Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT 2013
A perennial favorite, the 2013 Allegrini Palazzo della Torre is nicely concentrated and magenta-hued, due in part to a small fraction of grapes dried ripasso-style blended in post-fermentation—an addition that lends both satiny texture and richness. Layered aromas of plums and cherry skins, leather, earth, tobacco, mint and dark chocolate shavings lead in to a […]
Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Gamay Noir 2015
Evening Land’s Cru Beaujolais-like Gamay Noir is sourced from the oldest Gamay Noir vines in the country, planted in 1983—though I am told that there is also a younger block in the blend. In keeping with Beaujolais tradition, this is whole cluster carbonic fermentation in concrete, the effect of which is lovely. Pie cherries burst […]
Clos Puy Arnaud La Cuvée Bistrot 2013
2013 was a difficult vintage for Bordeaux, though the whites fared better, as they are wont to do in such years. Because this is my first experience tasting anything from Clos Puy Arnaud, it’s hard to assess what the wine is like in a more favorable year. It’s quite thin, and the body more closely […]
Leah Jørgensen Cellars Oregon Tour Rain 2014
This is the second bottle I’ve tasted from Leah Jorgensen, on finishing my glass, I can honestly say her wines leave me with more questions than answers. The 2014 Tour Rain reminds me of some of my favorite wines from the Bourgueil. With a brilliant dark magenta robe, this Oregon Cab Franc is seductive and […]
King Estate Domaine Pinot Noir 2014
I had the chance to sample some of the 2014 vintage from barrel with King Estate’s former winemaker, Kevin Sommelet. 2014 was a warm year, and the estate’s Domaine label reflects this with an expressive nose abundantly perfumed by fleshy black cherries and plums, followed by deeper, woodsier aromas, worn leather, dried roses and pungent […]
Evening Land Seven Springs Estate Chardonnay 2014
Really lovely, the Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 brings with it sense of refinement. Like a classically tailored blazer, its texture is soft but structured, underpinned by a layer fine tannins and bolstered by lithe and lovely notes of lemon zest and blanched almond, pencil shavings and orchard fruit. Under winemaker Sashi Moorman’s […]
King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Domaine 2014
I had the chance to sample some of the 2014 vintage from barrel with King Estate’s former Burgundian winemaker, Kevin Sommelet. 2014 was a warm year, and the estate’s Domaine label reflects this with an expressive nose abundantly perfumed by fleshy black cherries and plums, followed by deeper, woodsier aromas, worn leather, dried roses, and […]
Clos du Jaugueyron Haut-Médoc 2012
The first impression is of minerality with black currents, blackberries, forest floor and sweet spice firmly seated beneath a fine layer of chalkboard dust. The 2012 Clos du Jaugueyron Haut-Medoc is slightly reserved, trussed in polished, slightly chalky tannins that give way to sweet black fruit at the core. There is perhaps a touch of […]
Boutinot La Côte Sauvage Côtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne 2012
Flat out pretty the 2012 Boutinot La Côte Sauvage Côtes du Rhône Cairanne is a warm embrace. Juicy black cherries, plums, lavender, vanilla and perhaps even a whiff of blackberry cobbler, fresh from the oven. It’s satiny smooth, with moderate acidity and body with ultra-fine tannins to match. This is a wine that will deliver […]
Evening Land Seven Springs ‘Anden’ Pinot Noir 2014
A knee-weakening Pinot Noir, Evening Land’s Seven Springs ‘Anden’ comes from fruit harvested in a single pass through a phylloxerated section of historic Seven Springs vineyard. The 2014 is whole cluster fermented and aged in 100% New oak—it would seem that there’s a method to winemaker Sashi Moorman’s madness in the rather unusual approach to […]