Category Archives: Napa Valley

Emblem Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Posted on July 31, 2010 by RJ

Emblem, Napa Valley, Oso Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 This is very refined Cabernet. The nose sports the ripeness of Cassis with the richness of vanilla and chocolate. In the mouth the edges are all polished, a ripe wine yet one … Continue reading →

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Swanson Pinot Grigio 2008

Posted on July 29, 2010 by RJ

Swanson, Napa Valley, Pinot Grigio 2008 The nose features a mix of citrus and tropical fruits with a bit of green herbs. In the mouth it is fresh and fruity, showing the essence of orange and grapefruit with ample acidity … Continue reading →

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Pahlmeyer Red 2006

Posted on July 26, 2010 by RJ

Pahlmeyer, Napa Valley, Red Wine 2006 In the nose the fruit is quite sweet and ripe, reminiscent of Cassis accented with vanilla and brown spices. In the mouth this Bordeaux-style blend is ripe and approachable, quite silky and ready to … Continue reading →

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Cynthus Cabernet Sauvignon 2005

Posted on June 29, 2010 by RJ

Cynthus, Napa Valley, Stagecoach Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 The nose features Cassis, bay leaves and the sweetness of oak, expressed as vanilla and caramel. Give this some time to open up; with 30 minutes more black fruits emerge. On the … Continue reading →

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Luna Merlot 2006

Posted on June 27, 2010 by RJ

Luna, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006 The nose features sweet oaky notes and black fruit. In the mouth the black fruits come through with cherries too. The suppleness of Merlot that most consumers seek is on full display in a light-bodied … Continue reading →

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V. Sattui Semillon 2008

Posted on June 10, 2010 by RJ

Semillon in California seems to have a bit of a Rodney Dangerfield image, playing second fiddle behind the more photogenic stars of the viticultural landscape. Yet in Australia’s Hunter and Bordeaux’s Sauternes, it is the star. I was delighted to … Continue reading →

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The wines of Viader

Posted on May 12, 2010 by RJ

These wines were first tasted during a visit with Alan Viader at the estate on April 30. I bought two of my favorites to share with the UC Berkeley class in San Francisco on May 12. The notes below are … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot | Tagged | 1 Comment

United States Bordeaux blends 2006

Posted on May 10, 2010 by RJ

Kendall-Jackson, Knights Valley, Highland Estates, Trace Ridge, Red Wine 2006 Unfortunately this bottle is corked. The grapes behind this wine are 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and 7% Petit Verdot. The wine was aged for 19 months in French oak, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Knights Valley, Merlot, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Virginia | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

California Albarino 2009

Posted on May 10, 2010 by RJ

Abrente, Napa Valley, Albarino 2009 The fruit in the nose is vibrant, running from citrus through tropical notes. In the mouth the flavor is that of fresh oranges, light-bodied and fresh, with long lingering acidity. The grapes are sourced from … Continue reading →

Posted in Albariño, California, Carneros, Clements Hills, Lodi, Napa Valley | Tagged , | 1 Comment

JC Cellars Petite Syrah 2005

Posted on April 21, 2010 by RJ

JC Cellars, Napa Valley, Frediani Vineyard, Petite Syrah 2005 The nose is spiritous yet in the mouth the fruit is liqueur-like. The expected tannic profile of Petite is there along with a sense of the alcohol. The cool thing is … Continue reading →

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