November 16th - 21st - Wines Tasted

Egelhoff Wines - 2003 - Napa - Cabernet Sauvignon - $75 - (Modern, Ager, Showpiece) - A monster nose of pure black cherry, cassis, black olive, green tea, peppery spice, kirsch and ground coffee. More closed on the palette but not shy about showing off its: black cherry, cassis, black plum, black tea and black olive arrangement. Moderatly high in alcohol; high in tannin and moderate in acid (typical of 2003).
We had a glass on Wednesday and drank the rest on Thursday...but it showed more breakdown than expected overnight. For such a tight wine I wonder about it's decant times? Any speculation?


Bryant Family Vineyards - 2001 - Napa - Cabernet Sauvignon - $350 - (Modern, Showpiece) - Dr Pepper-like aromas, teasanne, blackberry, eucalyptus/camphor, sage. Threw heavy sediment.
A medium bodied, moderate to mod low tannin, mod plus acid, Cabernet with a moderately short finish. An (14.1% alc) effort that doesn't come off as hot.

DB4 - Napa Cabernet - 2005 - $80 - (Showpiece, Modern) - The, "super second", wine of Bryant Family Vineyards. Smoky black cherry, chocolate, black olive, leather, tea, sage, and blackberries. A fullbodied, moderatly high in tannin, mountain wine with moderate acid and moderate high alcohol. A much spicier and more acidic version of the big brother. Shows off it's pomegranate, red plum and blackberry freely as it continues to open. I
Based on my tastings of recent Bryant Family wines I'd say this is very close to the Big-Brother wine, but at less than a third the cost...? It's well worth it if you're a fan.


Topaz - Late Harvest Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc - Anderson valley - 2005 - (Dessert Wine) - Orange peel, smoke, peach, florals, honey honeysuckle. Moderate acid and alcohol. Caramelized peach and nectarine as well as flambeed orange peel.


Chateau St. Michele - Grenache - Limited Release - 2005 - Columbia Valley - $28 - (Drink Now, Modern, Food Wine) - Strong cherry and cola to open, brown sugar, clove, ripe black berry and charred raspberry. A medium bodies wine which showcases moderat to moderate low tannin moderatly high acid and moderate heat from alcohol (14.5 alcohol). Blackberry almond and black raspberry lay side by side with bittersweet chocolate. Great with fresh made pissaladier of duck confit and broccolini with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

The following Pine Ridge Vineyards wines were tasted with winemaker - Stacy Clark and the winerie's VIPs to predict ageability as well as saleability of some fine older vintage wines. This is the order tasted and my notes from that tasting. (wines that follow were NOT part of the Pine Ridge Tasting)


Pine Ridge Vineyards - Andrus Reserve – 1986 – Napa Valley – (12.8%) – Dusty red berry, dried and fresh cherry nose. Moderate to moderate-high acidity and moderate-low tannin. Leads in with tart red cherry, then follows with dried Bing cherry, dried currant and tea in the mouth. A wine that has held up impressively and offers the drinker a wine meant for food today. Drink now.
Duck breast with dried currant sauce and wild rice.

Pine Ridge Vineyards - Andrus Reserve – 1990 – Napa Valley – (?%) – Opens with rose petals, black plum, black cherry, blueberry and currant aromas. Acid is in the mid range, while tannin remains moderate-low it retains a granular nature. The mouth relives the nose: black cherry, tea smoke, florals and a touch of Earth. Drink now.

Pine Ridge Vineyards – Crimson Creek Merlot – 1996 – Napa Valley – (?%) – Aromas of light brown sugar, light brown butter, red plum, red berry, cinnamon stick and hazelnut tell of a wine holding tightly to its French Oak experience. Soundly from a warm vintage with its, chocolate-praline, plum, cedar, and mint flavors. A moderate-high tannin and moderate acid wine which shows moderate alcohol as well. Drink now through 2010.

Pine Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon - Rutherford – 1998 – Napa Valley – (14.2%) Starts with aromas of red currant, red cherry, vanilla pastry cream, light blueberry, violet, dusty currant and green olives. The fruit in the mouth is very ripe and evocative of black cherry with vanilla, then green olive. With moderate acid, moderate tannin and moderate length, this is a drink now wine.

Pine Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon – Stags Leap District – 1998 – Napa Valley – (14.2%) – This wine took longer than the other 98s to open, but then unleashed: plum, leather, turned Earth, black olive & black currant. On the palette it was mostly: bittersweet chocolate covered black currants, black plums and red berries. Showed moderate-high tannin as well as moderate-high acid. Drink now or hold until 2012.

