Black Magic
Carol Shelton Sonoma County Black Magic Late Harvest Zinfandel 2006 Many feel that Carol has a magic hand when it comes to Zin. This offering for dessert is on the lighter side of RS with just 6.5% residual sugar, making it ideal for fresh berries,...
A search for the most affordable Pinot
In the search for ever more affordable Pinot Noir, California producers are looking abroad. The 1.5 litre offering from Gallo's Twin Valley line now sports an Italian origin. Gallo Twin Valley Provincia di Pavia Pinot Noir...
Sweet Sparkling
La Spinetta Moscato d'Asti DOCG 2006 A favorite from the legend. I was blessed to meet Rivetti before the skyrocket to fame. This wine remains an affordable gem, with the essence of Muscat aching for fresh berries on a summer evening. White Muscat...
Madeira my dear?
Cossart Gordon, Madeira, 5 Years Old, Bual nv This is a rich style of Madeira from the Bual grape, though not as sweet as Malmsey. P&B by the Madeira Wine Company in Funchal 19% purchased for $20.79 at Bottle Barn Cossart Gordon
Perhaps some tannin?
Paolo Scavino Barolo DOCG 2003 The Scavino wines show a consistent polish. There's loads of black licorice to smell and the tannins, while definitely present, have some ripeness that soften the hard edges of this youthful wine. There's also a fair...
Big Barbera
Seghesio Alexander Valley Barbera 2006 Previous vintages with the broader Sonoma appellation showed the zip of Barbera with a richness to take Barbera beyond it's workhorse role as a mere foil to fatty food. This latest offering repeats the style....
Spotlight on Allegrini
Allegrini Valpolicella DOC 2006 This wine has been consistently clean and refreshingly full of acidity, though in previous vintages it was labeled as being only from the Classico district. 60% Corvina, 35% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. Estate bottled...
Focus on Arlaud
Domaine Arlaud Bourgogne Roncevie 2006 Give it time to open and then the cherries and earthy character will show. Plenty of acidity and a touch of tannin. Sourced from the lieux-dit Roncevie in Gevrey. Mis a Morey Saint Denis 12.5% $19.99 at Bottle...
Monterey Pinot
Vision Cellars Santa Lucia Highlands Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir 2005 The nose is sweet with a sense of stewed cherries. The palate is rich and fruity, framed by acidity with a little warmth. Winemaker Mac MacDonald. P&B in Rutherford 14.5%...
Heading south of San Francisco for Pinot Noir
Hallcrest Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Belle Farms Pinot Noir 2005 Earth and brambles to smell with tart cherries and a silky texture. The brett is in check but will be too much for some. Winemaker and proprietor John Schumacher. 13.9% winery...