The following notes are arranged by winery and area, state or country. Website addresses are given when available. This may be important if you cannot locate a particular wine locally because most wineries will be happy to ship you their wines if you contact them. Also, not every wine produced or in current release by any of the wineries covered here is reviewed in these notes and the websites often include more information on the wines than you will find here. Please remember that if you have questions you may contact us by email or telephone and we will try to answer them.
CALIFORNIA
SONOMA COUNTY
Davis Bynum
The 2010 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $25, 14.5% alc., spent ten months in French oak and opens with oak over mostly pear and apple. The same repeats on the palate and finishes long and broad at the back. If you like an oaky style Chard’, this one’s for you.
The 2010 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, $35, 14.5% alc., was aged in French oak for ten months and opens with oak over cherry and earth before flavors of cherry, oak, spice, and earth accented with fine, dry tannin and moderate acidity. The medium-broad, medium-long finish shows some alcohol at the end. A well put together, oaky style Pinot.
Pedroncelli
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley, $17, 14.3% alc., is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 7% Merlot. Aged for twelve months in American oak, 30% new, it has rich, almost lush, and nicely deep aromas of dark raspberry, cherry, and blackberry with notes of anise and smoky oak. Flavors of the same are laced with fine, firm tannin and good acidity before a medium-broad, medium-long finish with the smoky oak lingering. Well balanced, structured, and integrated, it will be better with another year in the bottle. Tasty and a good value.
In contrast, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate, Block 007, Dry Creek Valley, $25, 14.3% alc., is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and spent twelve months in French oak, 30% new, is still closed but shows black cherry, black raspberry, blueberry, currant, and smoky oak plus a hint of spice and with fine tannin and good acidity before a long finish that broadens at the back. Well integrated, balanced, and structured, it needs another year to develop and open. Tasty.
The 2006 Four Grapes Vintage Port, Dry Creek Valley, $19/500 ml., has 18.8% alcohol and 8.3% residual sugar. A blend of equal amounts of Tinta Madera, Tinta Cao, Souzao, and Touriga Nacional, it matured for three years in older American oak. A sweet, maderized nose of raisin, plum, and a hint of orange peel introduces sweet, thick flavors of the same and a hint of spice laced with dry tannin before a medium-broad, truncated finish. Sweet but with balanced acidity, it needs time to develop and moderate the tannin. Well structured and integrated. Tasty.
Field Stone Winery & Vineyard
This long established winery harvested its first grapes in 1977. It quickly established a reputation for well crafted wines and it has continued to produce wines well worth seeking out. Most are small quantity production and you may not find them locally. If you can’t, contact the winery, it will ship: www.fieldstonewinery.com. Notes on just three of its approximately one dozen current releases follow.
Seventy-five percent of the 2010 Viognier, Staten Family Reserve, Sonoma County, $25, 14.1% alc., 347 cases, was fermented in stainless steel, the balance in seasoned French oak and the wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation. It opens with toasty oak and mineral before mineral flavors followed with lemon custard. The finish is medium-broad and medium-long with the addition of a hint of spice.
The 2010 Rosé of Petite Sirah, Heritage Block, Estate, Sonoma County, $18, 13.5 % alc., is only available directly from the winery. A bigger, more intense, darker colored wine than most Rosés, it is bright ruby in color with a nose of raspberry hard candy before bright, lively flavors of raspberry, cherry, and a touch of spice that finish long and medium-broad. It will serve well to accompany many foods where you may want with more weight that most whites but something lighter than a red. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. Good.
Fieldstone has long been known especially for the quality of its Petite Sirah and the 2008 Petite Sirah, Staten Family Reserve, Sonoma County, $35, 15.5% alc., 636 cases, continues that trend. A sweet nose of chocolate syrup, coffee, and blackberry jam precedes big, round flavors dominated by blackberry jam with hints of chocolate and coffee plus some spice and laced with fine, tooth coating tannin and moderate acidity. The finish is long and broadens at the back. Heavily extracted and well put together with plenty of fruit to hide the alcohol and keep the wine from being hot.
