Bordeaux and Napa
Chateau Nenin Pomerol 2003 My earlier notes this year show a supple wine filled through with blue fruit. Tonight the wine is very polished, soft in profile with oak as an integrated nuance. From the Delon family, Jean-Hubert and Michel, that owns...
Racy Riesling
This flight features 4 Rieslings from trocken to Spat and Germany to Monterey Carl Loewen Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Varidor Riesling Trocken 2005 Grapes sourced entirely from the Varidor Vineyard, wild yeast ferment and aging in neutral oak fuder. Terry...
Blending Zin
Zin not only stands alone but is featured prominently in blends from budget to chic. Trentadue Sonoma County Old Patch Red 2005 Perceptibly sweet and slightly effervescent, 70% Zin, 20% Petite Sirah, 5.5% Carignane, 4.5% Syrah sourced from...
Sweet Wine from the Bay
Rosenblum Cellars San Francisco Bay Castanho Vineyard Zinfandel Port 2003 Viscous and full of vanilla. Noticeable but appropriate sense of alcohol for a port style of wine. This vineyard hails from Contra Costa County and was aged in US and Fr oak...
A Visit to Lodi
This flight features 2 wines from an area that has distinguished itself for its long-established vineyards and good values. Gnarly Head Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel 2005 Jammy liquer-like fruit and sweet vanilla in the nose. The wine is light-bodied,...
Around the World With Zin
Wild Hog Vineyard Lake County Nova Vineyards Zinfandel 2003 Dried fruits, good acidity, some creaminess and a little warmth. Organically grown grapes. P&B in Cazadero 15.5% $24 at Traverso's Wild Hog Groom Barossa Valley Bush Block Zinfandel...
Sonoma County Harvest Fair Best of Class Desserts
Holdredge Russian River Valley Saralee's Vineyard Late Harvest Gewurztraminer 2006 36.4 Brix at harvest and 10.2% RS, P&B Healdsburg 13.65% $26.99 at Bottle Barn (375ml) Holdgredge Davis Family Russian River Valley Rapport Fortified Old Vine...
Sonoma County Harvest Fair Best of Class Zinfandel
Mozzocco Dry Creek Valley Matrix Zinfandel 2005 Winemaker Antoine Favero V&B in Healdsburg 16.1% $36.49 at Bottle Barn
Sonoma County Harvest Fair Best of Class Bordeaux Varieties
Nelson Estate Sonoma Valley Bennett Valley Vineyard Malbec 2004 The nose is oak city and the palate is very supple with moderate acidity and a long finish. I think that many will find this wine agreeable and readily approachable. Aged in Fr oak for...
Sonoma County Harvest Fair Best of Class Syrah and Petite
Stark Russian River Valley Cuvee Julian Syrah 2004 This is Syrah that is not afraid to be tannic with lots of alcohol showing in the nose and the mouth. There's 2% Viognier in the final blend and the fruit is sourced 63% from Bill and Betsy's...