Gallo Signature Series Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2013
An elegantly styled, full and fleshy Sonoma Chardonnay from Gallo’s Signature Line. The 2013 blossoms in the glass with aromas of bruised apple, yellow peach, caramel, acacia flowers and toasted hazelnut. High glycerol and admittedly high alcohol of 14.8%, but this is well integrated on the palate and nicely balanced by a burst of acidity, […]
Coquerel Terroir Pinot Noir 2012
Almost Burgundian in expression, the 2012 Coquerel Terroir Pinot Noir offers aromas of crushed raspberries, dried cherries, allspice, caramelized brown sugar, earth and mushrooms. Bright acidity lends lift to a core that is sweetly outfitted in red fruit, with marked purity, low tannins, and acid that hits the sides of the tongue and pleasantly lingers. […]
Auteur Pinot Noir Sonoma Stage Vineyard 2007
The 2007 Auteur Sonoma Stage Vineyard Pinot Noir is tired and feels like the fruit is fading. On the nose, aromas of dust, dried cherries, dried rose petal and a hit of alcohol. In the mouth, a stemmy high note, followed by rose petals and red berries, but nothing really precise. It finishes hot, too. […]
Dehlinger Estate Bottled Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
The 2014 Dehlinger Pinot Noir Rosé offers up a nose of fresh strawberries, with a touch of tart cherry. Not overly complex, though enjoyable. There is, perhaps a trace of lemon pith on the finish. I have enjoyed other wines from Dehlinger, particularly their Syrah. My advice: skip this one, great Old World, especially Provence […]
Failla Occidental Ridge Pinot Noir 2005
The 2005 Failla Occidental Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir is austere and bright at nearly 10 years on. The nose is dominated by red fruit: rhubarb, cranberry, and crushed raspberries. It’s lean and spare and incredibly tart on the palate with pronounced, angular mid-to-back palate tannins. The tartness, unfortunately dominates the profile, giving impression that it’s […]
Jolie-Laide Trousseau Gris Fanucchi-Wood Road 2014
The Jolie-Laide Trousseau Gris Fanucchi-Wood Road 2014 has the most beguiling, sparkly salmon robe—something not at all apparent from the packaging. I think that makes pouring it a lovely and surprising experience. While the nose is not overtly expressive, I adore the texture of this orange wine, thanks in part to skin contact during a […]
Red Car Sonoma Coast Rosé Of Pinot Noir 2014
Aside from the fact that the graphic designer in me is a sucker for Red Car’s packaging, the Sonoma Coast Rosé Of Pinot Noir 2014 definitely exceeded expectations. Composed of 100% cool-climate Pinot Noir, harvested at low brix and whole cluster fermented, it’s a great value given the care and quality in production. Fabulous notes […]
Peay Sonoma Coast Estate Viognier 2013
Viognier can be a devilish grape to work with—sugar levels have a tendency to soar during warm summer months, while phenolic maturity can lag woefully behind. This is why I’m impressed when I find domestic examples, such as this one that are balanced and lovely. Generous aromas of lush pear, white peach, musk and smoke. […]
Forlorn Hope Another Rare Creature The Faufreluches Gewürztraminer 2012
Forlorn Hope is a producer that has received great press of late, the last couple of bottles I tried, I felt vaguely disappointed, given the reviews. Here at last, is a spot-on dry Gewurztraminer from the Russian River Valley, that is exceptionally floral and deliciously concentrated. Orange blossom, jasmine tea, Cox Pippins. Fermented on skins […]