If you know me at all — you know that I am a Mayacamas Chardonnay fan. I’ve written glowing things about this wine for well over a decade, and I have a bit of a collection going that I love to pull from on special occasions. The Chardonnay is aged in large casks for an [...]
Read more →And while I’m at it, I also really loved this Cabernet Sauvginon — another Penfolds Bin beauty: Penfolds 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia Bin 407 ($33). Strikes a lovely balance between rich fruitiness — black currant, plum, blackberry, and complex layers of aromatic mineral, floral and cedar notes. Nice complexity and elegance from beginning to [...]
Read more →I already wrote about their Sauvignon Blanc, but recently tried the 2009 Chardonnay from Patianna Organic Vineyards, and I just cannot say enough good things about these two wines! Both are really lovely — well made, balanced, delicious. And they’re from Certified Organic Vineyards. And they’re both under twenty bucks! What more could you ask [...]
Read more →Earlier this year, I had a delightful lunch with Chimney Rock Winery winemaker (and now also GM) Elizabeth Vianna. Most of Chimney Rock’s wines come from one of Napa Valley’s famed subappellations, Stags Leap District AVA. Best known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Stags Leap District offers a distinctive tart cherry character to much of its [...]
Read more →Earlier this year, I sat down to lunch with Washington State winemaker John Bookwalter to catch up on a few of his latest vintages. Of the four wines we tasted, two really stood out for me — a crisp, laser-focused Riesling and an impressive, cellar-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon. Here are my notes: J. Bookwalter 2010 Riesling Columbia [...]
Read more →I recently wrote about the Beni di Batasiolo 2006 Barbaresco, but also want to highlight their 2005 Barolo. I thought both of these wines were stunning — and for Piedmont wines of this quality, they’re actually pretty affordable. Here’s the skinny: Beni di Batasiolo 2005 Barolo ($50). Tea leaf and oak notes underscore violet, candied [...]
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