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...
Flying Goat, Santa Maria Valley, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2005 Concentrated cherries, sweet oak in July 08. In February '09, there's some nice complexity as well, with the fruits stewing a bit - nice. Winemaker Norm Yost. P&B in...
Tablas Creek, Paso Robles, Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 2005 There are stones and flowers to smell and a big body for this dry, warm wine. This white Rhone-style blend is composed of 70% Roussanne, 25% Grenache Blanc and 5% Picpoul Blanc. GP&B in...
Papapietro Perry Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2006 intensely concentrated berry, liquer-like fruit and a little warmth. P&B in Healdsburg 14.25% $38.49 at Bottle Barn Papapietro Perry Sonnet Santa Lucia Highlands Tondre's Grapefield Pinot...
Joseph Drouhin Fleurie 2005 A little rustic with a tart framework. Mis by Drouhin, negociant eleveur a Beaune 13% $15.99 at Bottle Barn Drouhin
Greenwood Ridge Mendocino Ridge Estate Bottled White Riesling 2006 This has always been a crowd pleaser; this vintage pushes the RS up to 2.8%. GP&B in Philo 13.5% $13.69 at Bottle Barn Greenwood Ridge Dr. Loosen Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Wehlener...
Chateau Sociando-Mallet Haut-Medoc 2005 Toasty oak, ripe tannins and black fruits - delicious. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc from vines at an average 30 years old. Mis au chateau par Jean Gautreau in St. Seurin de...
Christian Moueix Bordeaux Merlot 2003 From the Petrus folks, a value-oriented red from the land of very expensive wine. This is on the earthy side with fruit that is evolving in a raisin direction; it's light-bodied and acidic. Mis en bouteille par...
Berger, Niederosterreich, Gruner Veltliner 2007 This wine has been a value and notice that you still get a super size. A lean and acidic refresher. Estate bottled by E. & M. Berger in Gedersdorf in Krems 12.5% $10.99 at Bottle Barn Domaine...
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 final blend is...