Monthly Archives: April 2010

Ca’ del Solo Albarino 2008

Posted on April 21, 2010 by RJ

Ca’ del Solo, Monterey County, Estate Vineyard, Albarino 2008 This wine features a strong signature of citrus and refreshing acidity with a little sense of alcohol as well.  The intrusion of the alcohol is disappointing given the beauty of the … Continue reading →

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Career Night at Sonoma State 4/22/10

Posted on April 20, 2010 by RJ

Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute is hosting the annual Wine Career Night on Thursday evening. The event provides a great networking opportunity for those of you already in the industry as well as those of you looking for a door … Continue reading →

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Domaine de la Butte Bourgueil 2008

Posted on April 19, 2010 by RJ

Domaine de la Butte, Bourgueil, “Le Pied de la Butte” 2008 At first opening this is pretty stinky so give it a good airing and then you’ll find the beautiful fruit. In the mouth it is light-bodied and fruity with … Continue reading →

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Michele Chiarlo Barbera d’Asti 2007

Posted on April 19, 2010 by RJ

Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d’Asti, Superiore, Le Orme 2007 This vintage features a fair amount of black fruit interspersed with some horse blanket. In the mouth it is mildly oaky and rich, supple and sparked by acidity – nice. 13.5% $12.69 … Continue reading →

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Bodegas Borsao Campo de Borja 2008

Posted on April 19, 2010 by RJ

Bodegas Borsao, Campo de Borja DO 2008 As in the previous vintage, the fruit just leaps out of the glass and has a candy element to it with a bit of black pepper. This is exactly what I smelled the … Continue reading →

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Beringer White Zinfandel 2009

Posted on April 19, 2010 by RJ

Beringer, California, California Collection, White Zinfandel 2009 Watermelon and strawberries fly from the glass with a sense of candy and sweet flowers. The mouth displays sweetness and strawberry with balancing acidity – nice. 3 hours of skin contact provide the … Continue reading →

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Domaine de la Mordoree Rose 2009

Posted on April 19, 2010 by RJ

Domaine de la Mordoree, Cotes-du-Rhone, La Dame Rousse, Rose 2009 In the nose you’ll find red fruits, like cherries and a bit of strawberry that carries through on a broad, lowish acid palate. The grapes behind this pink wine are … Continue reading →

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Jordan Chardonnay and Cabernet

Posted on April 18, 2010 by RJ

Before moving to California, I worked in a flash French restaurant back in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This was the mid-eighties and all of the staff were died in the wool Francophiles, disdaining New World wine while seldom ever tasting it. Local … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County | Tagged | 2 Comments

Bordeaux 2005

Posted on April 16, 2010 by RJ

Chateau LaFleur-Gazin 2005 The sweetness of the fruit in this Pomerol is rather fetching, possessing a liquer-like character. In the mouth it is supple and fruity, with plums and cassis on a velvety palate. The flavors linger with the acidity- … Continue reading →

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Storrs Rhone Red 2006

Posted on April 16, 2010 by RJ

Storrs, Santa Clara County, Two Creek Vineyard, Red Wine 2006 The nose features a big heft of vanilla and freshly split oak. The oaky flavors carry through on the palate, with ripe black fruit and warmth. I can’t believe as … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Grand Noir, Grenache, Rhone Blend, Santa Clara County, Syrah | Tagged | Leave a comment