Daily Archives: March 19, 2011

Fonseca Bin 27

Fonseca Porto Bin No. 27 This is the brand’s vintage character offering, blending a sense of dark fruits, the sweetness of raisins, chocolate and a spiritous character. Manoel Pedro Guimaraens founded the winery in 1822. It is now run by … Continue reading

Posted in Duoro, Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal | Tagged | Leave a comment

Ariel Merlot 2008

Ariel, Dealcoholized, Merlot 2008 Simple, fruity, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla  on a light-bodied frame. Made and bottled by J. Lohr in San Jose. Contains less than one half of one percent alcohol by volume, purchased for $6.49 at … Continue reading

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Red wines from France and Italy

Louis Latour, Marsannay, Rouge 2007 The nose displays earthiness and meatiness upon first opening with a bit of black fruit in the background. In the mouth it is quite hard at this point in time. Mis en bouteille a Beaune … Continue reading

Posted in Burgundy, Chianti, Chianti Classico, France, Italy, Marsannay, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Tuscany | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Robert Hall Rose 2010

Robert Hall, Paso Robles, Hall Ranch, Rose de Robles 2010 Don Brady truly captures the essence of fresh red fruit in the nose of this wine – very fresh. In the mouth you’ll find the body of rose from the … Continue reading

Posted in California, Paso Robles, Rosé, Syrah | Tagged | Leave a comment

Dry white wines from Europe

Caves Allianca, Vinho Verde DOC, Branco Unfortunately this bottle is showing some volatility. What is true to type about this wine is the petillance, light body and high acidity. This purchase was bottled in 2010 in Anadia 9% $5.49 at … Continue reading

Posted in Alsace, Alto Adige, France, Italy, Pinot Gris and Grigio, Portugal, Vinho Verde | Tagged | Leave a comment

Red wines across California and Europe

Noceto, Amador County,  Sangiovese 2008 The nose features fresh cherries and the sweet complexity of chery pie. In the mouth it is light-bodied and acidic with a little bit of grip. Produced and bottled by Suzy and Jim Gullett 14.2% … Continue reading

Posted in Amador County, Barbera, California, Carignane, Grenache, Priorat, Sangiovese, Spain | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Andre Vatan Sancerre 2009

Domaine André Vatan, Sancerre, Les Charmes 2009 This has been a consistent, value-priced Sancerre that I have often reached for since a visit with Andre in ’98. As in previous vintages, the nose features grass, lemon, minerality and perfume. In the mouth … Continue reading

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