King Estate Signature Collection Pinot Noir 2013
The 2013 King Estate Pinot Noir is restrained, and is thinner and tighter than I would like. Sporting twining notes of earth, mocha and cocoa powder, a dab of red fruit. On the palate, it’s quite tart, with high-toned briary forest berries, pomegranate and twig tea—this subdued tone and pitch follows all the way through […]
J Vineyards Brut Rosé NV
J Vineyards is the only domestic sparkling wine producer I’ve seen with a Coquard press, which is de rigueur in Champagne, but not so across the pond. Their NV Brut Rosé is a spirited blend of 66% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 1% Pinot Meunier, all from the Russian River Valley. The mousse is lively […]
Gallo Signature Series Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2013
An elegantly styled, full and fleshy Sonoma Chardonnay from Gallo’s Signature Line. The 2013 blossoms in the glass with aromas of bruised apple, yellow peach, caramel, acacia flowers and toasted hazelnut. High glycerol and admittedly high alcohol of 14.8%, but this is well integrated on the palate and nicely balanced by a burst of acidity, […]
Brooks Winery | McCrady’s Heritage Red 2014
Another spin-off label from an intensive 2-day blending session that took place at Brooks Winery earlier this year. This particular label is the inspired blend of Sommelier, Cappie Peete of McCrady’s in Charleston, SC. That’s right, if you want to sample this wine, you’ll have to visit the restaurant. And like the other wines that […]
Coquerel Terroir Pinot Noir 2012
Almost Burgundian in expression, the 2012 Coquerel Terroir Pinot Noir offers aromas of crushed raspberries, dried cherries, allspice, caramelized brown sugar, earth and mushrooms. Bright acidity lends lift to a core that is sweetly outfitted in red fruit, with marked purity, low tannins, and acid that hits the sides of the tongue and pleasantly lingers. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]