Shared Notes Les Pierres Qui Décident 2017
Savory aromas of freshly cut grass, crushed herbs, alpine air, and pine needle anoint the nose of Shared Notes 2017 Les Pierres Qui Dècident. Crafted from 100% Sauvignon Blanc clone Musqué and fermented and aged in 100% new French oak, its linear cut and surging intensity is impressive. A beam of acidity arcs across the […]
Au Contraire Chardonnay 2016
The 2016 Au Contraire Chardonnay is a full-bodied effort, offering up classic aromas of orchard fruit—bruised pear and yellow apple followed by freshly buttered wheat toast and preserved lemon. Lots of juicy yellow fruit and creaminess at the core; the interplay of acid and toast is nicely done. Aged eight months in stainless steel and […]
Orin Swift Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc 2017
An energetic whorl of pear and juicy musk melon, Opal apple, stargazer lily, and lime zest comprises the nose of Orin Swift’s 2017 Blank Stare. A blend of 97% Sauvignon Blanc and 3% Muscat, 20% barrel fermentation and aging in French oak is evident on the nose and palate, lending a just the right amount […]
J Vineyards Estate Grown Pinot Noir 2014
Flat out pretty, J Estate Vineyards Grown Pinot Noir 2014 is sourced from the River Valley and is a shade more nimble than expected. Robed in translucent garnet, and delivering a pent-up array of woodland berries and raspberries still on the vine, underbrush and rose petal and a dusting of warm spice. It’s a poised […]
Square Peg Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2014
Lovely purity of fruit in Square Peg’s 2014 Estate Block 8 Dry Farmed Pinot Noir from Green Valley. Grown at an 800′ elevation a mere eight miles from the Pacific Ocean—winemaker William Knuttel has coaxed red berries from this cool climate Pinot along with nuanced aromas of underbrush, rose petal, dried orange peel, and baking […]
J Vineyards Brut Rosé NV
I had the chance to visit J Vineyards in 2015, and was impressed (no pun intended) by the large Coquard press flanking the processing bay of the winery. The Coquard press is traditionally used by Champagne houses, and is extremely gentle. J’s Brut Rosé NV is as I remember it, fresh and vivacious, brimming with […]
Frei Brothers Reserve Chardonnay 2014
A nice value Chardonnay from the River Valley Russian, Frei Brothers 2014 Reserve is medium lemon yellow in the glass with a leaning towards tropical-papaya, ripe pear, buttered scone and baked apple tartin. The attack is round and full with moderate toast squarely at the mid-palate. A short shorts that adorned with toast and pencil […]
J Vineyards Brut Rosé NV
J Vineyards is the only domestic sparkling wine producer I’ve seen with a Coquard press, which is de rigueur in Champagne, but not so across the pond. Their NV Brut Rosé is a spirited blend of 66% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 1% Pinot Meunier, all from the Russian River Valley. The mousse is lively […]
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, […]
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 […]