Pine Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon – Howell Mountain – 1998 – Napa Valley – (14.2%) – Always an impressive wine from Stacy Clark and no exception here: loaded with cola, coffee, black cherry, black berry, light clove, light cinnamon and dried cranberry. Big and brash in the mouth as Howell Mtn. should be. Moderate-high-plus tannin, moderate acid, and moderate-high alcohol here. Full of smoky plum, black currant, black cherry which carry long through the finish sailing side-by-side with the tannin. Drink now through 2015.

Pine Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon – Andrus Reserve – 1998 – Napa Valley – (14.1%) – (My favorite wine in this tasting by far! Formerly the prestige cuvee for Pine Ridge and a stellar example of blending.) Coconut, red currant, red berry, dried red cherries, lightly floral, and sweet with cinnamon and vanilla aromas. A ripe and sweet entrance of red and black cherry, raspberry, framboise and a conclusion of light minerality. Moderate tannin, moderate acid and warm with moderately high alcohol. Drink now for sure, it’s peaking! Or hold until 2012.

Pine Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon - Rutherford – 2003 – Napa Valley – (14.4%) – (My second favorite.) This wine opened up generously in the glass. It started closed and a touch green with olive and dill, but blew off to reveal the wine which “critics” hailed in its release: all ripe red currant, red berries, very fleshy cherry, red plum and cedar. In the mouth it was sweet and ripe with red berry mix, red cherry, light mineral and Earth, with chalky and dry tannins that lie in the moderate range. Acidity remained moderately low. Drink now through 2015.

Pine Ridge Vineyards – Cabernet Sauvignon – Stags Leap District – 2000 – Napa Valley – (14.1%) – Smoky, dark fruited Cabernet here. All black berry, black cherry, cassis, plum, cinnamon, tea and lightly cedary. The palette reveals more of the same, but with red fruit to boot: red currant, cranberry, tart red cherry, chocolate and cedar. A moderate-high acid, moderate tannin SLD Cab. Drink now through 2012.

Tasted seperately:

Rafanelli Vineyards – Zinfandel – Dry Creek – 2006 - $? – (Classic, Food Wine) – Red berry, floral, black plum, pluot, red apple skin, cocoa and light coconut. Firm tannin & moderate acid. A restrained Bordeaux-like wine built for food and cellar. This is a very classically styled Zinfandel from a “cult” style producer. Closed and tight, this is not a “gobby, juicy, or spicy”, zin. A Cabernet lovers wine. And a great candidate for cellaring, which is not typically in Zins DNA. Hold for 2010.

Whitcraft Winery – French Camp - Lagrien – Santa Barbara County – 2003 -(14.2%) – For those of you who have never tasted or heard about – Lagrien, it’s a grape native to North East Italy(Cool-Climate!), and produces very powerful, dark, tannic, alcoholic and acidic wines. It is the picture of excess!!! If you like PETS, try it. Almost black and opaque, this wine boasts 15.8% alc. Fully floral, red plum, pears & grape like aromas mix with hot coffee, blueberry, pencil shavings and menthol flavors. High to moderately-high acid with high tannin levels and obvious heat from alcohol. Bored with Zinfandel? Try Chris Whitcraft’s Lagrien.

Woodenhead - Pinot Russian River - 2006 - $40 - (Classic, Food Wine) - Unfined & unfiltered opaque ruby garnet. A well balanced, mid-high acid, RR Pinot which flashes it's caramel, vanilla, orange peel, bubble gum, boysenberr y and rasp/red currant red cherry and spiced tea aromas vividly. Not a Power Pinot rather a graceful wine with mid heat (14.7). Ripe and sweet fruit wood in the mouth, with lingering spice and acid...drink now or hold for 5 to 7 yrs. We had pasta with fresh tomato sauce applewood smoked bacon chard and lemon thyme w EVOO!


Mayacamas Vineyards - Napa Cabernet Sauvignon - Mt. Veeder - 1997 - $? - (Classic, Ager, Food Wine) - Tight, focused and floral in the nose. Raspberry, red currant, lavander and green tea. Dusty black cherry. This wine us showing beautifully now but can still linger for 5-8 yrs


Coroson Winery - Kronos Vineyard - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2003 - $98 - (Classic, Ager, Stand Alone) - (13.8% alc.) - Black berry, red cherry, lt cassis and strong blueberry character. Light plastic aroma as well as red florals.. Mid-high tannin mid-high acid. Long mineral tannin chalky tnin that are chewey and persistant. Almost red apple skin thru finish. 1971 or 1972


Aubert - Reuling Vineyard - Sonoma Coast - Pinot Noir - 2006 - $? - (Modern, Showpiece) - My first time tasting Aubert wines and I have to say, "These are a BIG deal, so if you don't like huge wines stay away". Mushroom leads off, then: black currant, red plum, raspberry, herb tea leaf, pine and clay. Full bodied and 15.6% alc?! Tamarind, raspberry, sweet and ripe with a touch of plastic. Mid-high tannins with earthy persistence. Pleanty of fruit and heat. Raisin-like final note which lingers on the breath.

