Monthly Archives: July 2010

Emblem Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Emblem, Napa Valley, Oso Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 This is very refined Cabernet. The nose sports the ripeness of Cassis with the richness of vanilla and chocolate. In the mouth the edges are all polished, a ripe wine yet one … Continue reading

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Saintsbury Chardonnay 2008

Saintsbury, Carneros, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features hazelnuts and tropical fruit in ample supply. In the mouth viscosity is matched by acidity, creating a balanced wine that showcases stone fruits like peaches and apricots and tropical fruits like pineapple and … Continue reading

Posted in California, Carneros, Chardonnay | Tagged | 1 Comment

Swanson Pinot Grigio 2008

Swanson, Napa Valley, Pinot Grigio 2008 The nose features a mix of citrus and tropical fruits with a bit of green herbs. In the mouth it is fresh and fruity, showing the essence of orange and grapefruit with ample acidity … Continue reading

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Jaboulet Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2007

Paul Jaboulet Aine, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, Le Chant des Griolles 2007 The nose features the expected orange blossom of Muscat with the region’s typical spiritous character in the subtly in the background. In the mouth you’ll find oranges and cinnamon, … Continue reading

Posted in Fortified dessert, France, Late Harvest White, Muscat, Muscat Beaumes de Venise, Rhône, White Dessert | Tagged | Leave a comment

California Syrah

JC Cellars, Santa Barbara County, Fess Parker’s Vineyard, Syrah 2007 Give this wine a bit of air, 10 minutes or so to blow off a bit of reductive character. Then the black fruit will emerge, wrapped in a jacket of … Continue reading

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Unti Grenache 2007

Unti, Dry Creek Valley, Grenache 2007 There’s a lovely, candy-like fruitiness to this Grenache. It’s also not a flabby one, but rather a red wine with structure, reminiscent of its Old World roots yet kissed by New World sunshine. The … Continue reading

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Goldeneye Vin Gris 2009

Goldeneye, Anderson Valley, Vin Gris of Pinot Noir 2009 The nose features fresh strawberries. On the palate there is a creamy mouthfeel, a silky texture, with a thickness not often found in rose – very nice. The wine is made … Continue reading

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Rosé | Tagged | 1 Comment

La Spinetta Barbaresco Starderi 1997

La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 1997 Almost 13 years since the vintage the nose is showing notes of roasted coffee, nuts, dried fruits and prunes. With 10 minutes the sweetness of the dried fruit is emerging with a toasted … Continue reading

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Mordoree Cotes-Du-Rhone 2008

Domaine de la Mordorée Côtes-Du-Rhône “La Dame Rousse” 2008 Give this some air to blow off the stink. Then with 15 minutes the black pepper and red fruits will emerge. In the mouth it is overtly fruity and quite structured, … Continue reading

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Thorn-Clarke Shotfire Shiraz 2008

Thorn-Clarke, Barossa, Shotfire, Shiraz 2008 This is oak city, smelling of freshly split logs and coconut. On the palate the theme continues, quite rich, with ripe tannins and a nice sense of acidity. The grapes are sourced from the family’s … Continue reading

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