Drouhin Rose Rock Pinot Noir 2014
Aptly named, Drouhin’s Rose Rock Pinot Noir hails from a parcel seated at the southern tip of the Eola-Amity Hills, the grapes harvested from this site are grown in ancient volcanic soils and benefit from the cooling Van Duzer winds. Blithe floral notes; a bouquet of wild roses, lavender, lilac, dust, anise, spice, and crushed […]
Falesco Vitiano Rosato 2015
Falesco’s Vitiano Rosato 2015 is a fruit-forward, cherry-colored Umbrian blend of 30% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Aleatico. The nose bursts with concurrent aromas of ripe watermelon, yellow-fleshed peaches, and bright pie cherries. Bright and fresh acidity on the palate that pops against fruity sweetness on the back palate fades to a […]
Brkić Žilavka Ćitluk 2014
My first experience tasting a Bosnian wine, this golden-hued, lush, biodynamically farmed white from Brkić is crafted from the indigenous Žilavka grape. It’s highly aromatic, bursting with pungent notes of bruised pear, decomposing flowers, dried tarragon, iron, and Honey Nut Cheerios. Lees contact has endowed it with a lovely texture, as well as aging in […]
Frei Brothers Dry Creek Zinfandel 2014
Blackberries, black cherries, plums, smoke and spice grace the nose of this Dry Creek Zinfandel from Frei Brothers. It’s an easy-going Zin, with velvety tannins and a moderate level of acidity. Certainly, this is a food friendly wine, but it’s also one that can be enjoyed on its own. As is typical with Dry Creek […]
Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2013
Lilting aromas of apricot, pear, dried honey, lemon curd, anise. Stoller’s Dundee Hills Reserve Chardonnay 2013 is clean and focused on the palate and more delicate than most. The perception is one of silkiness with beautifully integrated oak (you’d hardly know it’s there) except as a textural component, lending structure, allowing pure orchard fruit notes […]
Barton & Guestier Côtes De Provence Passeport Rosé 2015
Guestier’s Côtes De Provence Passeport Rosé 2015 is pretty and very drinkable considering its modest price. The nose is aloft with red berries, blood oranges, wafting sea air. It’s a delicious compromise between minerally limestone tension and fruit, which translates as cantaloupe flesh and crushed raspberries followed by a mouthwatering and lengthy finish. It’s fresh, […]
Hecht & Bannier Côtes de Provence Rosé 2015
The second 2015 rosé I’ve sampled from Hecht & Bannier, aside from admittedly loving their modern packaging, I have been impressed with both the Bandol and this Côtes de Provence in terms of quality and price. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Rolle, it’s an expressive pink. The vines flourish under the warm maritime […]
Bodega Septima Malbec 2014
Better on the second day, as the Septima 2014 Malbec felt tight on opening. Today, more generous notes of warm blackberries at peak ripeness, plums, boysenberries, dried violets and black licorice. The attack shows tart, high acidity, this wine begs to be paired with a grilled, well-marbled steak. The tannins linger under the acidity, a […]
Troon Vineyard Applegate Valley Vermentino Sauvignon Blanc 2014
This unusual blend of 80% Vermentino and 20% Sauvignon Blanc hails from Troon Vineyard in Applegate Valley—A sub-appellation of Southern Oregon that finds itself a bit overshadowed by the Willamette Valley. I have tasted some lovely whites, especially Rieslings from this region, though this is admittedly, my first Vermentino. Bright lemon yellow in the glass, […]
William Hill Central Coast Pinot Noir 2014
I have liked ‘s Chardonnay more than their Pinot Noir, the 2014 Sonoma Coast evokes plums, grape jelly, brown sugar. This is an easy-drinking, uncomplicated, and slightly sweet California Pinot that leans toward jammy black fruit—it’s all black cherry at the core, with a touch of cola, and low levels of tannin. 14.5% ABV | […]