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Albert Mann Gewürztraminer 2015

Albert Mann Gewurztraminer 2015

The volume is turned way up on this 2015 Albert Mann Gewürztraminer, it explodes with pungent aromas of canned pear, lychee, musk melon, jasmine, and spice. Nervy acidity cleanly dissect a palate that is rich and viscous—there’s lots of energy and tension in this wine along with a finish strewn with white pepper, jasmine tea, […]

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Pinot Blanc Alsace 2014

Domaine Zind Humbrecht Pinot Blanc Alsace 2014

Soaring aromas of yellow peaches, mango, dried mint, and wet limestone—this is classic Alsatian Pinot Blanc. The palate boasts moderate weight with a spritely arching spine of oyster shell, pleasantly bitter peach skin, and grapefruit pith pit co-mingling with flecks of sea salt. A wonderful ying yang between lushness and vivid acidic verve in this […]

Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2003

Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Tablas Blanc 2003

Yesterday I was treated to a wonderful vertical of older vintage Tablas Creek Vineyard Esprit de Tablas Blanc, the 2003 was holding up admirably. Indeed, they all were. A blend of 68% Roussanne, 27% Grenache blanc, and 5% Viognier—aged to a deep yellow, the color of daffodils, and bursting with aromas of bruised pear, golden […]

Château Gassier Côtes de Provence Esprit Gassier 2015

Château Gassier Côtes de Provence Esprit Gassier 2015

Rosé seemed like the appropriate wine to drink after a 2+ week absence from the flu. And this bottle the 2015 Château Gassier Esprit Gassier is the color of ballet shoes with pretty aromatics that roll out of the glass. White peach, underripe watermelon, a touch of blood orange and loads of minerality. It’s the […]

Brooks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015

Brooks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015

A stunning value from Brooks, their 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is packed with enticing aromas. Sweet pie cherries, strawberry compote, and a suggestion of black raspberry are overlaid by classic Willamette Valley descriptors: forest floor, rose petal, lavender, and dried mushroom. It’s silky and fine boned on entry, with enough acidity to ensure that […]

Frog’s Leap Heritage Blend 2013

Frog's Leap Heritage Blend 2013

This bottle was gifted to me on arrival at Meadowood Resort in Napa, a nice way to kickoff the 2017 Wine Writers Symposium. My first time tasting Frog’s Leap, it’s young and primary. Juicy blackberries, blackcurrants, kirsch, and camphor tumble from the glass. It’s very structured with chalky, grippy tannins neatly encasing a tooth-staining core […]

Bérêche & Fils Champagne Brut Réserve NV

Bérêche & Fils Champagne Brut Réserve NV

Served at as the warm up wine (an excellent choice, I might add) at a recent tasting held at Portland’s beloved Le Pigeon, Berêche has long been one of my favorite bubblies. This particular bottle, a powerful and slightly yeast-driven Brut Réserve offered up a riotous nose of French baguette, granulated honey, white peach, and […]

Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Chardonnay 2014

Finely wrought and delicate, the 2014 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Chardonnay shows off beautiful tapicity. If you’re not convinced of Oregon’s Chardonnay Renaissance, than do seek out a bottle from Evening Land. Orchard fruit, mandarin orange, and an ethereal top note that drifts from iodine to acacia flowers to mint. Stylish and […]

Paul Barre Château La Grave 2011

Paul Barre Château La Grave 2011

I would like to revisit this wine, perhaps from a less challenging vintage. As such the 2011 Paul Barre Château La Grave is somewhat austere, requiring ample time to open. Initially reserved aromas of black cherries, plums, and red currant are followed underbrush and earth. The attack is soft, giving way to fine, powdery tannins […]

Tire Pé DieM 2012

Tire Pé DieM 2012

When I receive samples, I make a point of waiting to research the wines until after I’ve tasted them. First impression—that it’s primarily Cab Franc possibly from the Loire was incorrect—turns out the Tire Pé DieM 2012 is 100% Merlot, organically grown in clay and limestone soils. The profile is light and primary. Cherry clafoutis, […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com