You’re Going To Want To Stop At Chimney Rock

Posted on May 18, 2013 by

DSC_0887If you’ve ever driven the Silverado Trail through the Napa Valley, you’ve seen Chimney Rock. It’s impossible to miss. I’ve visited several times, most recently a few weeks ago, and have always had a wonderful time. It’s not a place you want to miss when touring wine country. Here’s a review of my visit. See if you don’t agree. http://www.americanwineryguide.com/winery_reviews/chimney-rock-winery/481/

Posted in Main Posts | Leave a comment

Balance, Ripeness And Alcohol

Posted on May 2, 2013 by

IMG_0881The debate surrounding California wine over what constitutes balance, and the roles that alcohol and ripe flavors play, is never going to be resolved. There have always been and always will be proponents of various styles. Here’s a look at a group of winemakers who are trying to stretch the public perception and understanding of what California can be.

http://www.alcoholprofessor.com/2013/05/balance-alcohol-and-ripeness/

Posted in Education, Main Posts, Snobbery | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It’s Always Time To Visit Robert Sinskey Vineyards

Posted on April 29, 2013 by

DSC_0851I stopped in last week at one of my favorite Napa tasting rooms, Robert Sinskey Vineyards. Since moving to California almost seventeen years ago, I’ve come to know many fine wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Sinskey was the first, and remains a favorite. A review of my time there can be found at the American Winery Guide’s website. Enjoy!

Posted in Education, Main Posts, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Weekly Wine List #3 — A Griller’s Dozen

Posted on April 25, 2013 by

EWine Blog - 299verybody’s heard of a baker’s dozen, right? Well, with summer on its way, and many folks already working the backyard grill, here are some reds that will partner nicely with whatever it is you’ve got cooking. Think of them as a griller’s dozen.

$19 2010 Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel (Sonoma County; abv 13.5%) A big wine with resinous scents of pine and black fruit skin, this is peppery and smokey with alcohol. The round tannins may fill out that warmth with bottle age. (W&S)

$19 2010 Fiddletown Cellars Old Vine Zinfandel (Amador County; abv 14.8%) This is a dense, chewy Zin with lush berry flavors. It has notes of blackberry juice and tar, with hints of tobacco and vanilla on the back palate. Made from old vines and blended with 6% Barbera and 4% Alicante Bouschet. (WE)

$18 2011 Plungerhead Old Vine Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley; abv 14.5%)This is rich and spicy in briary, brambly flavors, with notes of wild cherry and blackberry, plus a wonderful summer-herb quality of nettle and fresh anise. Despite the big tannins, it’s velvety smooth. This barbecue wine contains a few drops of Petite Sirah and Tannat for complexity. (WE)

$18 2009 Steele Old Vine Pacini Vineyard Zinfandel (Mendocino County; abv 13.8%) A zesty, old-school style, showing focus and a touch of elegance while maintaining appealing notes of briary berry, grilled anise and smoked pepper. Drink now through 2017. (WS)

$18 2010 Terre Rouge Tête-à-Tête (Sierra Foothills; abv 14.5% 2009) A blend of Syrah, Mourvedre and Grenache, this has a pungent, Sierra Foothills soil character under the clean fruit. The flavors meld orange blossom scents with peppermint and chocolate. For braised meats. (W&S)

$17 2010 Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Syrah Unknown(Santa Barbara County; abv 13.5%) Balancing generous fruit against peppery tannins, this sunny Syrah is ideal for lamb burgers (W&S)

$17 2010 Maddalena Zinfandel (Paso Robles; abv 14.5%)A delicious little Zin, with raspberry and cinnamon aromas and modelst but lively cherry and spice flavors. Drink now through 2016. (WS)

$17 2010 Qupé Syrah (Central Coast; abv  ) A light, bright, strawberry-scented syrah, this has a fresh, open feel to its red fruit flavor. Bob Lindquist makes some fo the most consistently fine Syrah in California, and this latest release is classical in its simple lines. Buy a case to enjoy this spring and summer once the cover comes off the grill. (W&S)

$16 2010 Andrew Murray Tous les Jours Syrah (Central Coast; abv 14.5% 2011) Pure, tight and vivid, with vibrant wild berry, blackberry, raspberry and huckleberry flavors, this holds focus and ends with a ripple of berry flavors. Drink now through 2020. (WS)

$15 2010 Bridlewood Blend 175 (Central Coast; abv n /a) Very complete and well-balanced, with beef, dark berry, cedar and tobacco leaf flavors. Contains notable complexity and depth at this price. Syrah, Merlot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2018. (WS)

$15 2010 HandCraft Petite Sirah (California; abv 14.5%) This wine’s savory scents of nuts and dark-roast coffee seem as driving by petite’s unique fragrance as they are by oak. Firm, fine tannins surround a supple core of fruit, while citrusy acidity keeps it lifted. Drink it over the next several years with braised beef cheeks. (W&S)