Cecchetti Wine Company
Cecchetti releases wines under three labels: Line 39, redtree, and Backhouse, and a total of sixteen wines. Here are notes on four of them. For additional information on Cecchetti, see its website: www.cecchettiwineco.com.
The 2010 redtree Moscato, California, $8, 10.64% alc., has a nose of orange blossom, peach, pineapple, and sweet orange before zippy, round sweet accented flavors of peach, orange, melon, and apricot. It finishes medium-broad and medium-long. Light bodied with moderate acidity, it will complement prosciutto wrapped melon or can serve well chilled as an aperitif. Well put together. Tasty and it will be popular.
The 2010 redtree Petite Sirah, California, $8, 12.5% alc., has light aromas of blackberry, unsweetened chocolate, and red and black cherry. Light bodied, fresh flavors of the same plus underlying wood and a hint of fizz finish long, narrow at the front and broad at the back. Straight forward and well put together.
In contrast, the 2010 Line 39 Petite Sirah, [Lake County], North Coast, $10, 13.5% alc., opens with bright accented and intense dark cherry and blackberry. The same repeat as flavors laced with light, fine tannin and moderate acidity before a medium-broad, medium-long finish that becomes slightly sweet. It will be popular.
The 2009 Line 39 Chardonnay, [Lake County], North Coast, $10, 14.6% alc., has a light toast and apple nose before smooth, round, sweet accented flavors of apple and lemon with spice at the sides. The oak reappears on medium-broad, medium-long finish. Simple and well put together.
Rodney Strong Vineyards
The 2009 Chardonnay, Reserve, Russian River Valley, $35, 14.5% alc., was fermented in French oak, 26% new, completed malolactic fermentation, and was aged for thirteen months in the same oak. A fairly light nose of apple, lemon, pear, mineral, and soft oak introduces juicy, mouth filling flavors of the same with the oak well integrated and nice acidity. The finish is long and broad. Well balanced, structured, and integrated, it needs at least another year in the bottle to develop and come together. Good.
The 2009 Pinot Noir, Reserve, Russian River Valley, $40, 15.0% alc., was matured for fifteen months in French oak. Aromas of smoky oak with a sour note, strawberry, and dark cherry introduces smooth, round, rich flavors of the same plus a touch of spice and all laced with fine tannin and nice acidity. The long finish broadens at the back. A well balanced, structured, and integrated Pinot that is a Very Tasty, oaky style offering.
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserve, Alexander Valley, $45, 15.0% alc., spent twenty-two months in French oak and opens with a dark nose of blackberry, black raspberry, cherry, currant, vanilla, and smoky oak. To the mouth filling, juicy flavors of the same are added sharp spice, very fine tannin, and good acidity and everything carries through the long, medium-broad finish with very persistent spice. Well balanced and integrated. Good.
The 2008 Symmetry, Alexander Valley, $55, 15.0% alc., is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, 7% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. It was aged in French oak for twenty-one months and opens with smoky oak, cherry, raspberry, brown spice, and a touch of earth. Big but gentle flavors of the same are laced with very fine tannin and moderate acidity. The long, medium-broad finish adds persistent pepper. The wine is light to medium bodied with excellent balance and integration and needs a bit more time in the bottle to open. Very Tasty.
Mounts Family Winery
The Mounts family is a long time grape grower in the Dry Creek Valley that in recent years has begun to make wines under its own label rather than selling fruit to others. They also make Malbec, Grenache, Viognier, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. If you can’t find the wines, contact the winery: www.mountswinery.com.
The 2010 Viognier, Dry Creek Valley, $22, 14.8% alc., 187 cases, completed primary fermentation in French oak, 20% new and 80% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation. A sweet accented nose of floral, apple, soft citrus, and cream introduces mouth filling, almost round flavors of the same plus oak before a long, medium-broad finish. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. Tasty.
The 2008 Petite Sirah, Estate, Dry Creek Valley, $32, 15.5% alc., 525 cases, was aged in American and French oak and opens with dark, deep, almost syrup-like aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, black raspberry, and smoke that are lifted by the alcohol. The same fruit continues as flavors with a sweet note and firm, underlying smoky oak before a medium-long finish that broadens at the back. Lighter bodied than might be expected from the weight indicated by the nose, the wine is well put together.
