Brassfield Estate, High Valley, High Serenity Ranch, Estate Bottled, Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Give this a little air to allow the fruity aromatics to come to the fore. Then you'll find pineapple and lemon laced with crushed green herbs. The mouth...
Domaine Chandon, California, Brut, Classic nv Unfortunately this wine was corked. The aromatics are dampened and the mouth is astringent. A sense of the dosage is the only element coming through. I was concerned when I removed the foil from the top...
Korbel, Russian River Valley Champagne, Natural’ Méthode Champenoise 2007 In the nose you'll find green apples and strawberries while in the mouth it is acidic, with a sense of apples that have been baked with brown sugar - nice. 65% Pinot Noir,...
Willamette Valley Vineyards, Willamette Valley - Oregon, Riesling 2008 This wine captures the essence of the SweeTarts I chewed on as a boy - great memories from nights at the movie theater then and a wonderful accompaniment to spicy food now. You...
St. James Winery, Country Red, Semi-Sweet Wine nv In the nose this is beautifully grapy, reminiscent of the grapes I ate as a boy. In the mouth it is moderately sweet, light-bodied and balanced by acidity - nice. P&B in St. James, Missouri...
Chateau Puy Arnaud, Cotes de Castillon 2005 The oak makes its presence known when you smell this wine. In the mouth the full ripeness of the fruit comes through, with ample concentration and plenty of structure - a solid value in $10 Bordeaux. The...
Domaine de Beausejour, Chinon 2007 This wine is riper than previous incarnations, showing black fruit beyond the capsicum. In the mouth it is green and gripping but tolerable. 100% Cab Franc with stainless ferment; Gerard et David Chauveau in...
Andrea Oberto, Barbera d’Alba DOC 2008 The nose features tar as well as some bound up sulfur. In the mouth it is immensely tart, screaming with acidity and a little leaner than hoped for. This wine doesn't show nearly as nice as previous vintages;...
d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, The Footbolt, Shiraz 2005 The nose features liquer-like character, a concentration of candied black fruit, a hint of eucalyptus and some subtle volatility. In the mouth the fruit is in force, the feel is silky and a thread...
Perrin & Fils, Cotes du Rhone Villages 2007 The nose features sweet berries and black pepper. In the mouth it quite structured with medium weight; it's crying out for red meat - nice value from the Rhone. This wine is 50% Syrah and 50%...