Schramsberg Blanc De Blancs Brut 2012
While chatting with winemaker and proprietor, Hugh Davies, I asked him what he thought about zero dosage, extra brut sparkling wines. He told me that his wines have more than enough acidity due to cooler maritime climate, after tasting the Blanc de Blancs I’m inclined to agree. A shift in the 1.0g/L dosage would indeed […]
Knapp Dry Rosé 2014
The 2014 Knapp Dry Rosé is a piquant blend of 85% Cabernet Franc 15% and Pinot Noir with delicate aromas of alpine strawberries and cherry blossoms with top note of breezy line-dried linen. It’s equally light and on the palate with supple softness tinged with pomelo and chalk. It’s worth noting that Knapp has too, […]
Schramsberg Cabernet Sauvignon J. Davies 2012
On a hunch, Hugh Davies replanted his Diamond Mountain estate vineyard with Cabernet in 1994. Since then, he’s moved his sparkling grape parcels to cooler regions. A stroke of brilliance, really because Cab flourishes on Diamond Mountain and the 2012 J. Davies offers the most sumptuous aromas of plums, black currents, anise, mint and allspice. […]
Alpha Estate Malagouzia 2014
This Alpha Estate white is made from 100% Malagousia, a variety that was thought to be extinct until it was rescued in 1983. I’m glad it’s rebounding, for the variety possesses both merit and charm, with pretty aromas of flowers, white peaches, candied lemon peel and wet stone. Refreshing and lively. Alpha Estate 8.8 Points
Brooks Eola-Amity Hills Sweet P Riesling 2014
Such a treat to attend Brooks Wines first University session led by Alder Yarrow and Brooks’ talented winemaker, Chris Williams. As Alder put it, the 2014 Sweet P Riesling is “fresh as a button.” Spot on, Mr. Yarrow, in addition, lilting notes of green apples, white peaches, spring flowers, mint and the merest hint of […]
Domaine Giraud Prémices Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011
Oh my. The nose on Domaine Giraud’s Prémices Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 is unapologetically lush and even downright sensual with layers of blackberry reduction sauce, smoky plums, mesquite, Tahitian vanilla bean, and anise. It’s equally immersive and voluptuous on the palate, layers of black fruit are beautifully delineated against a structure that suggests good aging potential, balanced […]
Hosmer Cayuga Lake Pinot Gris 2013
The aromatics on the 2013 Hosmer Cayuga Lake Pinot Gris are perhaps what I most enjoyed, an expression that does indeed seem unique to place. Scents of buckwheat and prairie flowers waft from the glass along with richer notes of clover honey and yellow apples. While not quite as complex on the palate, it offers […]
Knudsen Erath Vintage Select Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 1983
Tasted together, the 1983, I’m told was the better vintage. After 32 years, that sentiment still holds true. The aromatics have developed into a demure and perfumey elixir of dried rose petals, forest floor, spearmint, sassafras, and allspice. Its brickish in the glass, the color of worn leather, and yields intriguing, notes of wild game, […]
Salton Intenso Tannat 2012
My first encounter with a Brazilian wine (about time!) the 2012 Salton Intenso Tannat is fittingly, Brazil’s oldest operating winery, founded in 1878. Intenso is somewhat lighter-framed than expected, with bold red fruit that pops out of the glass along with welcoming aromas of earth and spice. It’s not a complex wine—it offers a soft […]
Pieropan Soave Classico La Rocca 2013
The 2013 Pieropan La Rocca Soave sets the imagination adrift to high altitude vistas, with delicate, breezy aromas of wild mint, resinous mountain air, white flowers, and white peaches. Crafted from 100% Garganega, it’s golden-robed and silky on entry with bright, deliciously tart acidity delineating richer lemon curd and stone fruit notes. Pleasingly fleshy and […]