The fruit for the 2007 Petasera, Reserve Petite Sirah, Estate, Dry Creek Valley, $65, 15.5% alc., 110 cases, came from an older block in the estate vineyards. It spent about thirty-two months in French and American oak and was bottled unfined and unfiltered. A bouquet of nicely sweet dark fruit compote with a touch of smoky oak introduces big, rich, smooth, mouth filling flavors of the same laced with very fine tannin and moderate acidity. Everything carries through the long, medium-broad finish that adds persistent pepper at the sides. The alcohol is well covered by the fruit and if you like a big, rich Petite, this is a particularly nice choice. Good.
NAPA VALLEY
Napa Cellars
The 2010 Chardonnay, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley, $32, 14.1% alc., has aromas of toast, lemon-lime, and soft oak before round, smooth flavors of lemon, lime, apple, and soft oak that finish long and medium-broad with lingering oak and with a touch of spice appearing. Straight forward and well put together. Tasty.
The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley, $48, 14.0% alc., has a nose of blackberry, cherry, tobacco, cedar, and smoke. Bright flavors of cherry, blackberry, pepper, tobacco, cedar, and smoke are laced with light, fine tannin and moderate acidity before a medium-broad, medium-long finish with persistent pepper.
David Fulton Winery & Vineyards
David Fulton established the family vineyards in St. Helena in 1860 and began construction of the town’s first stone wine cellar in 1861. He served as the town’s blacksmith and, among other accomplishments, he developed and patented the One-Horse Plow which allowed vineyard rows to be planted closer together which meant more production per acre. Eventually, he sold his blacksmith and saddler business and purchased land for a vineyard and winery. Twenty acres of that property was planted to vines which were dry farmed. The same vineyards are still the source for the David Fulton wines. The vines are head trained and dry farmed and the vineyard is now the oldest continuously owned and operated family vineyard in Napa County.
If you can’t find the David Fulton wines, contact the winery: www.davidfultonwinery.com.
The 2008 Petite Sirah, Old Vines, Estate, Napa Valley, $45, 14.9% alc., 359 cases, was aged in French oak, 70% new, for thirty months. A bouquet of earth, blackberry, boysenberry, red currant, and a hint of mint introduces round, fairly bright flavors of the same plus spice that gradually spreads over the tongue and all shot through with supple tannin and good acidity. It finishes long and broad. This is a lean, firmly structured Petite that is elegant rather than big. Well balanced, structured, and integrated, it will pair well with food. Give it a few more years in the bottle to develop and gain in weight and depth and it will be even better. Good to Very Good.
The 2008 Our Sweet Petite, Estate, Napa Valley, $40/375 ml., 21.0% alc., 50 cases, had brandy added to achieve a sweet dessert wine. A very sweet, almost cooked nose of blackberry, dark cherry and steamed peas introduces very sweet blackberry, black cherry, spice, and sweet rhubarb flavors that finish medium-broad and medium long. Very sweet but with enough acidity to balance, it is not at all cloying. Good.
ArtezinWines
The 2010 Verdelho, [Sisney Ranch, Shenandoah Valley], Amador County, $20, 14.2% alc., 138 cases, began its fermentation in stainless steel and was transferred to neutral French oak to finish the fermentation. A soft nose of lemon, lemon peel, grapefruit, and pear repeats as flavors with the addition of spice and a woody note plus nice acidity before a medium-broad, medium-long finish. It has good intensity and presence and is well integrated, structured, and balanced. Very Tasty.
The 2008 Petite Sirah, [Ukiah Valley], Mendocino County, $25, 13.9% alc., 433 cases, is a blend of 82% Petite Sirah, 13% Zinfandel, and 5% Charbono. Aged in French oak, it opens with sweet aromas of well integrated vanilla smoky oak, blackberry jam, black raspberry, and boysenberry. Sweet edged flavors of the same with the fruit before the oak are laced with fine, tooth coating tannin and finish medium-broad and medium-long. Well balanced and integrated.
