Monthly Archives: April 2010

Sonoma County Zinfandel 2007

Posted on April 23, 2010 by RJ

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

Posted on April 23, 2010 by RJ

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

Posted on April 23, 2010 by RJ

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 →

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Paradiso Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2008

Posted on April 23, 2010 by RJ

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

Posted on April 23, 2010 by RJ

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 →

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Wines of Italy

Posted on April 23, 2010 by RJ

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

JC Cellars Petite Syrah 2005

Posted on April 21, 2010 by RJ

JC Cellars, Napa Valley, Frediani Vineyard, Petite Syrah 2005 The nose is spiritous yet in the mouth the fruit is liqueur-like. The expected tannic profile of Petite is there along with a sense of the alcohol. The cool thing is … Continue reading →

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California Zinfandel

Posted on April 21, 2010 by RJ

Sobon Estate, Amador County, Old Vines, Zinfandel 2008 Here’s a light-bodied Zin that is quite fruity and ready to quaff. There’s a little sweetness working in the background (about 3 grams per litre) along with a light touch of eucalyptus … Continue reading →

Posted in Amador County, California, Dry Creek Valley, Sierra Foothills, Sonoma County, Zinfandel | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Alto Moncayo 2007

Posted on April 21, 2010 by RJ

Bodegas Alto Moncayo, Campo De Borja 2007 This wine smells like dessert personified, with vanilla, cherries and pastry dough. In the mouth it is soft and fruity, quite rich and laden with oak, as it has been consistently over the … Continue reading →

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Burgans Albarino 2008

Posted on April 21, 2010 by RJ

Burgáns (Bodegas Martin Códax) Rias Baixas, Burgáns, Albariño 2008 The nose features sweet floral notes while the mouth shows us citrus, lots of acidity and a creamy texture. The grapes are grown on fertile soils overtop granite and schist. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain | Tagged , | 2 Comments