Category Archives: Bordeaux Style Blends

Benziger Tribute 2005

Posted on May 8, 2009 by RJ

Benziger, Sonoma Mountain, Tribute 2005 There’s a beautiful expression of fruit graced by oak in the nose. In the mouth the fruit is juicy, vibrant. The wine is structured for aging yet is accessible now along side a nice New … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain | Leave a comment

Rockpile Winery Reds

Posted on May 8, 2009 by RJ

Rockpile Winery, Rockpile, Buck Pasture, Red Wine 2005 The nose is rather closed upon first opening this wine, with hints of Cassis and new oak. The mouth shows demonstrable acidity and lots of fresh oak to accent the black currants. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Petite Sirah, Rockpile, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Trione Bordeaux Blend 2005

Posted on May 1, 2009 by RJ

Trione, Alexander Valley, Geyserville Ranch, Red Wine 2005 In the nose there is cassis and tobacco, a blend of California and Bordeaux. In the mouth, there is the taste of dark chocolate and berries and a fully-structured palate – just … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Geyser Peak Reserve Alexandre 1999

Posted on April 24, 2009 by RJ

Geyser Peak, Alexander Valley, Reserve Alexandre, Meritage 1999 The nose is drying out yet there is quite a bit of chocolate to enjoy. The mouth has reached a rather astringent phase, drying out. The acidity is carrying some nice elements … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Meritage, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Flora Springs Trilogy 2001

Posted on November 6, 2008 by RJ

Flora Springs, Napa Valley, Trilogy 2001 There is a medley of brown spices in the nose and a supple, now is the time to drink this, profile in the mouth. There’s complexity and the acidic frame carrying on – nice. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Napa Valley | Leave a comment

Stars out of the Bordeaux tradition

Posted on October 18, 2008 by RJ

Adobe Road, Knights Valley, Cabernet Franc 2005 This is perfectly ripe Cab Franc – no veg to smell at all, just lots of berries. The structure of Cab Franc is in the mouth combining with the fruit and filled out … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Dry Creek Valley, Knights Valley, Meritage, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

California heavyweights

Posted on July 21, 2008 by RJ

Some heavyweights are elegant on their feet, others draw lots of money in their direction and some are quite big. This post explores famous names and rising stars across the price spectrum. Quintessa, Rutherford Napa Valley, Red Wine 2004 There’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, Rutherford, Santa Cruz Mountains | Leave a comment

5 Bordeaux grapes and 3 continents

Posted on July 10, 2008 by RJ

Clarendon Hills Clarendon Brookman Merlot 2005 Roman Bratasiuk pulls no punches with his opulent wines. This Merlot features ripe fruit and the cigar box characters we often associate with Bordeaux. The texture is oh so plush. P&B in Blewitt Springs … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Australia, Bordeaux Style Blends, Guenoc Valley, Idaho, Lake County, McLaren Vale, Meritage, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, South Australia | Leave a comment

Bordeaux blends

Posted on April 30, 2008 by RJ

Justin Paso Robles Isosceles 2005 Lots of toasty oak and sour cherries with a thickness that lasts a long time. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 7% Merlot. GP&B in Paso Robles 14.6% $47.99 at Bottle Barn Justin Chateau … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Paso Robles, Saint-Julien | Leave a comment

Bordeaux grapes and their blends

Posted on April 18, 2008 by RJ

This flight features 5 wines where Cabernet and others of the famous 5 make an appearance, in vintages ranging from 2005 back to 2002. The Sinskey and ZD were the clear favorites from the recent vintages in this flight. Their … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Cotes de Castillon, Napa Valley, Pauillac, Virginia | Leave a comment