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Brooks Amycas 2016

Brooks Amycas 2016

Straw yellow in the glass, Brooks’ 2016 Amycas is an aromatic white blend of 44% Riesling, 21% Muscat, 18% Pinot Blanc, 10% Gewurztraminer, and 7% Pinot Gris. At this stage in its evolution, that classic Muscat florality takes the center stage. White flowers and chamomile segue into delicate fruit aromas of Asian pear, lemon drop, […]

Cantina Tramin Pinot Bianco Moriz Alto Adige 2015

Cantina Tramin Pinot Bianco Alto Adige 2015

A steadily evolving kaleidoscope of white flowers, lemon curd, Asian pear, green apple, and mint. On the palate, the 2015 Tramin Pinot Bianco Moriz is light, bright, and fresh with a burst of pink pomelo, and perhaps most surprising—dried rose petal and wet shell that tumbles onto the scene like an unexpected last act. It […]

Urban Provence 2017

Urban Provence 2017

Pale salmon in the glass with gossamer rose gold inflections, the 2017 Urban Provence Rosé is a blend of 45% Grenache Noir, 35% Cinsault, 15% Syrah, and Rolle, all sourced from vineyard blocks planted around the commune of La Garde Freinet, bordering St. Tropez. Classic Provençal aromas of tart pie cherry, golden raspberry, peach, line-dried […]

Colterenzio Schreckbichl Gewürztraminer 2016

Colterenzio Schreckbichl Gewürztraminer 2016

From Northern Italy’s Südtirol – Alto Adige region, the 2016 Schreckbichl Colterenzio Gewürztraminer is lemon yellow in the glass and bursting a heady floral mix of chamomile and lily of the valley—beneath this fruit notes of lychee and cherimoya. On the palate, taut acidity crescendoes through this white’s pretty textural landscape that gives way to Meyer […]

Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2015

Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2015

Outstanding for its price point, Trivento’s 2015 Golden Reserve Malbec is another wine I prefer on the second day or post decanting. It’s a serious effort from the Luján de Cuyo district. Opaque with a violet rim, it opens with sensual aromas of plum, black cherry, balsam wood, mocha, and violets. Juicy black fruit is […]

Santa Julia Malbec Organica Rosé 2017

Santa Julia Malbec Organica Rosé 2017

The color of a ballet tutu, From the Zuccardi family, Santa Julia’s organic rose of Malbec offers up aromas of pie cherries, raspberries, strawberries, and warm spice. It’s round, with a core of sweet red berries that are nicely balanced against a backdrop of lively, refreshing acidity. A nice, very quaffable summer sipper. 14.0% ABV […]

Wine By Joe Oregon Pinot Noir 2015

Wine By Joe Oregon Pinot Noir 2015

For those looking for an excellent value Pinot Noir from Oregon (and trust me, they’re hard to find) Wine by Joe offers quality for the price. The nose unfurls with classic aromas of black cherry, macerated strawberries, cola and a touch of underbrush. In the mouth, a softly-fruited core is bolstered by thoughtfully balanced acidity […]

Domaine Bousquet Winemaker’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

Domaine Bousquet Winemaker’s Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

I much preferred Domaine Bousquet’s 2017 Premium Cabernet Sauvignon on the second day—aromatically speaking, it’s far more expressive with air and time—youthful primary aromas and flavors of black currant, black cherry, cassis, dark chocolate shavings and bay leaf unwind against an earthy, muscular backdrop. The tannins are fine, evenly dispersed, and there is a green […]

Capçanes Montsant Peraj Petita Rosat 2017

Capçanes Montsant Peraj Petita Rosat 2017

Rose petal pink in the glass, the Capçanes Montsant Peraj Petita Rosat is crafted from 100% Grenache grown on steep clay and granite soil terraces. Interestingly, it’s made under the strict supervision of the Orthodox Union (OU) and is a kosher wine—aromatically speaking, it’s fairly bursting with aromas of bright pie cherries, almond paste, and […]

Locations WA-4 NV

Locations WA-4 NV

Winemaker Dave Phinney has captured the spirit of Washington State Syrah, accented by Merlot, and Petit Sirah. His latest Locations WA-4 is rife with sumptuous blueberries, blackberries, cassis, vanilla, incense; it’s medium-bodied in the mouth with a core of sweet, juicy fruit nicely counterbalanced and bound by acidity and powdery tannins. A finish of bay […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com