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 […]
King Estate Domain Pinot Gris 2005
Talcum powder, chalkboard dust and dried mint glide atop luscious tropical notes. More glycerol here that is tempered by bracing acidity. Texturally, the 2005 King Estate Domain Pinot Gris is totally different from its siblings, with exuberant, juicy pineapple, bruised pear, and golden delicious apple at the core and a dollop of spice on the […]
Ferrari Brut NV
Crafted from 100% Chardonnay that is sustainably grown at high altitude, this sophisticated Trentodoc sparkler gives off delicate aromas of yellow apple, d’Anjou pear and smoke. It’s clean and focused, with brisk bubbles and lively citrus undertones—white grapefruit pith lends tension to fuller, yeastier notes of wet dough that gradually subsides into a persistent and […]
Dourthe Sauvignon Blanc Bordeaux La Grande Cuvée 2013
Often overlooked in the US, Bordeaux blanc can be a fantastic value, as is the case with this wine from Dourthe. Lean and wiry, perhaps in part, owing to vintage, Id love to taste a compare the 2013 to a warmer year. The primary expression is herbal, with a nose of gooseberry and boxwood and […]
Coquerel Le Petit Coquerel Sauvignon Blanc 2012
It’s easy to understand why Coquerel calls Sauvignon Blanc its flagship varietal—clearly the result of excellent fruit quality combined with the sheer talent of Bordeaux-born winemaker, Christine Barbe. The 2012 Le Petit Coquerel boasts a vibrant nose of gooseberries and lime zest, punctuated by spicy undertones reminiscent of juniper berries and white pepper. Lovely on […]
Coquerel Tempranillo 2011
A tad rustic on opening, the The 2011 Coquerel Tempranillo arrives on the scene with a bouquet of freshly turned soil and a hint of barnyard. However, after more than an hour of being open, layers of fruit rise to the surface, roasted strawberry and red cherry, along with a beguiling floral top note of […]