$14 2010 Alexander Valley Vineyards California Temptation Zinfandel (Alexander Valley; abv 14.5%) This is a straightforward, satisfying Zin. Lean but in no way insipid, it offers plenty of dark spice and tangy fruit. Buy it by the case as a crowd-pleasing red to serve all winter. (W&S)

Unknown$14 2011 Heron Pinot Noir (California; abv 13.0%) Saturated with flavors of dark cherry and coffee, this direct and bold pinot would match a hearty plate of beef chow fun. (W&S)

Key: WS — Wine Spectator; W&S — Wine & Spirits; F&W — Food & Wine; WE — Wine Enthusiast

Photos courtesy of Qupé Vineyards and sonomawinegrape.org via Google search; Tom Riley©

Posted in Education, Main Posts, Tasting Notes, Wine Lists | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Weekly Wine List #2 — Pacific Northwest Reds Under $20

Posted on April 17, 2013 by

images-1Got your grill fired up yet? Write up your wine shopping list for the weekend? If you need some fresh ideas, here are some great value reds from the pages of several major wine publications. Happy hunting!

$11 2009 Thorny Rose Red Blend (Columbia Valley; abv 14%) This bright red leads with scents of bitter chocolate and black plum flavors. Sweet and simple. For barbecue. (W&S)

$11 2009 Thorny Rose Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley; abv 14%) This shares the same coffee cake flavors as its companion, the Thorny Rose Red Blend (review above), but here the flavors of stems and earth are a bit more evident. It also comes with a nice lick of black cherry flavor. (WE)

$12 2010 Waterbrook Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley; abv 13.6%) Scents of evergreen and black pepper provide a lean frame to this brisk, plummy cabernet. For a burger. (W&S)

$14 2009 Bergevin Lane Calico Red (Columbia Valley; abv 14.2%) Fresh and inviting, with fine tannins wound around a core of black currant and herb flavors, lingering softly. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, and Malbec. (WS)

$15 2010 Waterbrook Mélange Noir (Columbia Valley; abv 13.5%) UnknownFresh and deftly balanced, with refined currant and plum fruit riding over a background of roasted meat and roasted peppers, with refined tannins wrapping around the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah and others. (WS)

$16 2010 Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley; abv 13.5%) Chewy, nicely focused and appealing, with ripe black cherry and licorice flavors that dance deftly on the finish. (WS)

$17 2010 Barnard Griffin Syrah (Columbia Valley; abv 13.8%) Rich with cassis and mocha scents, this has a jammy sleekness to its flavors, with a sea-salty chocolately depth that makes it easy to drink. It closes with a dark, savory finish; for meats off the grill. (W&S)

$17 2010 Kings Ridge Pinot Noir (Oregon; abv 13.3%) A touch of cinnamon and smoke lead in this compellingly vinous red, with red cherry flavors and an earthy savor in the tannins. It feels dry, structured and elegant, a steal at the price. For garlic roast chicken. (W&S)

$17 2010 Rainstorm Pinot Noir (Oregon; abv 12.5%) Light and tangy, with a supple texture to the tannins and a gentle thrust to the red berry and mineral flavors, lingering easily and expressively. (WS)

$18 2010 Saviah The Jack One of a Kind Syrah (Columbia Valley; abv 14.1%) Combining 80 percent Syrah with Grenache and Mourvedre from five sites, this generous red has bright raspberry scents grounded by a dark herb note. The flavors are forward and juicy, with a creamy texture and the sort of easy appeal for drinking on its own, or with a juicy burger. (W&S)

WineSpectatorCover-Sheldrake$20 2010 Carlton Cellars Seven Devils Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley; abv 13.2%) Light and sleek, with intriguing orange peel and tea leaf notes around a core of raspberry and white chocolate, lingering easily on the deft finish. (WS)

$20 2010 Illahe Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley; abv 13.5%) This is deftly balanced, framing mineral-accented blackberry and dark chocolate flavors with refined tannins and just enough acidity to keep the flavors singing on the wide-open finish. (WS)

$20 2010 Woodinville Wine Cellars Little Bear Creek Red Wine (Columbia Valley; abv 14.5%) Another fine vintage for this value-priced, Bordeaux-style blend. It’s loaded with raspberry and black cherry flavors, then brings in lighter notes of dried herb, ground coffee and dark chocolate. For its price, it delivers rather complex and well-integrated flavors. (WE)

Key: WS — Wine Spectator; W&S — Wine & Spirits; F&W — Food & Wine; WE — Wine Enthusiast; D — Decanter

*photo courtesy of essentialnorthwestwines.com via Google search

Posted in Education, Main Posts, Tasting Notes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Take A Look At Larkmead

Posted on April 15, 2013 by

DSC_0786

Last week I drove up to the northern end of the Napa Valley, just south of Calistoga, and paid a visit to the folks at Larkmead. A review of my time there can be found at the American Winery Guide’s website. Enjoy!

