AV and not audio visual
Handley Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2005 The reserve Pinot from Handley was a big hit last semester. This wine features sweet vanilla notes wrapped around supple cherry fruit - an extra silky texture. Winemaker Milla Handley. P&B in Philo 14.5%...
Chenin from both sides now
Vinum Cellars Clarksburg CNW Wilson Vineyards Chenin Blanc 2006 From the ABC crowd at Vinum, these guys are willing to bet on the 'other grapes'. Barrel fermented and aged 6 months in oak for complexity yet the bracing side of Chenin shines...
Darling grape
Bonterra 73% Mendocino 27% Lake Counties Viognier 2006 This has been a consistently fresh, aromatic wine across the vintages. The flowers and peaches are in full bloom followed by a lowish-acid fresh mouthfeel. All certified organically grown...
Tuscan hit parade
2 great producers and 2 classic wines. Fonterutoli Chianti Classico DOCG 2004 There's some appropriate barnyard notes tied into the tart cherry and lightly tannic palate. 90% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot, 2% Malvasia Nera and 2% Colorino, aged for one...
From raisins
Corteforte Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripassato 2004 The smell of raisins is definitely there in a silky, sweet-appearing palate. The wine is dry but the fruit is amped up so that it appears sweet, unless there is a touch of sub-threshold RS....
Suave and classic
Pieropan Soave Classico DOC Estate Grown & Bottled 2006 In previous vintages this wine has been quite fresh and clean. Again it is this vintage with sweet floral and perfume and a light-bodied, dry palate. The grapes are 90% Garganega and 10%...
Temperature’s rising
Abadia Retuerta, Sardón de Duero, Seleccion Especial 2004 Herbaceous notes like in Cab Franc in the nose. The mouth is full-bodied with acid and ripe tannins at the time of the original post with an oaky backcurrent. A year later the tannins are...
More than Zin up there
Unti has been doing some great work with varieties beyond the mainstream. Unti Dry Creek Valley Grenache 2006 The 2005 vintage showed the fruit that Grenache can deliver. This vintage features a perfume like baby powder and candied fruit. In the...
Two sides of the county line
Mumm Napa Napa Valley Devaux Ranch Methode Traditionnelle 2002 There's lots of citrus with a hint of the zest and a touch of alcohol. The grapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the wine was aged 3 years on the lees. P&B in Rutherford 12.5%...
Sparkling in the pink
Domaine Chandon, Sonoma County 62%, Napa County 38%, etoile, Rose nv The house style is one of forward fruit and a soft profile. Likewise with this wine in a copper color and an added zip of acidity. The fruit source for this wine is 62% from...