DeLille Cellars Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
The more I taste Red Mountain fruit, the more enamored I am with it. That said, DeLille Cellars’ 2014 Four Flags Cabernet Sauvignon is blended from four distinct parcels within the AVA, 42% from Grand Ciel, 31% Upchurch, 19% Ciel du Cheval, and 8% from Klipsun. As it slowly unspools, layered aromas of blackberry, black […]
Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbés Pinot Noir Alsace 2014
From Pinot Noir vines grown in limestone and marl, the initial impression is somewhat vegetative—dried moss and damp tilth, with a daub of iron ore. It’s a quality that burns off like morning fog. With time and air, a different suite of aromas surface, classic notes of alpine strawberries and sour cherries. It’s sweet, round […]
Cappellano Barolo Piè Rupestris Otin Fiorin 2011
Served blind at a recent lunch in Vancouver with fellow Cascadia Fine Wines colleagues, JoJo captured the tone of this outstanding Barolo when he described the 2011s as “charming” wines. Charming, indeed. A deliciously perfumed nose of rose petals, aged leather, fresh pie cherries, dried mint and spice. It’s nimble on the palate, gossamer and […]
Long Shadows Feather Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
From acclaimed Napa Valley winemaker, Randy Dunn, the 2014 Long Shadows Feather shows its pedigree with a range breathtaking of aromas—cassis, black currant, pencil lead, incense, lanolin, and lavender. In the mouth, it’s sumptuous without being showy, acid is focused on the tip of the tongue, leading into a sculpted framework of fine yet abundant […]
Cayuse Vineyards Armada Vineyard Syrah 2007
From last night’s Vivino meetup, this bottle, the 2007 Cayuse Armada Vineyard Syrah is a dead ringer for a Northern Rhône. Waves of bacon fat, black tea and savory tones dominate the profile of this full-bodied, intense cult wine. At this stage in its development, fruit is no longer the central player, rather it plays […]
Clos du Joncuas Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Domaine de la Garancière 2015
From organically farmed old-vine Grenache, with a smidge of Carignan and Cinsault. The 2015 Domaine la Garancière Seguret radiates black fruit on the nose—a bit deceptive because the true red-fruited character of Grenache comes through on the palate. Layered flavors of raspberry turnover, roasted strawberries, and a suggestion of black blackstrap molasses dissolves into chewy […]
Poggio Al Tesoro Bolgheri Superiore Sondraia 2012
Supple and stylish, Poggio Al Tesoro is part of the Allegrini family of wineries. This decidedly modern Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend is frife with earth, leather, plums, and cellar dust. With a core that’s juicy and plush, and cradled in soft, ripe tannins it’s hard to resist the pure hedonism in this glass. […]
Domaine Nicolas-Jay Pinot Noir 2015
Comprised of grapes sourced from seven vineyards throughout the Willamette Valley, 35% of which is from the winery’s own Bishop Creek Vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA—the 2015 Nicolas Jay Pinot Noir strikes a balance between power and elegance. More red fruited than black, the nose is perfumed with rose hips, underbrush, damp soil, and crushed […]
Morlet Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Mon Chevalier 2010
My first Cabernet Sauvignon from Morlet Family Vineyards—I’ve only been lucky enough to taste and have been dazzled by their sublime Chardonnays. That said, the 2010 Mon Chevalier didn’t disappoint, displaying classic Knight’s Valley character, it’s a treasure trove of cassis, black currants, incense and sandalwood, tar and menthol. Black pepper and spice box. The […]
Barra Of Mendocino Petite Sirah 2014
From old vine, estate fruit that’s been organically farmed, Barra Of Mendocino’s 2014 Petite Sirah is a deep dive into ruby-hued velvet. Palate drenching black cherries, plums and steeped blackberries are couched in velvety tannins. This is a soulful, baritone, and smoldering wine, imbued with incense, smoky dark chocolate, and a pinch of dried herbs […]