October 30, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Below are my notes from multiple tastings of Alpha-Omega Winery's best wines. Alpha-Omega lies in Rutherford off 29 in the former Quail Ridge location. A Face lift and more assure us that the former tenants are long forgotten. A great place to relax and enjoy a bottle on the terrace.

Alpha Omega - Syrah - 2007 - Napa Valley - $? - (Modern, Food Wine, Drink Now) - Black berry, black and red currant, black raspberry, light pepper, graham, cinnamon & sweet tea aromas flow rapidly from the glass and transition quickly. Raspberry, red berry, juniper, and sandal wood mesh on the palette with moderate tannin as well as moderate plus acidity. A good food wine that appears and opens brooding in typical Syrah fashion, but reveals a bright almost Grenache like wine later. We had roast striped bass over greens and toasted fresh made tortillas.

Alpha Omega - Proprietary Red - 2005 - $74 - Napa Valley - (Modern, Ager, Drink Now, Stand Alone) - My favorite of the AO line up of wines, and tasted multiple times from barrel to bottle. Caramel, mocha, sweet clove and florals begin the trek through beautiful red and black plum that lies in total harmony with the wood. Hits its high note in the mouth which tells of red and black berries, cherries, currant and sweet ripe round and sexy tannins...like silk and satin in the mouth. Moderate tannins and moderate but well balanced acidity. I just love this wine! A blend of 69% Cab and 31% Merlot. "I recommend not buying this so there is more for me..."

Alpha Omega - Chardonnay - 2005 - $38 - Napa Valley - (Modern, Food Wine) - Chardonnays seldom get the nod from me, but when a wine comes off this well made and balanced, I can't resist. A partially Malo-lactic(30%) and barrel fermented(70%) wine which shows restraint in winemaking. Leesy-apple, lemon peel, light almond toast, and sheer mineral which is often lacking in a Napa chardonnay. Light and airy on the entry making it a good choice with food, yet smoky and dense through the moderately high acid finish. I like this wine for it's more Burgundian framework. I'd recommend: Seared Scallops with Caramelized Shallots, Grilled Shrimp with Tarragon, Chervil & Lemon or Roast Chicken Breast on the Bone with Lemon Thyme.

October 18, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Grace Family - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2006 - $265 - (Classic, Ager, Showpiece, Food Wine) - My first time tasting Grace, and I really like this wine's style. Not typical of Napa Valley, and reminded me more of Dunn than anything else. Aromas of black cherry kirsch liquor, cut pine, red plum, black tea and currants. Enters with chalky tannins (a sure sign of an, Ager) up front, then follows through with a wash of black plum and other black fruits. Old World in that aspect only. Retains high acidity through the finish, as well as its chocolate-tea tannins. I used the word, "lean" to describe this wine when comparing it to the others amongst it (Hillside Select, Vise-Versa, Spottswoode), but not a lean wine itself. Hold for 2012 to 2020.

Vise-Versa - Napa Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon - $90? - (Modern) - A "New" Napa Cab, made by Paul Hobbs from 50% Stagecoach Vineyard & 50% Beckstoffer Tokalon Vineyard, so all Oakville but from both sides of the valley(thus the name). These two vineyards don't make bad wine, ever, and rarely does Paul Hobbs. I reviewed it because I'm sure you'll hear more about it in the future. There's a Syrah too (notes to come). Well built in that modern, ripe black cherry, cassis, black plum, chocolate toast, light caramel way. Moderate acidity, but moderate high alcohol. Easily consumable now, but best from 2009 to 2015, I'd suspect. The mouth matches closely the bouquet.

Spootswoode - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2005 - $140 - Tasted for a second time today, this wine was consistent with my previous notes. See: September 29, 2008 Tasting Notes.

Roessler Cellars - Peregrine - Pinot Noir - St. Rita Hills - 2005 - $43 - (Modern, Food Wine) - Opens with clove, cinnamon bark, brown sugar, black cherry, and red plum. All spice before fruit. A modest 13.5% alc. makes this wine a great choice with food while maintaining balance. Medium bodied with moderate acidity. The fruit drives the palette with boysenberry, Bing cherry and all that spice in the boot. Drink now through 2012. I enjoyed it with duck confit, lentils du pays and frisee with a warm vinaigrette.

