Category Archives: Petit Verdot

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

Chateau Gloria 2005

Posted on November 4, 2009 by RJ

Chateau Gloria, Saint-Julien 2005 There’s a nice smoky essence in the nose while in the mouth you’ll find cranberries and dark chocolate. This wine is quite chewy and would certainly benefit from 6-8 years in the cellar. The estate is … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Saint-Julien | Leave a comment

2004 Napa Bordeaux Blends

Posted on September 29, 2009 by RJ

Franciscan, Napa Valley, Magnificat 2004 This wine exudes sweet ripe fruit in the nose. This profile follows through in the mouth with chalky tannins and lingering acidity. Produced and bottled in Rutherford 14.5% $50 at the winery for the latest … Continue reading →

Posted in Bordeaux Style Blends, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Malbec, Merlot, Napa Valley, Petit Verdot, Stags Leap District | 1 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

Throwing strikes on the hill

Posted on May 25, 2008 by RJ

Stryker Sonoma sits on a little hill with a broad view of the Alexander Valley. We recently visited with Jen Berman on the winemaking team and the Bordeaux varietals were top-notch. I thoroughly enjoyed the chocolaty Merlot and the supple … Continue reading →

Posted in Alexander Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Sonoma County | Leave a comment

Bordeaux Grapes in the New World

Posted on December 7, 2007 by RJ

Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Mild green elements add a nice complexity to the cherry fruit. This is a light-bodied Cabernet with a complementary level of acidity. All Cabernet aged in new and used French and US oak. Winemaker Sue … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Margaret River, Merlot, New Zealand, Petit Verdot, South Australia, Western Australia | Leave a comment