Acorn, Russian River Valley, Alegria Vineyards, Dolcetto 2006 There's a great complexity of smells working in the nose, including fresh and stewed fruits, green herbs and eucalyptus as well as a sense of oakiness. In the mouth, Bill has worked the...
Seghesio Alexander Valley, Barbera 2007 The new vintage of this wine smells as fetching as ever, exploding with a freshness of fruit as if still in the making at the winery. There's also a sense of the rather immense alcohol showing itself before...
Chateau Gravas, Sauternes 2005 The nose features honey, flowers and minerality with an appropriate amount of volatility. In the mouth, the honey-essence and caramel are there in a light-bodied format with a touch of spiritous character. Previously...
Chateau Grand-Puy Ducasse, Pauillac, Grand Cru Classe 2005 The nose features sweet black fruit, earthiness and wet stones. In the mouth there is an appropriate amount of acidity, a little on the tart side with ripe tannins and a moderate level of...
Mas de Gourgonnier, Les Baux de Provence, Rouge 2006 As in previous vintages, the band-aids are working in tandem with the black fruits. The mouth also repeats a similar profile in that it is quite gripping with much astringency. The Reserve du Mas...
Domaine André Vatan, Sancerre, Les Charmes 2007 The style point has always been lean and green, offering a sense of the appellation without the over $20 price of the more concentrated offerings. This vintage sports minerality, pipi de chat and...
Artadi Vinedos & Vinos, Rioja DOC Vinas de Gain 2005 The wine is a bit reductive and needs some air. With a bit of airing, there is a green spice/herbal character in the nose while the fruit is still buried in the background. Give it 20 minutes...
Muga, Rioja, Reserva DOC 2005 The nose combines vanilla, smokiness and ash with cranberries and just the right amount of horse blanket and leather. In the mouth, the tannins make a ripe blanket on top of the tart cherry fruit - the acidity makes...
Tejada Vineyards, Lake County, Tempranillo 50% Grenache 50% 2004 The spiritous character is starting to get ahead of the fruit in the nose. In the mouth the alcohol peeks out again, yet it works. There's a great balance of fruit and structure. The...
I paid a visit to Quady while returning from a trip to the mountains just south of Yosemite. The pilgramage to Quady is one that I have long wanted to make yet it is a drive from Sonoma County. This time the stars were aligned and time was on my...