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, […]
Brooks Winery | McCrady’s Heritage Red 2014
Another spin-off label from an intensive 2-day blending session that took place at Brooks Winery earlier this year. This particular label is the inspired blend of Sommelier, Cappie Peete of McCrady’s in Charleston, SC. That’s right, if you want to sample this wine, you’ll have to visit the restaurant. And like the other wines that […]
Lucien le Moine Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru 2002
As the 2002 Lucien le Moine Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru develops in the glass it starts off with more classic notes of forest brambles, freshly turned tilth, dried rose petals and red fruit. The impression evolves, however, to darker black cherries and even a whiff of dark chocolate powder. On the palate, tart, high-toned red forest […]
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. […]
Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Sporting classic notes of pencil shavings, black currants, mint, and fine dust, Louis Martini’s 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is like a no-frills 4-door sedan. Its structure is concentrated on the fore palate, with firm, fine tannins followed by plush blackberries, black Italian plums, figs, spice and anise, thus delivering Napa Cab expression at a […]
Raptor Ridge Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2014
Inviting, with lilting sweet aromas of baked apple, white peach, lemon curd and spring flowers. On the palate the 2014 Raptor Ridge Pinot Gris is equally tender and round, held aloft by a delicate vein of acidity that provides just enough lift. This is a delicate, pretty Gris that reminds me of early spring. Medium […]
Domaine Courtois La Grange Vinsobres Cru Des Cotes Du Rhône 2012
Lots of violets on the nose, brambly red fruit and a touch of garrigue. The 2012 Domaine Courtois La Grange Vinsobres is medium-bodied, good-natured and easy to drink with moderate tannins, a touch of earthiness, bay leaf, and white pepper on the finish. Imminently quaffable at $15.00. Sample 8.8 Points
Codorníu Cava Brut Reserva Anna de Codorníu NV
A winsome blend of 70% Chardonnay, 15% Parellada, 7.5% Xarello, and 7.5% Macabeo. The brand commemorates Anna de Cordorníeu and her marriage to Miquel Raventós in 1659, notably Anna was the first to incorporate the addition of Chardonnay into a Cava blend. And the nose is quite Chardonnay-esque with subtle notes of yellow apples and […]
King Estate Domaine Pinot Gris 2008
I was lucky enough to have tasted a vertical of King Estate Pinot Gris, the oldest from 1995. While Pinot Gris is a variety that is championed for its ageworthiness, the 2008 Kine Estate Domain defies that logic—it’s fabulously fresh and vibrant with crisp acidity leading the charge. White grapefruit and lime zest intertwine wet […]