Schramsberg Cremant 2004
Schramsberg, North Coast, Cremant, Demi-Sec 2004 There's sweet tropical fruit in the nose, with flowers and perfume. In the mouth this wine is lightly sweet, with a fruity core and a little bitterness. The grapes are 84% Flora, 9% Chardonnay, 6%...
Roederer L’Ermitage 2002
Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley, L'Ermitage, Brut 2002 The nose opens with fresh biscuits, citrus and stone fruits, also calling to mind a freshly baked fruit tart. In the mouth this wine is very concentrated and full of the flavor of green apples...
Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvee 2002
Gloria Ferrer, Carneros, Vintage Reserve, Royal Cuvee, Brut 2002 Let this open up a bit and after 10 minutes the fruit will start to show. There are apples both red and green and refreshing acidity in this light-bodied sparkler. Tasted again in...
Domaine Carneros Brut 2005
Domaine Carneros, Carneros, Brut 2005 The nose is opulently fruity with floral notes as well. In the mouth it is soft and fruity, round and very approachable - nice. The grapes are all Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and the wine was aged for 3 years en...
Schramsberg Mirabelle Rose
Schramsberg, North Coast, Mirabelle, Brut Rose nv There's a red-fruited sweetness in the nose, reminiscent of the cherries jubilee that I used to whip up table side back in the day. In the mouth the fruity theme continues with moderate acidity and...
Harney Lane
Harney Lane, Lodi Albarino 2008 This is spectacularly ripe and fresh Albarino, showing full fruit development. In the nose, the tropical notes are alight while in the mouth there is fresh citrus to complement the tropicals. In the mouth there is...
Chateau Lascombes 2005
Chateau Lascombes, Margaux 2005 This wine is super toasty in the nose with hints of dark chocolate and cassis. The mouth is quite structured urging a good 10 years and more in the cellar, yet already the black fruit is popping out. Fire up the...
Franciscan Cabernet 2006
Franciscan, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 This wine features lots of fruit overlayed with sweet vanilla. The oak adds richness. The tannins are ripe; there's a nice long acidity as well as balance. This wine is quite approachable and ready...
Rubissow Wines
We had a great visit to Rubissow with our Wines of California & Europe class on the first day of August. I'll post the notes on the estate next week but in the meantime here are two of their stars. Rubissow, Napa Valley, Mount Veeder, Rubissow...
Raymond White 2008
Raymond Vineyards, Napa Valley, Small Lot, White Wine 2008 This wine is crisp and ripe with the flavor of limes and oranges. The grapes behind this wine are 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Semillon. The Sauvignon was fermented and aged sur lie for 3...