Lachini - Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley - $59 - (Modern) - Floral, peppery, spicy, saw dust, leather, ripe blackberry, & light mocha...if this sounds like a something you'd like pick this wine up! I found it a bit too heavy and expensive for it's delivery, but most enjoyed it. A high octane (14.5% alc.) well made wine that was ahead of itself today. Tannin level was high, while the body was full and acid was moderate-low. Best from 2009 to 2017. Note: I detected a bit of TCA here, the bottle may have been a touch off. The staff did not agree...

October 16, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Krug - Grand Cuvee - NV - Champaigne - $40 a Glass! - (Classic, Ager, Food Wine, OMG Wine) - After a smell of this most fine Champaigne, you get the feeling that time has sklipped over you for generations while you were playing in the sandbox. Get out there and try this wine and you will KNOW what greatness is! I've had it once before but the experience ruined the wine, this was not the case last night at, The 5th Floor in SF. Intense aromas of peaches, just melted sugar, yeast, a hoard of apples and pears, toast, and a sense of place found only in the most prestiege cuvees. The wine held me in check with its focus like a still life in the making. And that one minute finish that could make anyone blush. Pure love for this wine. I had: Burbury-Spiced Black Tiger Shrimp Salad with Dried Tapenade and Pea Shoots.

September 29, 2008 - Wines Tasted

The following 12, 2005 vintage wines were decanted for 8 hours priot to serving. They were tasted double blind out of Riedel Vinum stemware, by a panel of 15 in the Caves at Pine Ridge. The group's results are in the previous blog below. My tasting notes and order of serving are as follows:

Pavilion Rouge de Ch. Margaux 2005 - $100 - (Ager, Classic, Food Wine) - Aromas of red cherry, flint, spice, red berry, coffee, herb stems, and light cassis. On the palette this wine was fleshy with black peppercorn, red berries, and light minerl laced cherry. It showed moderate-high acid, moderate low tannin and a soft plushness not obvious to a Bordeaux. A stellar wine to sample now or thru 2020.

Ch. Rausan Segla 2005 - $175 - (Ager, Classic, Food Wine) - My second time tasting this wine since April, and it was just as impressive. Aromas of plum, Earth, mint, black cherry, bittersweet chocolate, cocoa, light red florals, cassis, cedar, and light spice box. In the mouth it was full of mineral, Earth, cocoa & black cherry. It showed moderate high levels of mineral laced tannin which remained firm throughout as well as moderate high levels of acidity. Best in 2015 to 2020 and beyond.

Dominus Estate - 2005 - $130 - (Modern, Stand Alone) - First contact reveals ripe and juicy plums, red raspberry, red cherry, red licorice, green peppers, leafy greens, green beans and peppercorns. What I call two-faced: ripe and green at the same time. In the mouth it was stemmy red berries all mixed up with bitter chocolate. Tannis were moderate but bitter and acid was moderate-low.

Hourglass - 2005 - $135 - (Modern, Showpiece, Stand Alone) - Super ripe with caramel, molasses, plum/pluot, black cherries, pomegranates, and black raspberries. It follows that all up with a mouth full ofminty and herbal plum, layered black fruit, raspberry, almost sweet tannin, but high alcohol and moderatly high tannin. As one would expect from Bob Foley this was a big brash wine with clean lines. I really enjoyed this wine.

Pine Ridge Vineyards - Fortis - 2005 - $140 - (Modern, Food Wine, Ager) - I've tasted it numerous times but it still surprised me with an explosion of black cherry and cassis as well as cinnamon, brown butter, red plum, and light cedar. Past the lips it tells a similar story: vanilla, brown sugar, light cedar, latte', cherry, plum & cassis. For a Napa Cab it displays amazing acidity which remains moderatly high alongside moderate tannin and balanced levels of fruit/alcohol.

Spottswoode - 2005 - $140 - (Classic, Ager) - Even after 8 hours in the decanter this wine remained closed to the group, but it gave up: cinnamon, clove, vanilla, red berry, light Earth, and red plum in the nose. The palette was a mirror to the bouquet: black and red cherry, Earth, dirt, mineral. As far as tannin and acid I found it to be moderat-high in tannin and moderat-low in acid. I'd hold this one until 2012 at least.

