Category Archives: Mendocino County

Carol Shelton Rendezvous Rose 2008

Carol Shelton, Mendocino County, Rendezvous Rose 2008 The nose is vibrantly fruity, evocative of fresh raspberries and herbs. In the mouth it is dry and fruity, with a little warmth.  The RS adds some weight, filling our the wine and … Continue reading

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Wines of the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout

The final round of judging in the 2010 Pinot Noir Shootout was held today at Bistro Boudin on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. I was asked to join about 30 other judges to pick the best of the best from … Continue reading

Posted in Anderson Valley, Mendocino County, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Chronicle Pinot Noirs 2006

Chronicle, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2006 The nose sports sweet cherry and raspberries, with vanilla and cinnamon. The mouth shows these fruits again in a sleek format, a texture that is silky and ripe – delicious. Think about this Pinot … Continue reading

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Family wineries in California

The Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers hosted a seminar and tasting yesterday to showcase the passing of the torch in California’s winegrowing families. Featured speakers included Warren Bogle, whose family has been farming in Clarksburg for … Continue reading

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Carneros, Chardonnay, Clarksburg, Gewurztraminer, Mendocino County | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Esterlina Estate Pinot 2007

Esterlina, Anderson Valley, Estate Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The fruit is quite expressive in the nose – an explosion of red and black fruits with a smoky note for complexity. In the mouth the fruit shines again with plenty of … Continue reading

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Husch Renegade Sauvignon 2007

Husch, Mendocino, Renegade, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 This is a rounder style of Sauvignon with the enhancement of oak. The wine takes its name from the ‘renegade’ yeasts that are allowed to ply their craft without the help of their cultured … Continue reading

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Navarro Chenin 2008

Navarro, Mendocino, Chenin Blanc 2008 This dry, high acid Chenin is bursting with the taste of green apples and lime – very nice. Tasting a second bottle in December I have to reiterate the refreshing, tangy character of this wine, … Continue reading

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Copain Tous Ensemble Rose 2008

Copain, Anderson Valley, ‘Tous Ensemble’, Rose 2008 This rose has developed a rather rustic character. With 12 hours the funkier smells have blown off. The fruit, however, is receding and the alcohol is showing more of itself, with a sense … Continue reading

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Navarro grape juice 2008

Navarro, Mendocino, Gewurztraminer, Grape Juice 2008 This has long been a personal favorite of mine and during our trip to Mendo in March we were treated to a new way to enjoy it. At Cafe Beaujolais the juice was made … Continue reading

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Husch Gewurztraminer 2007

Husch, Anderson Valley, Gewurztraminer 2007 This Gewurz has a lot of sweet perfume in the nose. In the mouth, it’s fresh, tasting of lychee with just a bit of RS at .8% – nice. GP&B in Philo 13.9% $9.99 at … Continue reading

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