Robert Biale Vineyards
Biale produces a large number of vineyard designated wines: mainly Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Syrah along with some Sangiovese, red blends, and a Sauvignon Blanc. Notes on two of the current releases follow. If you can’t find the Biale wines locally or wish to learn about its other releases, go to the website. The winery will ship: www.robertvialevineyards.com
The 2009 Royal Punishers Petite Sirah, Napa Valley, $39, 15.7% alc., 325 cases, was aged in Burgundian oak, 20% new, for fourteen months. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry syrup, and smoky oak introduce flavors that are lighter bodied than might be expected from the nose but have good presence and are laced with fine tannin. The finish is medium-long and somewhat narrow.
The 2009 Zinfandel, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, $50, 15.8% alc., 750 cases, also spent fourteen months in 20% new Burgundian oak. A nice nose of black raspberry, cherry, red currant, mineral, earth, vanilla, and smoky oak continues as flavors with the addition of pepper at the front, light, fine tannin, and moderate acidity. The long finish is concentrated as a strip down the center and shows lingering smoky oak and pepper. The alcohol lightens the body and lurks underneath and adds a secondary punch.
Clif Family Winery & Farm
Clif has just released two wines in a new “pouch” package. This package resembles a plastic bag with an integral handle. Lighter than glass and unbreakable (within reason), it allows the wine to be chilled much faster than a glass or even cardboard package. In addition, this type of packaging is perfect when you want to take wine on a hike because after you finish the wine, the package will be light and flat and easy to carry out with you. If you don’t finish it, you can just turn the knob on the spout and reseal it; the remaining wine will stay fresh.
The nv Chardonnay, The Climber Pouch, California, $17/1.5 L., 14.1% alc., has bright aromas of apple, pear, and lemon before big, juicy flavors of the same with nice acidity and the barest touch of sweetness. The medium-long finish broadens at the back. Straight forward and well put together. Tasty. BEST BUY.
The nv Cabernet Sauvignon, The Climber Pouch, California, $17/1.5 L., 14.1% alc., opens light and very ripe with caramel, blackberry, cherry, and tobacco notes before bright flavors of the same with the addition of smoky oak and all laced with good acidity and fine, dry tannin. It finishes long and medium-broad. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. Tasty. BEST BUY.
OTHER CALIFORNIA
Bogle Vineyards
The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, [Monterey and Russian River Valley], California, $9, 13.4% alc., saw no oak and has a nose of bitter floral before flavors of grapefruit and lemon with a hint of sweetness. The long finish broadens at the back. Well put together.
The 2010 Riesling, [Monterey], California, $10, 12.8% alc., saw no oak and opens with sweet grapefruit, sweet lemon, and white peach. Juicy, mouth filling flavors of the same plus apple and orange finish long and broad at the back. Well made in an off-dry style that will make it especially popular. Tasty. BEST BUY.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, [Clarksburg & Lodi], California, $11, 13.5% alc., was aged in American oak for fourteen months and opens with lifted cherry, red currant, raspberry sweet cranberry, caramel, and vanilla aromas before fairly bright, light bodied flavors of the same laced with nice tannin and acidity. It finishes long and medium-broad. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. BEST BUY.
Perry Creek
The 2009 Chardonnay, California, $16, 14.1% alc., opens with creamy apple, floral, and touches of pineapple and pear. Soft, light bodied flavors of the same with a hint of oak at the end finish medium-broad on the back half of the palate. Well put together.
The 2009 Syrah, Dark Forest, Altitude 2401, El Dorado County, $28, 14.3% alc., 450 cases, has a restrained nose of blackberry, charcoal, dark cherry, and currant. Smooth, round flavors of the same fruit plus pepper and smoky oak are laced with fine tannin. The long finish broadens at the back and has persistent and prominent pepper at the front and adds a note of chocolate. Well balanced, structured, and integrated.
Silkwood Wines
Silkwood is a small producer. It has vineyards in Stanislaus County which are the source for all its fruit, except Cabernet Sauvignon. The Cabernet comes from Lodi. If you can’t find its wines locally, contact the winery: www.silkwoodwines.com.
The 2009 Chardonnay, Stanislaus County, $19, 13.6% alc., 500 cases, spent 9 months in neutral French oak barrels with new French oak innerstaves. Light aromas of toast, apple, and oak lead to flavors of lemon, apple, toast, and oak that finish long, narrow at the front and broad at the back. Well balanced and integrated.
