Monthly Archives: April 2010

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2007

Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley – Oregon, Pinot Noir 2007 The smell of cherries and their expression in a freshly baked pie fill the glass. In the mouth the red fruits continue with an accent of oak and the texture … Continue reading

Posted in Oregon, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley | Tagged | 1 Comment

Domaine de Trevallon 2006

Domaine de Trevallon, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone 2006 As in the previous vintage, there is a New World ripeness to the fruit expressed in the nose, sweet and intense. In the mouth it is a tannic, mouth-gripping … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Provence, Syrah, Vin de Pays des Bouches du Rhone | 1 Comment

Cline Sonoma Coast Viognier 2008

Cline, Sonoma Coast, Estate Grown, Viognier 2008 The peachy character of Viognier expresses itself in the nose. In the mouth you’ll find more of the same, with some palpable acidity and a little touch of creaminess – nice. Knowing how … Continue reading

Posted in California, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Viognier | Tagged | 1 Comment

Rose 2009 from Mordoree and Ojai

This flight is a great comparison of two different approaches to rose, one with rapier-like acidity and the other with a broad and weighty mouthfeel. The Ojai Vineyard, California, Rose 2009 This rose shows an expression of citrus and cherries … Continue reading

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

Rhone blends from California and Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles, Cotes de Tablas 2008 The fruit is fresh and lively in the nose, with floral notes and sweet spice. In the mouth it is medium-bodied, very fruity and structured, making it a winner with grilled … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Paso Robles, Rhône, Rhone Blend, Syrah | Tagged | Leave a comment

Syrah from California and Cote-Rotie

This flight of Syrah takes us from the freshness of new fruit in California, to the development of bottle bouquet in wines from 2003 – excellent all around, featuring different expressions of the same grape over time and over both … Continue reading

Posted in California, Cote-Rotie, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Ynez Valley, Sonoma County, Syrah | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Calera Viognier 2008

Calera, Mt. Harlan, Viognier 2008 The smell of this wine is rather entrancing. There’s the peachy fruit associated with Viognier, a nice sense of sweet flowers and enriching notes like vanilla and brown spices. In the mouth it is warm … Continue reading

Posted in California, Mt. Harlan, San Benito County, Viognier | Tagged | 1 Comment

Chandon Blanc de Noirs

Chandon, California, Blanc de Noirs nv This bubbly features cherries, both fresh and cooked, a little sweetness and a touch of bitterness.  The grapes behind this wine are the classic black grapes from Champagne, viz., Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. … Continue reading

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

Korbel Brut produced from organic grapes

Korbel , California Champagne, Brut, Organically Grown Grapes nv The nose features flowers and freshly sliced red and green apples. In the mouth there is a vivid sense of green apples, clean and light with a touch of creaminess. The … Continue reading

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Colombard, Sparkling Dry | Tagged | 1 Comment

Dow’s Porto LBV 2004

Dow’s, Porto, Late Bottled Vintage 2004 Blackberries and prunes mark the nose with an appropriate sense of the fortifying spirit. In the mouth, chocolate combines with nuts and figs and brandy’s strength. Bottled in 2009 by Symington Family Estates in … Continue reading

Posted in Duoro, Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal | Tagged | 2 Comments