Matthiasson Merlot Red Hen Vineyard 2011
The 2011 Matthaisson Napa Valley Merlot Red Hen Vineyard saw a long, cool fermentation that lasted for nearly a month. Fermentation at cooler temperatures preserves fruitiness and more volatile aromatics—certainly, this Merlot is a great example, with terrific purity of fruit and pitched, high-toned forest red berries, darker, juicier red cherries, and tannins that are […]
Tor Kenward Family TOR Durell Chardonnay 2009
From the acclaimed Durell Vineyard, the 2009 TOR Chardonnay is all from the Wente Clone fruit, grown in a mix of Goulding clay loam and diatomaceous earth, the effect of which is startling. This is a big, brooding Chardonnay, with complex aromas of hazelnuts, vanilla, coffee bean, chocolate liquor, and praline. Silky on entry, quite […]
Xurus Sauvignon Blanc 2013
Xurus Sauvignon Blanc has seen 6 months on 40% new French oak, and 60% in one-year-old barrels. The color of pale straw, Xurus has a saturating nose of gooseberry, dried pineapple, papaya and nectarine. On the palate, medium-plus acidity carves through a round, rich creamy note of lemon curd or pineapple chunks in plain yogurt […]
Drinkward Peschon Napa Valley Entre Deux Mères Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Between Two Mothers” is the translated meaning of Entre Deux Mères, a brand stemming from the collaborative efforts and friendship of two women, Francoise Peschon, winemaker at Araujo Estate and viticulturist Lisa Behrens, of Behrens and Hitchcock. The nose is plummy, possibly flirting with over-ripeness. There are too, notes of lilacs, dark chocolate and subtle […]
Brand Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Wine of the night at Pebble Beach Food and Wine, the 2012 Brand is graced with power and potential. Enveloping, decadent aromas of steeped blackberry, blueberries, mocha, espresso, cedar and sandalwood waft from the glass. Firm, slightly grippy tannins and moderate acidity provides a solid foundation to the more luxurious, velvety aspects of this outstanding […]
Jolie-Laide Trousseau Gris Fanucchi-Wood Road 2014
The Jolie-Laide Trousseau Gris Fanucchi-Wood Road 2014 has the most beguiling, sparkly salmon robe—something not at all apparent from the packaging. I think that makes pouring it a lovely and surprising experience. While the nose is not overtly expressive, I adore the texture of this orange wine, thanks in part to skin contact during a […]
Red Car Sonoma Coast Rosé Of Pinot Noir 2014
Aside from the fact that the graphic designer in me is a sucker for Red Car’s packaging, the Sonoma Coast Rosé Of Pinot Noir 2014 definitely exceeded expectations. Composed of 100% cool-climate Pinot Noir, harvested at low brix and whole cluster fermented, it’s a great value given the care and quality in production. Fabulous notes […]
Copain North Coast Pinot Noir Rosé 2014
The exact shade of peach found on bridesmaids dresses from the mid-80s. You know the kind, with all the ruffles and bows. Nostalgia aside, the Copain North Coast Pinot Noir Rosé 2014 begs for summer, with a nose that is fairly bursting with aromas of ripe cantaloupe, watermelon and red apple skins. Charming and fresh, […]
Peay Sonoma Coast Estate Viognier 2013
Viognier can be a devilish grape to work with—sugar levels have a tendency to soar during warm summer months, while phenolic maturity can lag woefully behind. This is why I’m impressed when I find domestic examples, such as this one that are balanced and lovely. Generous aromas of lush pear, white peach, musk and smoke. […]
Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 2012
In the immortal words of Hot Chocolate, “I believe in miracles, since you came along, you sexy thing.” Pahlmeyer’s 2012 Proprietary Blend is all that and more, delivering dense, hovering aromatics of smokey blueberry, sweet tobacco, sooty ash and vanilla bean. It’s equally hedonistic in the mouth, a Bordeaux-style blend that is both glossy and […]