Diamond Creek - Red Rock Terrace - 2005 - $175 - (Classic, Showpiece, Ager) - The first wine to show light levels of brett, but that I sometimes like alot, this was the case here. Very ripe plums, vanilla, mint, herb mix, black cherry, spicy plum, light floras, turned Earth. The mouth was even better with eucalyptus, cola, spice, red plum, light florals, red cherry, clay and Earth qualities on the lightly minty finish. I detected a very dry wine with firm tannins and moderate acid. Fine to consume now, but 8 to 10 years wil never hurt a DC Cabernet.

Schrader Cellars - Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard - 2005 - $235 - ($125 mailing list) - (Modern, Showpiece, Stand Alone) - Plums, cola, spice, and rich Cassis liquor, herbal in a cassis syrup way, tea leaf, almond, resin and nutty toast aromas are full and layered. In the mouth I used the term "lovley" to describe its red fruit, bittersweet chocolate, plum & cherry. With moderate acidity and moderate tannin this wine was soft and elegant and easy to drink. Not an ager in my mind, so drink away.

Melka Wines - Metisse - 2005 - $145 - (Modern, Showpiece) - A super ripe, almost "porty", fruit driven nose of ripe and dried Bing cherries, plums, black figs and florals. Add to that the cinnamon stick, and cassis (but no herbal nature to that), and you've got it. The mouth unloads the same fruits as the nose, with the addition of: spice and pepper, coffee and bitter chocolate. I found it very dry for such a ripe wine, a touch hot in alcohol, and moderate high in tannin. A big extracted wine which will age to and beyond 2015 but I would never risk that.

Joseph Phelps - Insignia - 2005 - $205 - (Modern, Showpiece, Ager) - One of the most closed wines in the group, but the nose did give up: ripe plum, black cherry, cinnamon, light mocha and spice. The palette was decisive with toasty caramel, brown butter, molasses, "closed" fruit, red berries, currants and red plums. (You'd think it were opened up by my notes, but it was hard to get this squeezed out. Like a lemon picked too early it just needs more bottle time to acumulate its juice.) I'd keep this locked in my cellar until 2010 at least.

Revana - 2005 - $130 - (Modern, Showpiece) - Not as stellar as the very impressive 2004. This wine opened with black fruit and florals, spice and vanilla, currants, coffee beans, and bayleaf. The mouth is filled with mint, chocolate, cherries, and obvious alcohol. A bit rough(compared to 2004s sweetness) in tannin, which was moderatly high with moderate acid. I felt the nose belied the palette. Give it a year or two to see if it softens and levels out.

Switchback Ridge - Peterson Family Vineyard - 2005 -$175 - (Modern, Showpiece) - Another Bob Foley wine that was more different than similar to the Hourglass. Very ripe and loaded with vanilla, black cherry, plum, cassis, macerated cherries, kirsch and observable alcohol. In the mouth it was warm and ripe, and very much like the nose: kirsch, plum, cassis, b. cherry, etc. Add to that some mineral and stemmyness and you've got it. The tannins were in the high level range while acid remained moderate.

September 29, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Tonight we held a blind tasting of the following 2005 vintage wines and the employee panel made the following selections (tasting notes to follow):

#1 – Fortis with 69pts
#2 – Hourglass with 66pts
#3 – Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace with 57pts
#4 – Schrader Cellars Beckstoffer with 50pts
#5 – tie – Revana & Pavilion Rouge de Ch Margaux with 47pts each
#7 – Spootswoode with 46pts
#8 – Switchback Ridge with 42pts
#9 – Ch Rauzan Segla with 40pts
#10 – Insignia with 38pts
#11 – Melka Metisse with 27pts
#12 – Dominus with 20pts

September 15, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Pine Ridge Vineyards - Chenin Blanc /Viognier - California - 2007- $13.50 - (Food Wine, Classic,  Drink Now) - Parker just gave it 90 points and I'm not surprised, it's such a consistent wine delivering a Vouvray like range of characteristics.  Just shy of dry (.28% rs) in the typical Vouvray style, but just more floral and less stony.  The nose offers up lime, grapefruit, peach skins, pear, light quince and citrus blossom.  Upon entry the wine shows off its bright acid and ripe juicy fruits of grapefruit, pear and peach.   I love this with fresh goat cheese, chilled shrimp, crab or lobster, and especially spicy food such as Thai, Chinese, Japanese, or Southwest.  

September 17, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Chateau Roc De Pourret - St. Emilion -  2005 - $17 (futures)- (Ager, Classic, Food Wine) - When I picked this wine up I had an idea of the vintage's quality, but nothing of the producer.  This wine will make you smile.  Showing great right now, but will promise much more in the next 10 to 15 years, and at this price!  I wish I had a case.  