The 2007 Petite Sirah, Stanislaus County, $39, 14.3% alc, 247 cases, was aged in neutral French oak barrels with new French oak innerstaves for 29 months. . A bouquet of coffee, earth, a green note, and sweet fruit: black raspberry, chocolate, cherry, and floral flows onto the palate with the fruit in the center and spice at the sides and a strip down the center. The broad, medium-long finish shows very persistent mocha at the end. This is a big, fruit bomb of a Petite with a weighty, almost thick texture, soft acidity, and only a touch of tannin. If this is a style you like, make a special effort to find this wine. Good.
Vina Robles
Vina Robles makes well crafted wines mostly from estate vineyards in Paso Robles. They are well worth looking for but, if you can’t find them, contact the winery: www.vinarobles.com.
The 2009 Petite Sirah, Estate, Paso Robles, $26, alc. 15%, is a blend of 78% Petite Sirah from four different vineyards and 22% Syrah from a fifth vineyard. It was aged in French oak for sixteen months and shows cocoa, smoke, oak, blackberry, blueberry, and raspberry jam on the nose. Mouth filling, almost juicy, flavors of the same are laced with fine tannin and nice acidity before a long finish that is broad at the back. Well integrated, balanced, and structured. Tasty.
Parducci
Ninety-five percent of the 2010 Chardonnay, Small Lot Blend, Mendocino County, $11, 13.5% alc., was fermented and aged in Stainless steel. The remaining 5% was barrel fermented and aged in seasoned American oak. A nose of cream, sweet apple, and sweet lime-lemon precedes flavors of lime-lemon, grapefruit, and apple that finish long and broad. Straight forward and well put together for everyday drinking. BEST BUY.
The 2008 Petite Sirah, Mendocino County, $11, was aged for thirty months in a combination of seasoned oak barrels and upright redwood tanks. The final blend contains 13% Syrah. Appealing aromas of violet, raspberry, cherry, spice, and caramel introduce bright, sweet accented flavors of the same with the caramel becoming burnt sugar and everything accented with fine tannin and moderate acidity. The long finish broadens at the back. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. Tasty. BEST BUY.
You should be able to find most of the Parducci wines locally, but if you can’t, contact the winery: www.parducci.com.
Emilio Guglielmo Winery
The 2009 Chardonnay, Monterey, $25, 13.7% alc., 646 cases, was barrel fermented and aged. Light, soft aromas of toasty oak, pear, and creamy apple repeat as round, soft flavors that finish long and broad at the back. Straight forward and well put together.
The 2008 Petite Sirah, Estate, Santa Clara Valley, $25, 13.2% alc., 405 cases, has lifted aromas of raspberry, cherry, red currant, allspice, and smoky oak. Almost fresh flavors of the same are juicy, a bit tart, and fairly light bodied and shot through with fine tannin and moderate acidity. The long finish is a bit narrow with lingering smoky oak at the center. This is a well balanced, structured, and integrated Petite that will complement food. Tasty.
Lava Cap Winery
The 2010 Sauvignon Blanc, Estate, El Dorado, $16, 600 cases, 14.7% alc., was barrel and aged for ten months has a woody, bitter floral nose before smooth, round flavors of lemon, grapefruit, and spice with just a hint of sweetness. The spice increases and persists on the medium-broad, medium-long finish. Well balanced, structured, and integrated.
The 2009 Petite Sirah, Granite Hill Reserve, Estate, $30, 14.8% alc., 447 cases, , has a restrained nose of blackberry, black raspberry, cherry, and wet leather. Smooth, round, almost softly textured flavors of the same fruit plus pepper, very fine, dry tannin, and modest acidity carry through the medium-broad, medium-long, fairly persistent finish with underlying sweetness. Well put together. Tasty.
Victor Hugo Winery
The 2010 Viognier, Estate, Paso Robles, $18, 13.8% alc., 300 cases, was barrel fermented in new Hunger and older French oak barrels. Sur lie aged for five months, the wine was bottled with minimal filtration. A soft nose of toasty oak introduces light bodied flavors of lemon, mineral, salt, and oak that finish broad and medium-long.
