Hallcrest Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Belle Farms Pinot Noir 2005 Earth and brambles to smell with tart cherries and a silky texture. The brett is in check but will be too much for some. Winemaker and proprietor John Schumacher. 13.9% winery...
The 2007 Pink wines are hitting the streets, just in time for a few warm days this spring. County Line Anderson Valley Rose 2007 Lots of acid and a sense of the vitamin C you might take in the morning. There's a layer of richness on top of that to...
Havens Napa Valley Carneros Albarino 2006 This wines has been a spot-on fresh example of Albarino; I only wish it was more widely available. P&B in Napa 12.5% $19.49 at Bottle Barn Havens
Last night in the UC California class, The Great Wines of Northern California, we sampled a stunning Pinot priced just shy of $15. Willowbrook, Sonoma County, Pinot Noir 2006 This wine exudes fruit in an elegant way, is framed by acidity and...
Bodegas Nekeas Navarra DO El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa Old Vines Grenache 2005 There's smoke, tar and the brightness of fresh berries. Light-bodied and fruity. Sourced from 60 year old Grenache (Garnacha) grown in the Nekeas Valley. The wine is a...
Taylor Fladgate, Porto, Late Bottled Vintage 2001 Dried fruits such as prunes are a common theme with noticeable alcohol – true to type and sometimes the wine seems to have the alcohol integrated even better than usual, though most are not bothered...
Lustau, Sherry DO, Solera Reserva, Fino, Jarana nv The latest bottle purchased in February 2010 is coded 9180 and bottled under a Stelvin closure. The profile was was previously spot on with plenty of bruised apples and toasted almonds all the...
2006 Mirassou California Pinot Noir There still are values to be found in the ever popular and price-escalating field of Pinot Noir. This wine was a hit in two of my recent classes, showcasing clean fruit, light body and the acidity to make it...
Montevina Amador County 2005 This has been a consistent good value in California Barbera, showing a light-bodied, fruit forward style. P&B in Plymouth 13.5% $7.49 at Bottle Barn Montevina Michael & David 7 Deadly Zins Old Vine Zin 2006 This...
Tasting through this flight of 3 can give you a sense of your favorite style of white wine. Perhaps you love the full on acidity of the Hanna, prefer the richness of the Benziger or find the light sweetness of the Lohr most appealing. Like me, you...