Grgich Hills Estate Zinfandel 2012
It’s the spice that hits your nose first—aromas of cracked black pepper, mesquite and charred cedar glide above denser notes of sun-warmed blackberries and ripe Italian plums. It’s not as lush on the palate as some Napa Zins. Like all of the wines from Grgich Hills, the 2012 shows a modicum of restraint, in a […]
Forge Cellars Les Alliés Finger Lakes Riesling 2014
Another taught and racy Riesling from Forge Cellars. This time, the grapes are sourced from Les Alliés vineyard, which lies on the east side of Lake Seneca. The vines are planted in shale and gravelly loam, as such, the profile is lean and citrusy, with hints of lemon zest and pear, layered under wet shell […]
Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills 2014
Roserock should be an exciting wine for Domaine Drouhin fans. 2014 is the inaugural release of this single-vineyard beauty, aptly named after Roserock Vineyard, a cooler site in the Eola-Amity Hills that was established beginning in 2004. Just like the wines released under the Drouhin label, Roserock possesses a sort of timeless elegance. Silky yet […]
Achaval-Ferrer Quimera 2010
The 2010 Achaval-Ferrer Quimera is well within its prime drinking window, and offers a concentrated, seductive nose fairly bursting with damson plum, ripe blueberries, ash, mint, juniper, and spice. This is an exceptionally balanced wine, with graceful distribution of ripe, firm tannins drenched in juicy blueberries, white pepper, and black tea. Smooth and delicious, this […]
Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
From the acclaimed Mount Veeder appellation, Mayacamas 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon spends 13 months on new French Oak and sees and additional 5 years aging in bottle prior to release. Complex, heady aromas of black currants and black cherries, roasted game, black olive tapenade, and a lovely wafting tertiary note of violets. High altitude and cooler […]
Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2012
First impression of the 2012 Grgich Hills Chardonnay—it’s old-school and intense. Classic orchard fruit aromas are couched in flint and matchstick that hover like an electric storm over rather more tender notes of toasted walnut, brioche, and acacia honey. In the mouth, there’s not an ounce of fat, it’s lean with considerable energy and verve. […]
Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
From the acclaimed Mount Veeder appellation, Mayacamas 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon spends 13 months on new French Oak and sees and additional 5 years aging in bottle prior to release. Complex, heady aromas of black currants and black cherries, roasted game, black olive tapenade, and a lovely wafting tertiary note of violets. High altitude and cooler […]
Bodegas Escorihuela Gascón Malbec Don Miguel Gascón Reserva 2011
Inky-hued and opaque as starless night, the 2011, Gascon Familia Gascón Reserva Malbec emits boysenberries, mulberries and dusty-dry soil on the nose. It’s quite plump in the mouth with full, round, ripe tannins, moderate acidity and singed herbs on the finish. Vinous and intense, it’s a nice example of Argentine malbec with good QPR. 14.8% […]
Stoller Family Estate Dundee Hills Pinot Noir Rosé 2015
Stoller Family Estate’s Dundee Hills Pinot Noir Rosé is fresh and vibrant, and proved to be a fine match with yesterday’s fare of roasted chicken with Herbs de Provence and golden beet salad. Aromas of underripe strawberry, blood orange and, interestingly, a dusty top note. The palate echoes the nose, layer in pink grapefruit pith […]
Cornerstone Cellars Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2012
The 2012 Conerstone Chardonnay exemplifies great varietal typicity—this is classic Willamette Valley Chard, and nicely done too. Fresh aromas of pears, yellow-skinned apples, lemon zest, and toasted hazelnuts are nicely woven into this well-balanced white. The oak is very integrated as well, it’s not at all over blown, and a lively burst of acidity, redolent […]