E. Guigal, Cote-Rotie, Brune et Blonde de Guigal 2005 Here is a Syrah that demonstrates the black pepper quality that lurks in this variety. There's also earthiness, a benign Band-Aid character adding to the complexity of the nose. The mouth shows...
JC Cellars, California Cuvee, Syrah 2006 This is an inky Syrah to look at. The nose features sweet black fruits and berry pie. The mouth is a rich expression of Syrah, with sweet-appearing fruit and ripe tannins. Winemaker Jeff Cohn. P&B in...
South Coast, California, Grenache, Rose 2007 In the nose there is candy, flowers and the smell something citrus. The mouth is plump and amplified by a about 1% RS. This took the sweepstake award for pink wine at the Chronicle Wine Competition in...
Carol Shelton, Mendocino County, Rendezvous Rose 2007 This wine is redolent of strawberries - just bountiful! In the mouth this rose is truly dry yet with plenty of fruit it comes across as quite concentrated. I bought a 6 pack of this a few...
Copain, Mendocino County, ‘Tous Ensemble’, Viognier 2007 It's a pleasure to find a tasty Viognier under 14% and this one delivers with the classic peaches and flowers - fresh and delicious. P&B in Healdsburg 13.7% $17.99 at Traverso’s Copain...
Leitz, Rheingau, Rudesheimer, Magdalenenkreuz, Riesling, Spatlese 2007 This wine speaks of flowers, both the sweet and the spicy type. The mouth shows us candied fruit, apricots both dried and sweet, driven by a healthy dose of acidity. There is...
Schloss Lieser, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Riesling, Kabinett 2007 Give this wine a little air when you crack the screwcap to blow off a bit of reductiveness. Then you can see Riesling's petrol character already shining through with citrus in the nose. The...
Dr. Loosen, Mosel, Dr.L, Riesling 2007 This wine is reminiscent of SweetTarts - the candy I loved as a child, with a bit of phenolic grip on the palate - austere but reasonably priced for a sense of the region. Qualitatswein, bottled in Bernkastel...
Hibou de Nuit, Sonoma County, Gewurztraminer 2006 The nose features a vibrant combo of floral and tropical notes, including pineapple and candied banana. In the mouth this Gewurz is quite dense with a streak of acidity to keep it fresh. It's like a...
St. Joseph, Grand River Valley, Riesling 2003 In the nose there are floral notes, apricots and candied lime. The mouth features peaches and apricots in a semi-dry appearance, fresh and delicious. The staying power of this wine is amazing - 6 years...