Monthly Archives: May 2010

La Caudrina Moscato d’Asti 2009

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Ray

La Caudrina, Moscato d’Asti 2009 This is a consistent wine, with a repeat of notes from the previous vintage:  a lovely sense of orange blossoms in the nose while the mouth is sweet and ethereal – very nice. Estate bottled … Continue reading →

Posted in Moscato d'Asti, Muscat, Piemonte, Sparkling sweet | Tagged | Leave a comment

Geyser Peak Chardonnay 2008

Posted on May 18, 2010 by Ray

Geyser Peak, Alexander Valley, Water Bend, Block Collection, Chardonnay 2008 This Chardonnay speaks richness on all fronts, toasty, buttery, ripe tropical fruit and a thick, rather unctuous texture in the mouth. Produced and bottled under Stelvin in Geyersville 14.1% $24 … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, California, Chardonnay, Sonoma County | Tagged | 1 Comment

Dow’s Porto

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Ray

Dow’s, Porto, Quinta do Bomfim, Vintage 1996 The nose features brandied cherries, with a bit of prunes as well. In the mouth, the tannins have resolved yielding a silky yet warm dessert, with the beginning of some nuttiness. This is … Continue reading →

Posted in Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal, Single Quinta Port, Tawny Port | Tagged | Leave a comment

Rare Wine Co. Malmsey Special Reserve

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Ray

The Rare Wine Co., Madeira, Historic Series, New York Malmsey, Special Reserve nv The nose is smoky and dark, with brown sugar and more than a hint of the fortifying spirit. In the mouth, the pruny character is in full … Continue reading →

Posted in Fortified dessert, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Portugal | Tagged | Leave a comment

Blandy’s 5 Year Sercial

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Ray

Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Sercial nv The nose features dried fruits and nuts, melding a sense of citrus and raisins with honey all wrapped into a nutty dessert. The complexity is great and always leads one down a garden … Continue reading →

Posted in Aperitif, Madeira, Portugal, Sercial | Tagged | Leave a comment

Prestige cuvee sparkling

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Ray

Perrier-Jouet, Champagne, Cuvee Belle Epoque, Fleur de Champagne, Brut 2000 The cork was quite compacted and the bottle opened with hardly a whisper. The color is taking on a light golden hue. Yet in the nose it delivers the fresh … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Carneros, Champagne, Chardonnay, France, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Dry | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Vintage California sparkling

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Ray

Schramsberg, North Coast, Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006 There are very pretty floral notes in the nose, with fresh pears and apples and a bit of bread dough. In the mouth the fruit continues with some pastry richness and the … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Chardonnay, Green Valley, North Coast, Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Sparkling Dry | 1 Comment

Mumm Napa Rose

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Ray

Mumm Napa, Napa Valley, Brut Rose nv The house style is fruit-forward. A noticeable dosage amplifies the red fruit character with a complementary sweetness. The process is methode traditionnelle. P&B in Napa 12.5% purchased for $17.79 at Bottle Barn Mumm … Continue reading →

Posted in California, Sparkling Dry | Tagged | 1 Comment

Chateau Climens 2005

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Ray

Chateau Climens, Barsac 2005 What is wonderful about this wine is the amount of fruit that shows, from citrus to the tropical notes of pineapple. Sure, there is the expected richness of honey and appropriate volatility, but the coupling of … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, France, Sauternes, Semillon | Tagged | 1 Comment

Left Bank Bordeaux

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Ray

Chateau Giscours, Margaux 2006 The nose of this wine features a strong whiff of smoky oak and leather with red fruits and sweet tobacco. In the mouth, the fruit comes alive, with fresh berries and dried cranberries and the accent … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Margaux, Merlot, Saint-Julien | Tagged , | 1 Comment