This flight features two very different incarnations of this grape; both well-done yet very different. Domaine Zind Humbrecht, Alsace, Gewurztraminer 2008 The nose features roses galore, a spicy floral production with honey and tropical fruit in...
Little Vineyards, Sonoma Valley, Petite Sirah 2007 The nose smells sweetly of oak and jammy black fruits. In the mouth you'll find a significant expression of tannin as is often the case with Petite with lots of black fruit to keep up with it....
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley – Oregon, Tualatin Estate Vineyard, Pinot Noir 2007 The nose shows the sweetness of cherry candy dusted with brown spices. In the mouth it is supple yet lined with acidity, making it drinkable now...
Laurenz V., Niederosterreich, Singing, Gruner Veltliner 2009 Minerality, green herbs and a peppery pungency mark the nose. In the mouth you'll find tangy acidity, flavors of apricot, green apple and lemon. The palate features a bit of petillance...
All three of the wines in this flight were bottled under screwcap closures. I made my notes after lecturing a bit so they sat in the glasses for about 40 minutes before I started typing. Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Pinot Noir 2008 The cherry...
Domaine Charles Audoin, Marsannay Rose 2009 The nose features stone fruits and minerality, with a bit of earthiness and a whiff of a dairy note. In the mouth there is an austerity and a bit of warmth and grip. Drink this up during the summer....
Well-made Torrontes is a pleasure for the nose. Being a Europhile I've been late to appreciate the vibrancy of this grape's scent. Now though, I can't get enough of it and luckily many more are available in the US market. Don't miss this one,...
Navarro Correas, Mendoza, Coleccion Privada, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 The nose combines Cassis and vanilla. These flavors repeat in the mouth on a light-bodied frame, soft and easy drinking, immediately accessible - no time in the cellar required....
Cynthus, Napa Valley, Stagecoach Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 The nose features Cassis, bay leaves and the sweetness of oak, expressed as vanilla and caramel. Give this some time to open up; with 30 minutes more black fruits emerge. On the...
Innocent Bystander, Victoria, Pinot Noir 2009 There are lively black fruits in the nose, especially after 30 minutes. Add to that brown spices, a hint of thyme, spearmint and bubble gum sweetness. In the mouth this light-bodied Pinot delivers on...