Bodega Catena Zapata Chardonnay High Mountain Vines 2015
Catena’s High Mountain Vines Chardonnay is sourced from three vineyard sites, ranging from 3,100-4,757′ in altitude, hence the name. The soils are predominantly gravelly or stony, and all of these sites are cool climate—these factors are reflected in the profile of this fresh and restrained Argentine Chard. Acacia honey, lemon blossom, pear and citrus round […]
King Estate NxNW (North by Northwest) Walla Walla Valley Syrah 2013
From King Estate’s North by Northwest project in Walla Walla is this 2013 Syrah. Ripe and heavy with black cherries, plums, cedar and incense. Juicy black fruit leads the charge on the palate, cradled in moderate toast and lovely earthy-leathery undertones. There’s a nice streak of acidity to add lift to a wine that has […]
Seed Malbec 2015
Beautifully delineated, the 2015 Seed Malbec is a small lot single-vineyard wine that is aged for 16 months in new French oak and, I’m happy to report, has a long life ahead of it. At this stage in its development, the nose is quite primary and is heavily laden in fresh blackberries, plums, and macerated […]
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 […]
Comm. G.B. Burlotto Verduno Pelaverga 2014
Pelaverga is a rare, indigenous variety, found in the village of Verduno in Italy’s Piedmont. As it opens, a sort of mounting energy in the glass, a melange of white pepper and flowers along with brambly fruit, but in this case it’s the spice and floral character that dominates. The nose is, however, far different […]
Leah Jørgensen Cellars Cabernet Franc 2015
Quite possibly the best example of Oregon Cabernet Franc I’ve ever tasted. Ruby robed with violet reflexes, Leah Jørgensen’s Cabernet Franc captivates the senses with aromas of mulberries, marionberries, incense, and anise. In the mouth it’s velvety and supple with cashmere-like tannins lending support to a red-fruited core. White pepper and hibiscus tea at the […]
François Baur Crémant d’Alsace Brut Réserve NV
A winsome blend of Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris that sees 12 months aging sur lie the François Baur Crémant d’Alsace Brut Réserve is pale straw with aromas of baked apple and rustic peach pie, with a top note of dried mint. The attack boasts high acidity carving a wide swath through orchard […]
Veuve A. Devaux Cuvée D NV
Happy New Year, dear friends! We celebrated with this bottle of Deveaux Cuvée D, one that I stowed in my suitcase. In the glass it’s expansive punctuated by baked apple, bitter walnut shells, and anise pastille. Big, powerful, and vibrant in the mouth with high toned acidity that rolls into a pleasantly bitter and vinous […]