The 2008 Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, $22, 13.9% alc., 420 cases, spent twenty-five months in American oak and opens with chocolate, smoky oak, and dark fruit compote aromas. Juicy and bright flavors dominated by raspberry and cherry that are almost hard candy like finish long and medium-broad. Well put together. It will be popular.
Victor Hugo is a very small winery and if you don’t know its wines, check out www.victorhugowinery.com for the wines and call to order them if you can’t locate them at your favorite merchant.
Clayhouse Wines
Clayhouse Vineyards is named for a 150-year-old adobe structure at the edge of the winery’s Red Cedar Vineyard. Its first vintage was 2003 but the vineyard contains some of the oldest Petite Sirah plantings on the Central Coast with vines planted in the early 1960s. The vineyard itself encompasses 1500 acres divided into 30 blocks.
The 2009 Tannat, Red Cedar Vineyard, Paso Robles, $ 35, 14.18% alc., 120 nine-packs, was aged for eighteen months in French oak. Forward blackberry, dark cherry, currant, blueberry, and smoky oak aromas introduce very smooth, almost pretty, flavors of the same plus spice laced with nice acidity and very fine tannin. The medium-broad, medium-long finish shows a touch of alcohol at the end which should disappear with some more time in the bottle. Well integrated and structured. Tasty.
The 2008 Adobe Red, Central Coast, $15, 13.5% alc., is a Zinfandel based blend and was aged in neutral oak for fourteen months. Aromas of earth, smoke, dark cherry, dried blueberry, and a hint of chocolate introduce big, juicy, mouth filling flavors of chocolate covered cherry and chocolate covered cranberry laced with fine tannin before a long finish that broadens at the back.
WASHINGTON
Cadaretta
Cadaretta is one of the wine labels owned by Middleton Family Wines. The Middleton family began as Anderson & Middleton Co. in the early 1900s to harvest and ship timber from the Northwest down the coast as far as San Francisco. In the 1990s the company branched out forming Middleton Family Wines. It produces wines from estate vineyards under the Cadaretta and Buried Cane labels in Washington State and the Clayhouse label in Paso Robles. Notes on a few of its current releases appear here and above.
The 2010 sbs, Columbia Valley, $23, 14.1% alc., 1641 six-packs, is a blend of 15% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Semillon. It saw no oak and opens smooth and round with floral, sweet lemon, and touches of lime, grass, and herb. Big, mouth filling flavors of the same are almost lush and are shot through with bright acidity. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. Very Good.
Buried Cane
The winery’s name comes from the long standing practice by some Washington State vintners to bury the vine canes in the winter to protect them from freezing. The wines are given a secondary designation using a printer’s term.
The 2009 Chardonnay, Whiteline, Columbia Valley, $14, 13.3% alc., was made entirely in stainless steel. Ninety-five percent of the fruit came from the Arete Vineyard that was planted in 1985 and 5% from the Champoux Vineyard that was planted in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Aromas of lemon, green apple, and a hint of macadamia nut continue as flavors with good body and presence and bright acidity. Everything carries to the end of the long, medium-broad finish. Well structured, balanced, and integrated. There are not that many unoaked Chards available and this one is not only a good expression of the fruit from a cool climate but is very attractively priced. Very Tasty. BEST BUY.
The 2008 Red Wine, Heartwood, Columbia Valley, $25, 14.1% alc., 514 cases, is a blend of 78% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, and 5% Counoise. A light nose of blackberry, black raspberry, marionberry, currant, and smoky oak introduces fresh, forward flavors of the same plus sharp spice that begins at the front and spreads over the palate and smoky oak all laced with light, fine tannin and moderate acidity. Well balanced, structured, and integrated.
OREGON
Oak Knoll
The 2009 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $14, 13.73% alc, saw no oak and opens with a light nose of lemon, lemon peel, floral, and apple. Flavors of lemon, lemon, peel cantaloupe peel, and apple are laced with moderate acidity before a long finish that broadens at the back and where the floral notes reappear. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. Tasty.