The wine opens with surprisingly bright and focused black currant, black cherry, red plum, bitter chocolate and clay/earth undertones.  Tight to the ground, but never lacking to express its fruit.  In the mouth  it's full bodied and rich with moderate-high acid as well as moderate but chocolaty-smokey tannins.  Good length and  tight acid on the finish.  I recommend drinking this wine now if you want an unusually open wine to test the vintage but preferably from: 2010 to 2020.

September 2, 2008 Wines Tasted

Domaine Alfred - Chamisal Vineyard - Pinot Noir - Edna Valley- 2006 - $40- (Modern, Food Wine) - Nose of bright red berry, red cherry, Earth, turned clay, hints of black cherry. Fresh and spicy in the mouth as well as being ripe and fully dry, featuring: clove, cinnamon stick, red apple skin, firm tannins, moderate acidity, moderate length. Clean and fresh through the finish, good balance for 14.5%.

Domaine Alfred - Califa - Chamisal Vineyard - Pinot Noir - Edna Valley - 2006 - $60 - (Ager, Modern) - If I had to say how this was different from the above wine, I'd sum it up by suggesting that it's just MORE...Boysenberry, red cherry, adobe clay, sweet vanilla. Ripe and sweet, yet very dry. The Califa tends towards Red cherry, red apple skin, light coffee grounds; firm tannin, moderate high acidity, great length in the finish with a slight warmth (14.5%) and a sense that much more is yet to come. I refered to it as: "Dense & rich with enclosed fruit waiting to escape".

We enjoyed canapes including, Antelope Empanadas and Filet Tenderloin Wrapped with Applewood Smoked Bacon and Black Plum Sauce.

August 29, 2008 Wines Tasted

For dinner this night, I cooked up some venison loin steaks, hen of the woods mushrooms, roasted squash and eggplant and finished it with a veal stock based pan sauce with concasse of tomato. I allowed Joe to pick the wine from my collection to pair with dinner. He selected the Foxen to taste head-to-head with his White Cottage. Three out of Four picked the White Cottage. I was the odd man out.
When asking, "What wine is better?", one must ask one's self, "Better alone, better example of the grape, better with food, etc...?
I felt the Foxen was the better wine overall, but the White Cottage was lower in alcohol and easier and more fun to drink. So, you tell me. What makes one wine "better" than another.

Foxen Vineyards - Tempusquet Vineyard - Syrah - Santa Maria - 2005 - $45 - (Modern, Ager) - Black plum, meat, baked beans, cedar, coconut, sawdust, candied red apple, and a close to the Earth note in the bouquet. The palette exposes: high alcohol(15.2%) typical of the region, raspberry, plum, black mission fig, cedar plank, high acidity and high tannin, block-o-chocolate, red apple skin, and Luden's Cough Drops. A big brash syrah that isn't for summer sippin...
Best from 2010 to 2013.

White Cottage - Syrah - Contra Costa - 2005 - $30 - (Modern, Food Wine, Easy Drinker) - Opens with caramel, light cafe latte, red cherry, currant, red plum, red raspberry, perfumy and floral which includes both white and red flowers. In the mouth it shows a light tartness of early picked bluberries, raspberries, cool red plums, menthol, red apple, moderatly low tannin but moderatly high acid. With light to neutral oak this wine comes off as quaffable(13.8%) and easy to like. Drink it now.

August 25, 2008 Wines Tasted

Domaine Alfred - Chamisal Vineyards - Pinot Noir - Edna Valley - 2005 - $40 - (Classic, Ager, Food Wine) - As promised. Upon opening this wine leads off with earthy mushroom, spice, sweet basil, mint, leather, red cherry and boysenberry aromas. Complex and changing quickly from forest floor components to saddle and spice cabinet. On the palette: warm and ripe(14.5% alc) the leather and bloomy-rind elements carry on, as do the garnet-hued berries and red cherry pie spices like cinnamon, clove, anise, allspice. A medium bodied wine with moderate acid, this pinot will be right at home in the hands of a Burgundy fan, as it lies squarely in their model(though with true Californian ripeness). Watching the Napa sunset we had peppered salami and great laughter as our dinner.

BREAKING NEWS !!!!!!!!!!!!! Pine Ridge Acquires Domaine Alfred

The Gag-Order is off and the news is out! Just announced officially at 3:30PM today, The Crimson Wine Group (Pine Ridge Vineyards-Napa, CA; Archery Summit Winery-Willamette Valley, OR & Double Canyon Vineyard-Horse Heaven Hills, WA) has added Domaine Alfred of Edna Valley, CA to its portfolio of "World-Class Wine Estates".
CEO, Erle Martin made this announcement to the staff just minutes prior to this posting, and is excited to see a top notch Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Vineyard, The Chamisal Vineyard(Edna Valley's Oldest, 1972) included in the Group's holdings.
I too am excited to see the future-in-the-bottle of this incredible Estate. Notes and pairings to follow shortly, now somebody tell me where I can find a bottle of Chamasal Vineyard Pinot...!!!?

