Monthly Archives: June 2010

Cynthus Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Cynthus, Napa Valley, Stagecoach Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 The nose features Cassis, bay leaves and the sweetness of oak, expressed as vanilla and caramel. Give this some time to open up; with 30 minutes more black fruits emerge. On the … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment

Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir 2009

Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Pinot Noir 2009 There are lively black fruits in the nose, especially after 30 minutes. Add to that brown spices, a hint of thyme, spearmint and bubble gum sweetness. In the mouth this light-bodied Pinot delivers on … Continue reading

Posted in Australia, Pinot Noir, Victoria | Tagged | 1 Comment

Heartland Viognier Pinot Gris 2006

Heartland, South Australia, Viognier, Pinot Gris 2006 The nose features fresh peaches, candied tropical fruits and spicy flowers. On the palate this wine is quite broad, lowish in acidity, conveying a richness yet emphasizing the vineyard over the winemaking. The … Continue reading

Posted in Australia, Langhorne Creek, Pinot Gris and Grigio, South Australia, Viognier | Tagged | 1 Comment

Martin Codax Albarino 2009

Martin Codax, Rias Baixas, Albarino 2009 The nose features hay and lime with a hint of roses. In the mouth it is clean and crisp, sporting minerality combined with citrus. This vintage captures the crisp and refreshing character that I … Continue reading

Posted in Albariño, Galicia, Rias Baixas, Spain | Tagged | 1 Comment

Luna Merlot 2006

Luna, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006 The nose features sweet oaky notes and black fruit. In the mouth the black fruits come through with cherries too. The suppleness of Merlot that most consumers seek is on full display in a light-bodied … Continue reading

Posted in California, Merlot, Napa Valley | Tagged | 1 Comment

Scala Dei Cartoixa 2003

Scala Dei, Priorat, Cartoixa 2003 I found this bottle rattling around in the cellar and was delighted to have the opportunity to taste it again. A few years ago it was still rather tannic and while good, I knew that … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Priorat, Syrah | Tagged | Leave a comment

Foppiano Sauvignon Blanc 2009

Foppiano, Russian River Valley, Estate Bottled, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 The nose is clean and expresses ripe citrus, as in fresh oranges. Add to that an accent of tropical fruit, a whiff of bananas and floral notes, of the sweet and … Continue reading

Posted in California, Russian River Valley, Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County | Tagged | Leave a comment

Penfolds Club Reserve Aged Tawny

Penfolds, South Australia, Club Reserve, Aged Tawny nv In the nose you’ll find raisins and butterscotch with a sense of the spirit in the background. This all carries on in the mouth with nuttiness, sweetness and well-integrated alcohol. Like the value-oriented … Continue reading

Posted in Australia, Fortified dessert, Grenache, Mourvedre, Port, South Australia, Syrah, Tawny Port | Tagged | Leave a comment

Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos 2006

The Royal Tokaji Company, Tokaji, Aszu, 5 Puttonyos 2006  The nose weaves notes of caramel of honey with dried tropical fruits.  The mouth shows the rich bounty of  good Tokaji, viscous yet tangy, dried apricots and brown sugar – delightful. … Continue reading

Posted in Furmint, Hungary, Late Harvest White, Tokaji, White Dessert | Tagged | Leave a comment

Pichot Vouvray 2009

Domaine Le Peu de la Moriette (Domaine Pichot), Vouvray 2009 The nose is a little dead on the first bottle opened – I suspect a low level of TCA. Fortunately, the second and third bottles have a much more vivid … Continue reading

Posted in Chenin Blanc, France, Loire Valley | Tagged | Leave a comment