Category Archives: Sierra Foothills

Sobon Viognier 2008

Posted on July 28, 2009 by RJ

Sobon Estate, Amador County, Viognier 2008 The tropical notes are such that this wine reminds me of the banana popsicles that I enjoyed as a boy. There’s also a layer of richness as well, making this wine slippery smooth. Besides … Continue reading →

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Montevina Barbera 2006

Posted on July 18, 2009 by RJ

Montevina, Amador County, Barbera 2006 Light-bodied and fruity with Barbera’s characteristic acidity – very clean and easy drinking. P&B in Plymouth 14.5% $7.79 at Bottle Barn Montevina

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Shenandoah Zin 2007

Posted on April 22, 2009 by RJ

Shenandoah Vineyards, Amador County, Special Reserve, Zinfandel 2007 This is an easy quaffer that delivers the fruit of Zin in a light-bodied format. The grapes were organicaly grown in California’s gold country. P&B in Plymouth 14.4% $7.99 at Bottle Barn … Continue reading →

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Runquist Barbera 2007

Posted on April 1, 2009 by RJ

R (Jeff Runquist), Amador County, Cooper Vineyard, Barbera 2007 There is a sweet, liquer-like sense to the nose, with plenty of vanilla. The fruit drives the flavors in the mouth with a heavy wack of oak for richness and the … Continue reading →

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Calstar, Alta Zin 2006

Posted on January 13, 2009 by RJ

Calstar Cellars, El Dorado County, Cardanini Estate, Zinfandel, Alta Zin 2006 This is certainly a jammy wine, light-bodied and fruity with the weight of the alcohol underlying it. Owner and Winemaker Rick Davis. P&B in Sebastopol 15.1% $18.75 at the … Continue reading →

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From SF head east

Posted on August 21, 2008 by RJ

Rombauer, California, Zinfandel 2006 This has always been on the very rich end of Zin styles with perceptible residual sugar – nonetheless a crowd-pleaser. This vintage follows the same path. The fruit is 59% Amador, 24% Napa, 11% lake and … Continue reading →

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Driving for Zin

Posted on July 14, 2008 by RJ

Neyers, Contra Costa County, Pato Vineyard, Zinfandel 2005 Stewed and raisiny fruit. P&B in St. Helena 15.6% $24.49 at Bottle Barn Neyers Z, Amador County, Massoni Ranch, Zinfandel 2005 Sweet oak multiplied by sweet fruit – plush. Z is Jeff … Continue reading →

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Mountain Port 2

Posted on July 8, 2008 by RJ

Renwood Sierra Foothills Vintage Port 2003 Sweet and slathered in oak essence – a class favorite. 5 traditional Portuguese grapes made this wine, Tinta Cao, Alvararhao, Souzao, Bastardo and Touriga. Aged in neutral American oak for 2 years, 7.9% RS. … Continue reading →

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Mountain Port

Posted on July 7, 2008 by RJ

Macchia Amador County Linsteadt Vineyard Dangerous Port 2004 In the house style of ripeness and richness with integrated alcohol. The grapes are a combo of Barbera and Zinfandel. P&B in Lockeford 20.1% $25 at the winery Macchia

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Pizza time

Posted on May 2, 2008 by RJ

Isole e Olena Chianti Classico DOCG 2004 The previous vintage showed some herbaceousness and tannic grip, as well as cherry, fresh and evolving with complexing earthiness. Here again with the 2004 there is a rusticity and astringency. 85% Sangiovese, 10% … Continue reading →

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