Category Archives: Semillon

La Tour Blanche 2003

Posted on November 6, 2008 by RJ

Chateau La Tour Blanche, Sauternes, 1er Cru 2003 The nose is marked by honey and minerality and appropriate VA. The pungency of the cleanser-like VA will certainly be too much for some as it does interfere with the fruit in … Continue reading →

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Chateau Lagupeau 2007

Posted on November 4, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Lagupeau, Graves 2007 The nose is a mix of bay leaves, fruit and chemical notes. In the mouth the wine is hard and lean with lots of acid. There’s a sense that this wine is aging prematurely and I’d … Continue reading →

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G force

Posted on October 8, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Guiraud, Bordeaux Blanc Sec, Le G de Chateau Guiraud 2006 This vintage is pretty hard to love in that the smell is all minerality and solvent notes. There’s viscosity and acidity but flavor? Sourced from vines with an average … Continue reading →

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Phoenix flight

Posted on August 30, 2008 by RJ

When Vacu-Dry ceased operations in Sebastopol, California, many bemoaned the continuing decline of the apple industry in Sonoma’s West County region. Yet from those ashes many a high-flying phoenix has taken flight. The large and rather dingy industrial complex that … Continue reading →

Posted in Anderson Valley, California, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Hunter Valley, Lodi, Mendocino County, Mendocino Ridge, New South Wales, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley, Zinfandel | Leave a comment

The sweet stuff

Posted on July 10, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Doisy Daene Sauternes 2003 There’s lots of creme caramel and toastiness in this wine and a little lower on the RS scale than other Sauternes. The vineyard is planted to 87% Semillon, 12% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle. The … Continue reading →

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Creme caramel company

Posted on May 2, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Raymond-Lafon Sauternes 2003 Amazing balance for such a lusciously sweet wine with creme caramel flavors. Going back to the 2002, my notes again emphasize the complexity, concentration and appropriate VA levels. A class favorite, very rich and thick, very … Continue reading →

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The lush life in Napa

Posted on April 30, 2008 by RJ

Dolce Napa Valley Late Harvest Wine 2003 This is the classic California Sauternes competitor, in flavor and in price. There’s a blend of pineapple and caramel with honey and minerality on a viscous palate where the flavor goes on and … Continue reading →

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Sauternes on the cheap

Posted on April 22, 2008 by RJ

Chateau Gravas Sauternes 2004 This wine hasn’t been a show stopper but it isn’t bad. I mean this in the best way possible. Sauternes from the heavyweight producers has become prohibitively expensive for many. The Gravas offers a glimpse of … Continue reading →

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Screamin’ Semillon

Posted on December 9, 2007 by RJ

Pepper Tree Hunter Valley Semillon 2005 This baby is screaming with acidity – very green and right on target. Put it to bed for the long haul and enjoy it when it matures. 100% Semillon fermented in stainless. Winemaker Chris … Continue reading →

Posted in Australia, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Semillon | Leave a comment

Remember White Bordeaux?

Posted on November 13, 2007 by RJ

Chateau Guiraud Bordeaux Vin Blanc Sec 2005 The last bottle tasted in early 2007 was very fresh, combining high acid with depth of flavor. This bottle was on target again, with roundness to complement the acidity. Sourced from vines with … Continue reading →

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