Taylor Fladgate, Porto, Late Bottled Vintage 2003 The new release is available to us and it shows the characteristic pruny and stewed fruits in the nose. In the mouth there is a sense of the alcohol as well as chocolate and cherry flavors. The...
Mulderbosch, Western Cape, Chenin Blanc, Steen op Hout 2008 The wet stones are dancing out of the glass with a touch of herbaceousness and citrus. The mouth sports plenty of acidity yet not without the extract to keep up with it - always a...
Fleury Estate Winery, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006 This wine reminds us that Merlot need not be flacid. Acidity enhances the plumminess of Merlot and makes it all the more food-friendly. At the same time, the fruitiness and plush...
Palmeri, Alexander Valley, Van Ness Vineyard, Syrah 2004 This Syrah features meaty, gamey notes in the nose. In the mouth it's a big wine, with plenty of structure and extract. Many Syrah have moved into a candy-like, no structure direction while...
Flowers, Sonoma Coast, Pinot Noir 2007 The cherries combine with forest floor and a touch of rubber in the nose. In the mouth, the cherries are enhanced by the acidity but there is also an uncharacteristic sense of astringency. P&B in Cazadero...
Patz & Hall, Russian River Valley, Dutton Ranch, Chardonnay 2006 The nose speaks buttery richness from the get go, with toastiness and apples. The mouth is full-on thick with butter yet balanced by acidity - very concentrated. Proprietors...
Hanna, Russian River Valley, Estate Grown, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 Notes back through the 2004 vintage show a consistent thread of bright citrus and high acidity. The '08 repeats that scenario with tropical notes as well. Give it a bit of air upon...
Navarro, Anderson Valley, Estate Bottled, Dry, Gewurztraminer 2007 Another long-time favorite from Navarro that captures the smell of Gewurz without the sweetness. In the nose it is like roses and baby powder while the mouth is fuller-bodied than...
Navarro Vineyards, Anderson Valley, Estate Bottled, Dry Muscat 2007 This wine has consistently dazzled with the ebulent smell of Muscat in a dry format. The '07 is spot-on again with loads of orange blossom in the nose. In the mouth there's a sense...
Sottimano, Barbaresco, Fausoni 2000 This wine has developed a beautiful sense of raisined fruit but the cork taint is absolutely horrific. Again our nemesis TCA raises its ugly head to spoil the fun. The grapes are 100% Nebbiolo from the cru...