The 2009 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, $15, 13.5% alc., spent eighteen months in medium toast French oak and has an appealing and nicely rich and ripe nose of cherry, strawberry, smoke, leather, earth, and oak. Mouth filling, juicy flavors of the same plus spice are accented with light tannin and bright acidity and finish broad and very long. Well integrated, balanced, and structured. Good.
David Hill Vineyards & Winery
The 2010 Pinot Gris, Estate, Willamette Valley, $16, 12.9% alc., 368 cases, saw no oak. Restrained aromas of apple, sweet lemon, and melon introduce almost creamy textured, juicy flavors of the same with nice intensity and good acidity. The medium-broad, medium-long finish adds spice. Well integrated, balanced, and structured. Good.
The 2007 Pinot Noir, Reserve, Estate, Willamette Valley, $32, 13.8% alc., 464 cases, spent twenty-four months in French oak, 60% new. A bouquet of earth, barnyard, meat, dark cherry, rhubarb, cranberry, and sweet smoke precedes flavors of dark cherry, earth, meat, rhubarb, and strawberry which are not sweet and have good presence and are laced with light, very fine tannin and good acidity. It finishes long and broad. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. Good.
Terrapin Cellars
Terrapin Cellars was established in 2000 and produced 97 cases of Pinot Gris that year from purchased grapes. It added Pinot Noir in 2001 and now also makes a Port style wine with Tempranillo. It now has its own vineyards and manages them using sustainable viticulture practices but remains a small producer. If you can’t find its wines locally, its website lists both wholesale and retail outlets but if there are none in your area, contact the winery: www.terrapincellars.com.
The 2010 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $14, 12.6% alc., did not undergo malolactic fermentation and saw no oak. Nicely sweet aromas of pineapple, melon, lemon, and apple precede big, juicy flavors of lemon, apple, melon, and pineapple accented with good acidity. Everything carries through the long, broad finish. The wine has good presence and body and is well balanced, structured, and integrated. Very Good. BEST BUY.
The 2010 Pinot Noir, [Eola Amity Hills], Willamette Valley, $17, 13.5% alc., 280 cases, was aged for ten months in 25% new oak. Sweet aromas of cherry, strawberry, cranberry, earth, and a touch of smoky oak repeat as juicy flavors with fine tannin and moderate acidity. Everything carries through the long, broad, persistent finish. Well balanced, structured, and integrated, this is very good value. Tasty.
ARGENTINA
Alamos by Catena
The 2010 Chardonnay, Mendoza, $13, 13.88% alc., was fermented in upright fermentors and barrels. Approximately 75% of the wine completed malolactic fermentation and the wine spent sur lie for three to four months before being transferred to French and American oak for another three to six months before bottling. Aromas of lemon, apple, and a touch of toast are nicely big and forward and repeat as ripe but not sweet flavors with added spice and lemon peel before a medium-broad, truncated but persistent finish where the lemon peel becomes bitter. Well balanced, structured, and integrated.
The 2010 Red Blend, Mendoza, $13, 13.42% alc., is a blend of 40% Malbec, 18% Tempranillo, 14% each of Bonarda, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and 7% Syrah. Aromas of raspberry, cherry, and a touch of smoky oak precede smooth, sweet, almost candied flavors of the same accented with very light tannin. The medium-broad, truncated finish adds pepper at the front. Simple and well put together, it will be popular.
The 2009 Malbec, Selección, [La Consulta], Mendoza, $20, 13.86% alc., was aged in French and American oak. Aromas of black raspberry, cherry, smoke, leather, and forest floor introduce flavors of the same (except no forest floor) that are juicy but not sweet and with the addition of oak and all laced with moderate acidity and fine tannin. It finishes long and broadens at the back. This well balanced, structured, and integrated wine will pair nicely with a wide range of foods or could even make a refreshing drink served well chilled on a warm afternoon on the deck or for a picnic. Tasty.
FRANCE – PROVENCE
If you in Marseilles enjoying a wonderful bowl of Bouillabaisse the locals would suggest any one of a number of rosé wines. Of course, you could drink something else, but a rosé just works wonderfully and it can also pair well with many other foods. It is not a wine simply for the summer months but for anytime when you want something fresh and zippy and, perhaps, a bit bigger than a white. What follows are notes on a few of those wines from Provence. They and others are well worth trying especially if you haven’t tried any lately.
