Summer zip
Salomon Undhof Hochterrassen Gruner Veltliner Trocken Qualitatswein 2007 The fruit for this wine comes from hillside terraces along the Danube by the towns of Krems and Stein in the region of Kremstal. This wine features laser-like acidity and...
Vin de Pays
Excitement and innovation from the south of France Les Calades Vin de Pays d'Oc Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 Very overt berries, very light-bodied and a little bit of an astringent edge. 13.5% $7.99 at Bottle Barn Mas de Daumas Gassac Vin de Pays de...
Scintillating Syrah
Bridlewood Central Coast Winner’s Circle Selection “Dusty Trails” Syrah 2004 A few months ago we tasted another of the Winner’s Circle Selection Syrah and it was true to the the house style showing lots of oak essence wound into a dense palate with...
On the Rhone
Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Vielles Vignes Cuvee Unique 2006 The previous vintage was a solid wine, balanced in medium weight with ripe fruits and structure. The 2006 follows suit with smells of black pepper as well. Sourced from...
Mountain Port 2
Renwood Sierra Foothills Vintage Port 2003 Sweet and slathered in oak essence - a class favorite. 5 traditional Portuguese grapes made this wine, Tinta Cao, Alvararhao, Souzao, Bastardo and Touriga. Aged in neutral American oak for 2 years, 7.9%...
Piemonte lineup
Heitz Cellar Napa Valley Grignolino 2005 Truly one of the 'lightest of the light' red wines and an aromatic charmer as well. P&B in St. Helena 12.5% $15.50 at Traverso's Heitz Poderi Aldo Conterno Langhe Dolcetto DOC Masante 2006 Quite dense...
Further differentiation between Riesling and Gewurz
Domaine Weinbach Alsace Grand Cru Schlossberg Riesling 2006 This wine is the middle offering of the domaine's Rieslings designed for savoury food. There's a beautiful perfume , lots of flowers and Riesling's characteristic racy acidity. This dry...
Barbera in the hills
Yorba Amador County Barbera 2005 A touch rustic but the fruit comes out showing nicely after 15 minutes. One of the students suggested stewed rhubarb as a descriptor, which was right on, when you think of the tartness of rhubarb and the classic...
Mountain Port
Macchia Amador County Linsteadt Vineyard Dangerous Port 2004 In the house style of ripeness and richness with integrated alcohol. The grapes are a combo of Barbera and Zinfandel. P&B in Lockeford 20.1% $25 at the winery Macchia
Beyond Cannery Row
Joelle Santa Lucia Highlands Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Pinot Noir 2006 Stony and warm with vanilla overtones. P&B in San Francisco 14.8% $44 at the winery Joelle Truckee River Winery Santa Lucia Highlands Garys' Vineyard 2005 Black fruits, cola,...