Navarro Pinot Gris
Navarro, Anderson Valley, Mendocino, Pinot Gris 2006 The nose sports candied citrus and tropical notes while the mouth is fruity and round with a spark of acidity. The time in bottle has added some nice complexity to a wine that we often drink...
Frederic Magnien Vosne 2005
Frederic Magnien, Vosne-Romanee, Vielle Vigne 2005 The nose of this wine features earth and rubber, some Band-Aid as well as reductive notes. In the mouth, the wine is tight and tannic, with obvious brett. I've had some other Magnien wines that...
Robert Weil Riesling 1999
Robert Weil, Rheingau, Riesling, Kabinett, Trocken 1999 The smell of this wine combines petrol and dried apricots. In the mouth, there is racy acidity, the zip of lime juice and an added creamy complexity. The flavor goes on very long and is just...
Laurello Cabernet Franc
Laurello, Grand River Valley, Cabernet Franc nv The nose puts together the herbaceous side of Cab Franc with the black fruit character it can expound. There's a healthy but appealing dose of brett, giving the earthiness that might remind one of...
Margerum Pinot Gris 2007
Margerum, Columbia Valley Washington, Margerum Ranch Vineyard, Pinot Gris 2007 The nose combines stone and tropical fruits with some green herbs from the spice rack and a touch of spiritous character. The mouthfeel is rich and slippery, with stone...
Latest wine class news
Hello everyone! I've been immersed in producing the public tasting for the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. With that behind me, it's back to writing and teaching and the ink is ready to flow. Coming up in the Saint Louis area is a...
Esterlina Riesling 2007
During the Winemakers of Sonoma Class at the Santa Rosa Junior College, we’ve been visiting with some of the region’s most famous stars. Mike Lee charted the history of winemaking in the area and his list of Big Improvements for Better Wine,...
Tin Barn Syrah
Tin Barn, Sonoma Coast, Coryelle Fields, Syrah 2004 The nose sports loads of oak while in the mouth the oak adds to the richness of this ripe, black fruit driven, supple Syrah. Managing Partner and Winemaker Mike Lancaster 14.2% $28 at the winery...
Bonterra Muscat 2007
Bonterra, Lake County, Bartolucci Vineyard, Muscat 2007 The muscat perfume is there though not as vibrant and fresh as in previous incarnations. The mouth is moderately sweet and medium bodied, tasting of sweet ginger ale. This wine brings back...
Innocent Bystander Moscato 2008
Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Moscato 2008 The previous vintage was so pretty and this one repeats - the essence of Muscat’s perfume in a light-bodied format, perfect with a light dessert of fresh berries in the summer. Bottled under crown cap for...