Posted in Education, Main Posts, Tasting Notes, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Weekly Wine List #1 — Pacific Northwest Whites Under $20

Posted on April 10, 2013 by

UnknownOnce you’ve read these notes, go out and pick up a few bottles.  Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Earn your explorers’ badge. Then, stop by the newstand and grab one of these publications, and take your education to a whole new level. Trust me, these few dollars will be the best education money you’ve ever spent. Enjoy!

$8 2010 Columbia Crest Two Vines Chardonnay (Washington; abv 13.0%) “Fresh and silky, with a hint of peach to the flavor profile. Drink now. 160,000 cases made.” (WS)

$8 2011 Columbia Crest Two Vines Riesling (Washington; abv 11.5%) “Soft and refreshing, with pretty pear and floral flavors that linger gently on the lightly sweet finish. Drink now. 14,700 cases made.” (WS)

$8 2011 Snoqualamie Winemaker’s Select Riesling (Columbia Valley; abv 10.8%) “Frankly sweet, with honeyed pineapple and spice flavors, lingering gently. Drink now. 20, 081 cases made.” (WS)

$9 2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer (Columbia Valley; abv 12% (2010)) “Fresh and soft, this brims with spicy pineapple and floral flavors, finishing with a mild sweetness. Drink now. 65,000 cases made.” (WS)

$10 2011 Sagelands Riesling (Columbia Valley; n/a) “Light, sweet and expressive, layering the peach and floral flavors in a delicate array, finishing with polish. Drink now through 2015. 3075 cases made.” (WS)DSC_0289

$11 2011 Hogue Gewurztraminer (Columbia Valley; abv 13%) “Fresh, tangy and off-dry, with a peppery edge corralling the apple and lime flavors toward a zippy finish. Drink now. 17,000 cases made.” (WS)

$11 2011 Pacific Rim Gewurztraminer (Columbia Valley; abv 12.4%) “Light and spicy, redolent of rose petal, cinnamon and lychee, with the flavors balanced against a soft, off-dry structure. Drink now. 5000 cases made.” (WS)

$13 2011 Eola Hills Chardonnay (Oregon; abv 13.7%) “Fresh and vibrant, layered with pear and apple flavors shaded with grace notes of spicy oak and cashew. Drink now through 2016. 2000 cases made.” (WS)

$14 2011 Erath Pinot Gris (Oregon; n/a) “Scents of baked biscuits and golden delicious apples give way to a brisk, lively palate marked by juicy citrus accents of Meyer lemon. This gris is a simple pleasure, a vibrant, energetic aperitif or a white to serve with petrale sole. “ (W&S)

$15 2011 Boomtown Chardonnay (Washington; abv 13.7%) “This is a straightforward, crisp and refreshing, with no fancy frills. The fruit and acid complement each other, lifting the pleasant apple and melon flavors. Made entirely in stainless steel, it carries no oak influences.” (WE)

$15 2011 Barons V Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley; abv 13.6%) “This a succulent yet delicate, with dried hay and sweet grass flavors. Textural, vivid and racy, it has a Loire-like mix of fruit, flower and herb, with the possibility of improving still further over the next 4-5 years.” (WE)

images-3$15 2011 Three Rivers Riesling (Columbia Valley; abv 12%) “Softly sweet, this white presents its peach, floral and gentle spice flavors with panache. Drink now. 784 cases made.” (WS)

$16 2011 Wilridge Rosebud Vineyard Viognier (Yakima Valley; abv 13.5%). “Viognier is a clear success story for Wilridge. This is not a flashy wine, and it goes down easily. It’s deeply concentrated, with a rich core of peach, apricot and lemon drop flavors.” (WE)

$18 2011 Carabella Pinot Gris Chehalem Mountains (Oregon; n/a) “A vibrant version, with a lovely balance of fruit and savory flavors that touch on cantaloupe, lime, rosemary and wet stone, lingering easily on the expressive finish. Drink now through 2015. 900 cases made.” (WS)

$18 2011 Three Rivers Chardonnay (Columbia Valley; 13.5%) “This marks a change in style from Three Rivers’s 2010, with noticeably less new oak influence and a much smaller production. The green apple and pineapple flavors have some sharpness, and the barrel fermentation (just 15% new oak) adds a biscuit-like note of vanilla wafer. “ (WE)

$18 2011 Woodinville Wine Cellars Sauvignon Blanc (Columbia Valley; abv 14%) “Deep, ripe fruit is the focus, brimming with lemon-lime flavor. There’s a touch of vanilla cookie also – thoroughly delicious, if a bit blocky. The finish has just a hint of alcohol warmth.” (WE)

$20 2011 Solena Willamette Valley Pinot Gris (Oregon; abv 13.1%) “Salty and savory with a floral scent, this has a freshness that keeps the wine on point. With its lemony, high-toned flavors and drive, it feels cool and poised, and elegant gris for boudin blanc and roasted potatoes.” (W&S)

Key: WS — Wine Spectator; W&S — Wine & Spirits; F&W — Food & Wine; WE — Wine Enthusiast; D — Decanter

(Photo credit: Wines and Vines Magazine, via Google search)

Posted in Education, Main Posts | 2 Comments