Stark Russian River Valley Cuvee Julian Syrah 2004 This is Syrah that is not afraid to be tannic with lots of alcohol showing in the nose and the mouth. There's 2% Viognier in the final blend and the fruit is sourced 63% from Bill and Betsy's...
This flight features Pinot all day. The first wine won Best of Class and went onto win the big award. The second is a red Burgundy from a top producer. Wines 3 and 4 were in the running for the BOC that De La Montanya won. De La Montanya Sonoma...
D'Argenzio Sonoma Valley D'Alfonso Sangiovese 2005 I had an opportunity to taste this wine twice in the past 2 weeks, once at the sweeps round and again during the D'Arenzio Harvest Party at the winery on Cleveland Avenue. This wine sports fresh...
Kunde Estate Sonoma Valley Grenache Rose 2006 A clean wine with parfum and strawberries framed by great acidity. We awarded this wine a Gold Medal and it won best of Class of the 10 pink wines tasted. The wine also showed well during the...
This flight features 2 Best of Class Winners in the Fair. The first is the BOC Chardonnay under $20, which came up through our panel of judges. The third wine is the BOC Chardonnay above $20 that went on to take the sweeps. In between is a star...
Gloria Ferrer Sonoma County Methode Champenoise Blanc de Noirs nv This is a perennial favorite in my classes. The silky, lowish acid profile combined with the dosage earns this wine many fans. 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Chardonnay, color from the...
La Morandina Moscato d’Asti DOCG 2006 This wine smells of orange blossoms and ginger and tastes sweet while light bodied and ready and willing to accompany your next bowl of raspberries. Bot in Castiglione Tinella in Cuneo 5.5% $17.99 at...
After a flight of sparkling wines from Franciacorta, this round goes still. Ca’ del Bosco Terre di Franciacorta DOCG Maurizio Zanella 2005 This is a concentrated white wine with layers of flavor and lots of acidity to frame it. 80% Chardonnay, 20%...
This flight demonstrates the contrasting taste profiles in the methode champenoise wines of Franciacorta and the tank feremented Prosecco of the Veneto. Bellavista, Franciacorta, Cuvee Brut nv Fresh and dry, this wine is 80% Chardonnay, with the...
This flight features 3 Syrah from both sides of the Atlantic. Domaine des Entrefaux Crozes-Hermitage 2005 Black pepper and structure in a good value Northern Rhone Syrah. Charles & Francois Tardy a Chanos-Curson 12.5% $14.49 at Bottle Barn...