Heading south from Gevrey-Chambertin, the tasters moved to the Grange Hall in the village of Gilly-Les-Citeaux. Here we met with Burgundian producers sampling their Morey and Chambolle from the 2006 vintage along with a few 2005s. Chambolle is...
Day 2 at Les Grands Jours provided an opportunity to assess the wines from the Cote-d'Or's northern half. This is the territory famous for Pinot Noir. Gevrey-Chambertin has long been known for its muscular Pinot Noir. Such Pinot is a natural when...
It was quite a rainy day in Chablis on Monday for the start of the 2008 Grand Jours. At the Petit Pontigny we tasted the latest offerings, as well as a few mature wines, from dozens of producers. Following are some of the highlights. Domaine...
Brut and Natural are words that we use to describe the final dosage or sweetness level of sparkling wine. In France, Natural, Brut Nature or any of the various proprietary names communicating the same, ranges from 0 to 6 g/l. Brut, the next level...
Paradise Ridge Winery Russian River Valley Ode to Joy Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2005 Lots of complexity in this wine, with honey galore. This dessert wine was crafted to honor the memory of Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars. 330 g/l sugar at harvest....
Le Clos du Caillou Cotes du Rhone Vielles Vignes Cuvee Unique 2005 This is a solid wine, balanced in medium weight with ripe fruits and structure. The ripeness is such that there are liquer-like black fruits. The alcohol is showing a bit in this...
Deux Montille Chambolle-Musigny "Les Babilleres" 2005 This is brimming with fresh cherries and surrounded by a silky texture kissed by the taste of oak. The Pinot for this wine was sourced from Les Babilleres, situated between Les Charmes and the...
Verget Macon Villages 2006 Open this a little early to blow off the reductive funk and after 20 minutes the fruit will come through. From Jean-Marie Guffen, this Chardonnay has been a spot-on value in notes back to the 2003 vintage. Vinifie et mis...
Harvest Moon Russian River Valley Dry Gewurztraminer 2007 Estate grown fruit and some oak treatment. G, P&B in Santa Rosa. 12.5% $?? at the winery, winery sample Harvest Moon Rosemount Estate South Eastern Australia Traminer Riesling 2005 65%...
This flight features 4 wines to showcase the breadth of flavors found in California wine. Guenoc Lake County Sauvignon Blanc 2006 Clean, light-bodied and straightforward value in Sauvignon from the home front. P&B in Middletown, up above...