 2010

Rusack Chardonnay 2008

Rusack, Santa Barbara, Chardonnay 2008 This is a toasty Chardonnay,with the oak out in force. You smell it immediately as your nose approaches the glass. In the mouth the oak is joined by tropical fruit and a bit of butter, … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County | Tagged | Leave a comment

Robledo Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Robledo, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is a delightful Sauvignon. The nose sports citrus and floral notes. In the mouth the wine is clean and vibrantly citrussy with a pleasant acidic zip. Produced and bottled in Kelseyville 14.3% $20 … Continue reading

Posted in California, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Chateau Vignelaure

I was fortunate to visit Chateau Vignelaure back in the 80s – was it ’84 or ’85?  Some of my memories are fuzzy. The memory that isn’t fuzzy however, is that Vignelaure was a trend setter, planting Cabernet Sauvignon in … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, France, Provence, Syrah | Tagged | Leave a comment

Brassfield High Serenity Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2007

Brassfield Estate, High Valley, High Serenity Ranch, Estate Bottled, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Give this a little air to allow the fruity aromatics to come to the fore. Then you’ll find pineapple and lemon laced with crushed green herbs. The mouth … Continue reading

Posted in California, High Valley, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc | Tagged | Leave a comment

Chandon Brut

Domaine Chandon, California, Brut, Classic nv Unfortunately this wine was corked. The aromatics are dampened and the mouth is astringent. A sense of the dosage is the only element coming through. I was concerned when I removed the foil from … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Tagged | 1 Comment

Korbel Natural 2007

Korbel, Russian River Valley Champagne, Natural’ Méthode Champenoise 2007 In the nose you’ll find green apples and strawberries while in the mouth it is acidic, with a sense of apples that have been baked with brown sugar – nice. 65% … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry | Tagged | Leave a comment

Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling 2008

Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley – Oregon, Riesling 2008 This wine captures the essence of the SweeTarts I chewed on as a boy – great memories from nights at the movie theater then and a wonderful accompaniment to spicy food … Continue reading

Posted in Oregon, Riesling, Willamette Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment

St. James Country Red

St. James Winery, Country Red, Semi-Sweet Wine nv In the nose this is beautifully grapy, reminiscent of the grapes I ate as a boy. In the mouth it is moderately sweet, light-bodied and balanced by acidity – nice. P&B in … Continue reading

Posted in Missouri | Tagged | 1 Comment

Chateau Puy Arnaud Cotes de Castillon 2005

Chateau Puy Arnaud, Cotes de Castillon 2005 The oak makes its presence known when you smell this wine. In the mouth the full ripeness of the fruit comes through, with ample concentration and plenty of structure – a solid value … Continue reading

Posted in Bordeaux, Cotes de Castillon, France, Merlot | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Domaine de Beausejour Chinon 2007

Domaine de Beausejour, Chinon 2007 This wine is riper than previous incarnations, showing black fruit beyond the capsicum. In the mouth it is green and gripping but tolerable. 100% Cab Franc with stainless ferment; Gerard et David Chauveau in Panzoult … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Franc, Chinon, France, Loire Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment