I've often been guilty of asserting that Zinfandel doesn't last. I've opened too many aging Zins to find them falling apart, so much so that I had given up aging them. And honestly, it's not so bad drinking them when they are young and full of...
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...
Belhurst, Finger Lakes, Cayuga 2006 There's lots of citrus and stone fruits to smell and the palate dazzles with the sweet and tart character of Middle Mosel Rieslings - delicious. The RS is 2.7%. P&B in Geneva 12.5% $14.95 at the winery Belhurst
Domaine Tempier, Bandol 2005 The black fruit is blended with herbs of the region, fresh from the landscape and an element of meat on the grill. In the mouth there is lots of fruit wrapped up in tannic youthfulness. The balance is there in the...
Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rose 2007 The fresh fruit is evident in this low acid rose. This estate was farming organically before many jumped on board and all of the wines are today certified organic. The 2007 rose is about 60%...
Trimbach, Alsace, Pinot Blanc 2005 Light floral notes mark the nose and the mouth has a rather creamy texture, very little residual sugar, a moderate amount of acid and the taste of stone fruits; it's nice and simple for the price. Mis en bouteille...
La Spinetta, Barbaresco DOCG, Vigneto Starderi 2004 The previous vintage was a concentrated, oaky heavyweight, still in its infancy when tasted in late '07. This '04 smells of sweet oak and New World fruit. Again we see a tannic monster that is...
Cascina Castle't, Barbera d'Asti DOC 2005 Blueberries and plums in a light-bodied, high acid format. Estate bottled by Maria Borio in Costigliole d'Asti 13.5% $11.99 at Traverso's Cascina Castlet Bruno Giacosa, Dolcetto d'Alba DOC 2007 There's an...
Ceretto, Langhe, Arneis DOC, Blange' 2007 This is quite fresh with lots of flowers, citrus fruit, moderate acidity and a light body. Blange is the name of Ceretto's estate property, devoted to Arneis, spread over two villages. The wine's production...
Bonterra, Lake County, Bartolucci Vineyard, Muscat 2004 This wine has been well-made since the good old days when the you could taste it at the beautiful Valley Oaks facility. There are the compelling floral notes associated with Muscat plus some...