August 22, 2008 Wines Tasted

Bryant Family Vineyards - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2005 - $390 - (Ager, Modern, Stand Alone, Showpiece) - The 2005 Bryant was made by Philippe Melka and is clearly in his style: black cherry, cassis, smoky currant, barnyard, espresso and bitter chocolate lace the nose of this high octane Cabernet. Upon entry, the wine's earthiness diffuses to ripe and lightly minty currant and pure cassis syrup. A dense, full bodied wine which has both high alcohol and, "gladiator-like" tannin. A long firm finish with moderate acidity for such a ripe wine. A wine built for the cellar, it should age effortlessly until 2025. Believe it or not, we had grilled chicken drumsticks, summer squash with garlic, and baked potatoes with squab confit and butter.

-Mark Aubert has made the wine from the 2007 vintage, and preliminary exposure has foretold of greater things to come at Bryant Family Vineyards. Stay posted.


Ramey - Jericho Canyon - Cabernet Sauvignon - 2005 - $110 - (Classic, Ager, Stand Alone) - First whiff of the nose simmers up: black olives and very ripe currants, plums and cassis. More air releases the vanallin, spice box, and tarry tobacco qualities I'd expect more from the Oakville Bench rather than Calistoga's northern reaches. The vineyard had supplied Rudd for years with it's produce, but former Rudd winemaker David Ramey steals the show and the prestige with this almost, "classically" styled Cabernet. The mouth is full and lush, with medium full tannin and medium acidity. Fruit is a player in this game, but not the the soul of the wine. Secondary chocolate, olive, and earth also rise to be counted in. Should age well into 2020.

August 17, 2008 Wines Tasted

For those of you who aren't familiar with Rochioli, there is a 6 year waiting list for their single block wines. They are some of the first to EVER plant Pinot and Chard in the Russian River and are considered by most to be THE Cult wineproducer of Sonoma. These wines age very well and are classically styled with balance and site as guiding principles.

Rochioli Vineyards - Little Hill - Pinot Noir - 2006 - $70 - (Ager, Classic, Showpiece) Just received my allocation and look at me, just can't keep my hands off! That's Rochioli. Another great wine from a great producer. Classic Russian River Pinot nose of: spiced black and red cherries. Rather simple now, but aeration leads to a more nuanced wine that is packed with potential. The mouth reveals: tightly wound and focused red cherry and shades of black cherry, moderate high acidity and moderately high levels of tannin and alcohol. Not a shy 14.5%. I recommend consumption from 2010 to 2020.
I made fresh pizzas with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, caramelized onions and julienned peppered salami. The tomatoes were just a little too sweet for a wine with this much tannin and heat, so I left them off pizza number 2.

August 16, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Bag End Cellars - Cote Rotie Style Syrah - Santa Ynez Valley - 2005 - $25 - I feel like I've discovered the next "great-one",  Dawnielle Burich is doing great things here.  The best thing about this Syrah(80%) and Viognier(20%) blend is not the price, which is fabulous, but the quality of this super small production(50 cases) wine.  A multi dimensional nose of: gamey venison and hog's bacon mingle with wild berries, sage, coffee, and lemony- tea.  In the mouth, it's dense but flirting with a crispness that makes this wine unique for a 15.5% alcohol stunner.  Black fruit and a toasty grain, mix ideally with spice and ripe plum.  Firmly tannic and warm on a long finish which alludes to good cellar potential.  Drink Now or cellar for five to eight more years(if you're one of 'those guys').  I had grilled leg of lamb, marinated in garlic confit and thyme with my sous chefs.  Cheers Lani and Janet...

