More People, More Wine
RED 3/31/12 2010 Rock Wall Wine Co. Montepulciano Contra Costa County (13.5% abv., $19.99, Du Vin Fine Wines): Bright, light ruby in the glass, with pleasant aromas of cherries and herbs. Good balance in the mouth between fruit, acid, and firm tannins. Finish shows hints of cocoa. Conclusion: Excellent value! A versatile wine that is […]
Read More…I don’t know about you, but I’ve had it with these last few weeks of cold, rainy weather. Yes, growers are happy, and that ultimately makes me happy because they’re the folks who make sure I have wine in my glass. Still, I’m starting to get desperate for a little sunshine and some seasonably warm […]
Read More…A recent study by Penn State’s Sensory Evaluation Center concluded that professional wine critics, tasters, and dedicated collectors, what one journalist dubbed “specialist oenophiles,” have taste buds and sensory apparatuses that differ significantly from those of the general population. In an interview with the British paper The Telegraph, Professor John Hayes, director of the center, […]
Read More…RED 3/19/12 2005 “Roy J. Maier” St. Helena Road Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County (14.9% abv., $35, received as gift): A bright garnet core with a rim starting to fade. Nose offers aromas of cedar, black fruit, pencil shavings, and a hint of chocolate. Intense mouthfeel, with earthy, bitter chocolate tones. Brighter on the nose, […]
Read More…WHITE 3/10/12 2010 Domain Sylvain Bailly Sancerre “Terroirs” (12.5% abv., $23, Du Vin Fine Wines): Pale green-gold, with not much on the nose except a bit of grapefruit and lemon, some minerality. Excellent balance between acid and fruit; crisp, moderate length finish. Probably the most reliable and well-liked white in our home right now. Conclusion: […]
Read More…RED 3/8/12 2009 Alain Graillot Crozes Hermitage (12%., $28, Paul Marcus Wines): Deep, dark garnet, almost purple. Early whiffs of menthol, tight and rustic but opens to become sleek and elegant. Red fruit, pepper, some minerality and graphite on palate. Hints of bacon fat. Definitely decant. Conclusion: not a quaffer. Needy wine. Wants your attention. […]
Read More…WHITE 3/3/12 2010 Allan Scott Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, New Zealand (13.5% abv., $14.99, Du Vin Fine Wines): A brilliant green-gold with a youthful nose filled with citrus and tropical aromas and a touch of minerality. Plenty of mouth-watering acid and a palate that duplicates what’s on the nose. A serious value. Refreshing, easy drinking, crisp […]
Read More…RED 3/1/12 2009 Clos du Mont-Olivet “Serre de Catin” Cotes du Rhone (14.5% abv., $24.75, North Berkeley Imports): Nearly opaque garnet, approaching purple. Clean, intense nose, with aromas of violets, lavender and berries, hint of glycerin. Alcohol is noticeable, tannins dusty, and the earthy, herbaceous elements overtake the red fruit. Could use more time in […]
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