V. Sattui Semillon 2008
Semillon in California seems to have a bit of a Rodney Dangerfield image, playing second fiddle behind the more photogenic stars of the viticultural landscape. Yet in Australia's Hunter and Bordeaux's Sauternes, it is the star. I was delighted to...
Wine Entrepreneurship at Sonoma State
The intensive summer course packs a semester's worth of experts into 3 full days. Dates: June 28-30 in St. Helena. Details online: Wine Entrepreneurship News Summer 2010 Quotes from the previous summer course: "I now have much more focus to be...
Domaine Hauvette Rouge
Domaine Hauvette, Les Baux de Provence 2004 The nose of the '04 features fresh and dried fruits, floral notes and the herbs of the Provencal landscape. In the mouth you'll find structure to marry with dinner and a bit of gamey horse blanket that...
La Caudrina Moscato d’Asti 2009
La Caudrina, Moscato d’Asti 2009 This is a consistent wine, with a repeat of notes from the previous vintage: a lovely sense of orange blossoms in the nose while the mouth is sweet and ethereal – very nice. Estate bottled in Castiglione Tinella...
Geyser Peak Chardonnay 2008
Geyser Peak, Alexander Valley, Water Bend, Block Collection, Chardonnay 2008 This Chardonnay speaks richness on all fronts, toasty, buttery, ripe tropical fruit and a thick, rather unctuous texture in the mouth. Produced and bottled under Stelvin...
Dow’s Porto
Dow’s, Porto, Quinta do Bomfim, Vintage 1996 The nose features brandied cherries, with a bit of prunes as well. In the mouth, the tannins have resolved yielding a silky yet warm dessert, with the beginning of some nuttiness. This is a single quinta...
Rare Wine Co. Malmsey Special Reserve
The Rare Wine Co., Madeira, Historic Series, New York Malmsey, Special Reserve nv The nose is smoky and dark, with brown sugar and more than a hint of the fortifying spirit. In the mouth, the pruny character is in full force, the alcohol is...
Blandy’s 5 Year Sercial
Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Sercial nv The nose features dried fruits and nuts, melding a sense of citrus and raisins with honey all wrapped into a nutty dessert. The complexity is great and always leads one down a garden path to expect loads of...
Prestige cuvee sparkling
Perrier-Jouet, Champagne, Cuvee Belle Epoque, Fleur de Champagne, Brut 2000 The cork was quite compacted and the bottle opened with hardly a whisper. The color is taking on a light golden hue. Yet in the nose it delivers the fresh apples and apple...
Vintage California sparkling
Schramsberg, North Coast, Blanc de Blancs Brut 2006 There are very pretty floral notes in the nose, with fresh pears and apples and a bit of bread dough. In the mouth the fruit continues with some pastry richness and the zip of green apples - very...