Gassier en Provence
The 2010 Sables d’Azur Rose, Côtes de Provence AOC, $12, 12.5% alc., is a blend of 30% each of Grenache, Cinsault, and Carignan and 10% Syrah. A very light nose of woody floral and almost ripe strawberry continues as round, juicy flavors that finish medium-long and broad at the back. Well put together.
Château Beaulieu
The 2010 Rosé, Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence AOC, $19, 12% alc., is 40% each of Grenache and Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon was made in stainless steel tanks and then aged for two-three months in the same tanks before bottling. A big, round nose of mostly strawberry including the seeds introduces big, round, mouth-filling flavors of strawberry, lemon, and lime peel before a long, broad finish. The wine has juicy acidity and is well balanced, structured, and integrated. Very Tasty.
Estandon
The 2010 Rosé de Provence, Côtes de Provence AOC, $11, 12.5% alc., opens with sweet strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of cherry. Sweet-tart flavors of the same plus red apple are laced with nice acidity. The long, broad finish adds a hint of spice at the sides. Well structured, balanced, and integrated. Tasty.
Domaine de La Sangliere
The 2010 Rosé, Cuvée S, Côtes de Provence AOC, $20, 12.5_% alc., is a blend of Cinsault and Grenache. Restrained aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and cherry introduce mouth-filling, light bodied flavors of the almost ripe raspberry, strawberry, and cherry accented with some tannin. The finish is long and broadens at the back. Well integrated, structured, and balanced.
The 2010 White, Cuvée S, Côtes de Provence AOC, $20, 12.5% alc., is mainly Rolle (a/k/a Vermentino) with flavors that are initially sweet with pink grapefruit, grass, and mineral notes before a medium-broad, truncated finish. Straight forward.
Famille Quiot au Domaine Houchart
The 2008 Red Provence, Côtes de Provence, $12, 13.5% alc., is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Light cherry, mushroom, earth, heather, blackberry, and a touch of oak on the nose continue as smoothly textured flavors with good acidity and fine tannin. It finishes medium-broad and medium-long. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. Tasty. BEST BUY.
Chateau Sainte Roseline
The 2010 Cuvée Lampe de Meduse [Rosé], Cru Classe, Côtes de Provence, $, 12.5% alc., is 40% Cinsault, 30% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, and 5% Tibouren. A restrained nose of chalk and strawberry introduces smooth flavors of strawberry, lemon, tart red apple, and apple peel before a long finish that is broader at the back. Well put together.
AUSTRALIA
Plantagenet
The 2010 Omrah, Chardonnay, Unoaked, Great Southern, Western Australia, $15, 13.5% alc., has an inviting and nicely sweet nose of grapefruit, melon, and rangpur lime before round, zippy flavors of the same that carry through the long, broad finish. This is a well balanced, structured, and integrated Chard’ that will go exceptionally well with food. Very Good.
D’Arenberg
The 2009 The Stump Jump, Shiraz, McLaren Vale, $13, 14.5% alc., has bright, forward aromas of raspberry jam and plum with hints of blackberry and cherry introduce sweet, juicy raspberry, cranberry, and cherry flavors laced with light, fine tannin and bright acidity. The long, medium-broad finish adds spice at the front and a touch of alcohol that shows at the end. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. It will be popular. (Stump Jump is a reference to the Stump Jump plough that was invented in South Australia. It could ride over stumps, roots, and snags which permitted the draft horse to continue without being forced to stop because the plough hung up on an obstacle.)
Kilikanoon
The 2009 Killerman’s Run, Shiraz Grenache, South Australia, $20, 14.8% alc., is 65% Shiraz and 35% Grenache. It was aged in 80% French and 20% American oak for twenty months. A nose of smoky oak over blackberry and black raspberry jam leads to fairly light bodied flavors of blackberry, black raspberry, dark cherry, and spice shot through with light, fine tannin and moderate acidity. Everything carries through the long, broad finish. Well balanced, structured, and integrated. Tasty. (The wine is named after a legendary Clare Valley squatter who planted vines on land adjoining the Kilikanoon property.)