Peju Province Winery HB Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Interestingly, Parker doesn’t seem to love wines from Peju, most of them scoring poorly, between the mid-70s to low 80s, describing them as “pleasant, but uninspiring.” I pondered this while tasting the Peju HB Napa Valley 2005, which actually charmed me with its Old World lightness. Complex notes of scorched earth, plum, dust, black currant, […]
Forlorn Hope Another Rare Creature The Faufreluches Gewürztraminer 2012
Forlorn Hope is a producer that has received great press of late, the last couple of bottles I tried, I felt vaguely disappointed, given the reviews. Here at last, is a spot-on dry Gewurztraminer from the Russian River Valley, that is exceptionally floral and deliciously concentrated. Orange blossom, jasmine tea, Cox Pippins. Fermented on skins […]
Ovid Vineyards Experiment No EØ.4 Red 2004
From Ovid Vineyards is Experiment EØ.4, a compelling blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 15% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc. As one might expect, the Cab Franc contributes an expressive, highly aromatic nose of blueberry crumble, butterscotch, Christmas fruit cake and star anise. Richly textured, with an intriguing creamy countenance that lends density […]
Bryant Family Proprietor Grown Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2001
From the famed Prichard Hill estate vineyard, this 100% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a cult wine, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Screaming Eagle, Harlan and Colgin. The nose is typical of Napa Cab, with rich aromas of steeped blackberries, cassis, saddle leather, spice box and caramelized brown sugar. On the palate, it’s silky, […]
POE Wines Ferrington Vineyard California Chardonnay 2010
POE is a newcomer on the scene, aside from the striking packaging, it’s a really lovely Chardonnay from Ferrington Vineyard in Anderson Valley. The nose is redolent with dewy Asian pear, lemon curd, almond cake and spice. Clean and balanced on the palate, with soft texture intersecting layers of acid and toasty French oak. Medium-plus […]
Idlewild Fox Hill Vineyard Barbera 2013
The finds of the evening at Big Sur Food & Wine Festival is Idlewild. Winemaker Sam Bilbro has only been making wine since 2012, but I’m convinced that’s he’s a rising star. All of his wines show the work of a surprisingly deft hand. The 2013 Fox Hill Barbera is light on its feet and […]
Abreu Madrona Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Yesterday I gave the 2002 Abreu Thorevilos five stars, if I could give the Madrona Ranch 5.5 stars, I would. Like the Thorevilos, Madrona Ranch Cabernet is limited production wine, only 500 cases were made, and it, too received a perfect 100 points from Parker. Thankfully, I tasted this before knowing anything about the producer. […]
Neiman Cellars Napa Valley Red 2005
The 2005 Neiman Cellars Napa Valley Red is a wine that I have mixed feelings about. While the nose emits a wonderful perfume of flowers, grated cinnamon, mulberries, forest floor, and cedar, it’s not perfectly balanced. Medium-bodied with monolithic tannins and hair-curling acidity, and astringency. I’m not convinced that aging will improve it, unfortunately, there […]
Soliste Cellars Lune Et Soleil Sauvignon Blanc 2013
The surprise wine of the night, this lovely Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc weighs in at a lithe 12.2% ABV and paired beautifully with clam linguine. Steely, stony and austere with gorgeous notes of star fruit, pear and lemongrass…and perhaps a dash of fresh lemon thyme. Lots of acidic verve and a coursing, mineral, lime zest […]