Benziger Chardonnay 2008
Benziger, Carneros, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features butter and vanilla and a bit of fresh oak. In the mouth the rich theme continues, with viscosity, butter and oakiness, with balancing acidity in the background. V&B in Graton 13.5% purchased...
Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Mulderbosch, Western Cape, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 The nose features minerality and green herbs. In the mouth this Sauvignon is as zippy as usual, green, acidic and quite refreshing. P&B in Stellenbosch 12.5% purchased for $15.99 at Bottle Barn...
Black Star Farms Arcturos Dry Riesling 2008
Black Star Farms, Old Mission Peninsula, Arcturos, Dry, Riesling 2008 The nose combines stone fruit, green apple and minerality. In the mouth the acidity shines and is balanced by a touch of residual sugar, at 9 grams per litre. This creates a...
Wines of the Alto Adige
This region holds a particular place in my heart. Linda and I visited some of the top producers of the region this summer and hiked the magnificent mountains. This Tyrolean region is beyond picturesque and vies with Stellenbosch as the most...
Napa Valley Cabernet 2005
Kelleher, Oakville, Napa Valley, Brix Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Toasty oak marks the nose along with Cassis. In the mouth this wine is supple and the oaky expression continues with a nice thread of acidity.The wine was aged in French oak...
California Chardonnay 2008
Raymond, Napa Valley, Reserve, Chardonnay 2008 The nose features the smell of fresh oak, stone fruit and a bit of coconut and banana. In the mouth it is smooth and restrained, showing richness without thickness - an elegant Chardonnay. This wine...
Rusack Chardonnay 2008
Rusack, Santa Barbara, Chardonnay 2008 This is a toasty Chardonnay,with the oak out in force. You smell it immediately as your nose approaches the glass. In the mouth the oak is joined by tropical fruit and a bit of butter, making for a rich style...
Robledo Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Robledo, Lake County, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is a delightful Sauvignon. The nose sports citrus and floral notes. In the mouth the wine is clean and vibrantly citrussy with a pleasant acidic zip. Produced and bottled in Kelseyville 14.3% $20 at...
Chateau Vignelaure
I was fortunate to visit Chateau Vignelaure back in the 80s - was it '84 or '85? Some of my memories are fuzzy. The memory that isn't fuzzy however, is that Vignelaure was a trend setter, planting Cabernet Sauvignon in Provence, despite the...
Brassfield High Serenity Ranch Sauvignon Blanc 2007
Brassfield Estate, High Valley, High Serenity Ranch, Estate Bottled, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Give this a little air to allow the fruity aromatics to come to the fore. Then you'll find pineapple and lemon laced with crushed green herbs. The mouth...