J Vintage Brut 2002
J, Russian River Valley, Sparkling Wine, Vintage Brut 2002 The fresh fruit is there in the nose with plenty of complexity. It's now 8 years since the fruit was harvested and there are lovely patisserie notes coming through. In the mouth the crisp,...
Mazzocco Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Mazzocco, Alexander Valley, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 The nose is radiant with citrus. On the palate this theme continues with plenty of acidity - clean, refreshing and very nice. The production is all in stainless. Proprietors Ken and Diane Wilson....
William Fevre Chablis Vaillons 2008
Domaine William Fevre, Chablis Premier Cru, Vaillons 2008 The nose combines flint and green apples. In the mouth the acidity is lively and the whole palate is alight with flavor - very nice and very long. 100% of the wine went through ML and...
Vietti Barbarera d’Asti 2008
Vietti, Barbera d’Asti, Tre Vigne 2008 In the nose you’ll find black fruit, green herbs, earth and chocolate. In the mouth there is Barbera’s acidic trademark, with density of flavor and a fair amount of tannin very long. The grapes are sourced...
d’Arenberg The Custodian Grenache 2007
d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, The Custodian, Grenache 2007 The '07 shows an encore to the theme tasted with the '05 vintage: juicy warm fruit and earthy notes in a supple package. I would also add a nice touch of tangy acidity and great length - nice...
Foppiano Chardonnay 2009
Foppiano, Russian River Valley, Estate Bottled, Chardonnay 2009 The nose features rich notes of toast and butter with ripe, tropical fruit. In the mouth, the oaky notes continue, with an accent of butter and a bit of refreshing acidity. This is a...
Laurenz V. Charming Gruner Veltliner 2006
Laurenz V., Kamptal, Charming, Gruner Veltliner 2009 The nose features minerality, fresh red apples and baked green apples accented with brown spices, as if one was handed a freshly made apple tart. It's this complexity that is so enticing. In the...
Clif Family Climber Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Clif Family Winery, California, The Climber, Sauvignon Blanc 2009 The nose expresses citrus galore, especially with 30 minutes out of the refrigerator. This is something we talk about in class, how a good white wine will become more effusive as it...
The Great Wines of St. Helena
While the Napa Valley's St. Helena AVA speaks the language of Cabernet and its red wine Bordeaux brethren, there are other grapes making delightful wines as well. Thus this showcase of wines begins with a Bordeaux colleague in the white wine family...
A taste of California red wine
Balletto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, Burnside Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2008 The nose features sweet cherries and a touch of vanilla. The mouth features a supple and elegant interplay of both - very nice. P&B by Laguna Oaks Vineyards &...