Kiwi delight
The Drylands and Omaka Springs shine in this flight and show two slightly different taste profiles. Drylands, Marlborough, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 A pungent rush of gooseberry jumps out of the glass when you pour this wine with cut grass in the...
The Carpenters’ favourite
Domaine des Bernardins, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2006 A complex mix of fresh peaches, flowers and alcohol, in check for the style. The RS is on the low side so it would be better to look to fresh fruit as a pairing partner rather than a sweet...
Miner wine
Chateau Sainte-Eulalie, Minervois La Liviniere, La Cantilene 2005 There's lots of beautiful, sun-drenched New World fruit with black pepper as well. The wine is moderately dense, structured with chewiness and acidity and nicely balanced -...
Last stop in France
Domaine La Tour Vieille, Collioure, La Pinède 2004 This wine showcases cooked fruit, pastry notes and a bit of cheese on top of a tannic backbone. The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignane. Mis par Vincent cantie et Christine Campadieu a...
To the core
Col des Vents, Corbieres 2006 Black fruits dominate the nose; the mouth is light-bodied, lean and a little gripping. This is the budget Corbieres from Castelmaure made of 50% Carignane, 35% Grenache and 15% Syrah 13.5% $8.99 at Bottle Barn...
Not really wormwood
Noilly Prat, Original French Dry Vermouth nv This is always a great example of the complexity of herbs, white wine and fortification; yet the students usually hate it. Tonight a full 25% of the group enjoyed the wine or at least wouldn't turn it...
A stinger in the south
Hugues Beaulieu, Coteaux Du Languedoc, Picpoul de Pinet 2007 Each vintage of this wine has been marked by true-to-form high acidity. The '07 is the same with lip-smacking acidity, green herbs of the landscape and a sense of lemon peel - good value....
Halloween Chardonnay
Ghost Pines, Sonoma Napa and Monterey Counties, Winemaker's Blend, Chardonnay 2006 Tropical fruits and toasty oak make up the nose. The oak follows through in the mouth without being overbearing and the little bit of butteriness enhances the mouth...
Hailing the Hales
J. Keverson, Dry Creek Valley, Hales Vineyard, Old Vine, Zinfandel 2006 There's lost of sweet oak, cloves and cinamon in the nose. There's a taste of strawberries and brown sugar in this elegant style of Zinfandel, with oaky notes adding a sweet...
South of Steinbeck
Line Shack, San Antonio Valley California, Roussanne 2006 There are faint smells of stone fruit and some perfume. This is a light-bodied wine, a bit thin but not offensive with lowish acidity. C&B in Santa Maria 13.5% $18 at the winery but sold...