Daily Archives: April 23, 2010

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

Sonoma County Zinfandel 2007

Wilson Winery, Dry Creek Valley, Tori Vineyard, Estate, Zinfandel 2007 The nose expresses sweetness, from the oak to the jammy fruit, with a dusting of black pepper. This then continues on the palate, with some structure to frame the black … Continue reading

Posted in California, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Silvio Grasso Barolo Ciabot Manzoni 2004

Silvio Grasso, Barolo, Ciabot Manzoni 2004 This is a very ripe Nebbiolo, giving a sense of New World fruitiness intertwined with new oak and traditional black licorice. In the mouth it is tannic for sure, yet not austere, actually approachable … Continue reading

Posted in Barolo, Italy, Nebbiolo, Piemonte | Tagged | 1 Comment

Coltibuono Chianti Classico 2007

Badia a Coltibuono, Chianti Classico 2007 The nose sports cherries and caramel with some raisins – clean and inviting. In the mouth the acidity is vibrant, the tannins are there yet ripe and there is a creaminess as well – … Continue reading

Posted in Chianti, Chianti Classico, Italy, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Tagged | Leave a comment

Paradiso Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008

Il Poderi del Paradiso, Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008 Unfortunately this wine is aging prematurely, featuring a golden color and the smell of ethyl acetate. We’ll try another bottle soon to see if this was a failure of the seal … Continue reading

Posted in Italy, San Gimignano, Tuscany, Vernaccia, Vernaccia di San Gimignano | Tagged | Leave a comment

Cantina Valle Isarco Pinot Grigio 2008

Cantina Valle Isarco, Alto Adige, Valle Isarco, Pinot Grigio 2008 The nose features straw, sweet flowers and candied fruit. In the mouth the citrus fruit is vibrant yet it is muted a bit by a hint of the alcohol. Bottled … Continue reading

Posted in Alto Adige, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Valle Isarco | Tagged | Leave a comment

Wines of Italy

Tonight in the SRJC Wines of California and Europe class we’ll be exploring some of the key regions in Italy and the wines that made them famous. Check back later for the reviews. Cheers!

Posted in Italy | Tagged | 1 Comment