August 7, 2007 Wines Tasted

The following was a tasting of Pine Ridge Winery's Merlots:

1994 Carneros Merlot – Aromas of mint, herbal tea, light caramel, dusty currant and spice; a medium bodied wine with moderate to moderate low tannin and moderate acidity; flavors of cocoa, cherry, creamy tea, currant and red apple; a dusty, chalky grain to the finish left me with ripe red apple nuance. (I recommend consumption of this wine now to 2009)

1995 Carneros Merlot – Aromas of Earth, tea, black cherry, fleshy and spicy; a medium to medium full wine in body with moderate acid but moderately high finishing tannin; flavors of coffee, red cherry, and black currant. (I recommend consumption of this wine now thru 2009)

1997 Carneros Merlot – Aromas of herb, eucalyptus, cherry pie spice and caramel; a medium full bodied wine that exhibits moderate high acidity and moderate high tannin; displayed flavors of mineral, black cherry, currant, bitter chocolate, mint and plum; the finish was firm but well grained and integrated with almost seamless transitions from mineral & earth to plum and currant. (I recommend consumption now thru early 2010)

1998 Carneros Merlot – Aromas of black cherry, current, clove, anise and bay leaf; a medium full bodied wine with moderate-high alcohol, moderate-high tannin and moderate acidity; loaded with black cherry fruit and more spice; this wine finishes with dense almost granular tannin. (I recommend consumption now thru 2010)

2005 Carneros Merlot - $45 – A big nose filled with spice, bay leaves, a gamut of berries and plums, cedar, and peppers; a medium to medium full bodied wine with moderate acidity and moderate high tannin; flavors of black plum, currant, mint, vanilla, and turned clay/earth; finish is dry and chocolaty with earth, leather, and plum. (I recommend consumption now to 2015)

2005 Crimson Creek Merlot - $37 – A fruit driven nose of black berry, raspberry, milk chocolate, bay leaves, tea, and warm butter; a medium bodied wine with moderate tannin and moderate low acid; the palette opens with black cherry, black raspberry, black tea, sweet molasses and black and green peppercorns; the finish was grand with black raspberry and raspberry tea with hints of mint and cocoa. (I recommend consumption now thru 2013)

August 8, 2008 - Wines Tasted - Double Blind

The following wines were all fantastic examples of Napa Cabernet at the highest level and I'd love to savored each and every one over the course of hours, we had 60 minutes.
They were tasted double blind, side by side, allowed to air for 1 hour, out of Riedel-Vinum stemware. A panel of 8 all judged one wine as their favorite, the Pine Ridge Fortis.

Pine Ridge Winery - Fortis 2005 - $135 - (Modern, Showpiece, Stand Alone, Ager) - The unanimous winner with 8 out of 8 firsts. Aromas of caramel, spice, currant, black cherry, pepper, cinnamon, and light cedar. A full bodied wine with moderate high tannin. The palette revealed brown butter, black cherry, currant, milk chocolate and anise. I easily picked this out as the PRW wine and judged it (3rd on nose and 2nd on palette) 1st overall.

Caymus Vineyards - Special Select - 2005 - $150 - (Modern, Showpiece, Stand Alone) - By far my favorite in the nose: profound black cherry, black raspberry, plum; super-clean well integrated wood notes.
Pure disappointment on the palette: very ripe, juicy red berry and currant, almost sweet, with a short finish and obvious heat(but not super hot). I found it to be two faced. I thought either Staglin or Caymus. Selected it (1st on nose and 5th on palette) 5th overall.

Colgin Vineyards - IX - 2005 - $400 - (Showpiece, Modern, Stand Alone) - The "ringer" of the tasting, and my first time tasting this wine. The nose blew up with spice box, black currant, plum, and heavy cassis liquor. Well perfumed and elegant in the nose. On the palette I found it a touch minty, with plum, cassis, and resin on a long finish. Definitely the hottest wine in the group in nose and mouth. Firm in tannin and moderate in acid, I thought it could be Shafer Hillside but alas, I was not prepared for a Colgin in the mix. Selected (4th in the nose and 3rd in the mouth) 3rd overall.

Dominus Estate - 2005 - $140 - (Classic, Showpiece, Ager, Food Wine) - Easily identified in the tasting due to its "differences": caramel, spice box, Earth, granular mineral notes, herb & cocoa notes all intermingle in the glass. The palette confirms this with firm tannin, bitter-sweet chocolate, cassis, plum, and a sauvage nature purely attributed to a winemaking style which embraces the Old Guard of Bordeaux more than the fruit expressive "Moderns" that adorn store shelves all throughout Napa. Selected (2nd in nose and 4th on palette) 4th overall.

Quintessa - 2005 - $135 - (Modern, Stand Alone, Ager, Showpiece) - I surely expected this wine to be sweet and hot after one whiff of its nose: cassis, plum, and very ripe almost jammy fig and pluot aromas laid heavily over light cedar and warm chocolate. Belied by a palette which was fully dry as well as being loaded with red currant, cassis, light mint and obvious french oak notes. The finish was a bit firm, chalky and warm(not hot). Selected (5th on nose and 1st on palette) 2nd overall.

August 3, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Vincent Girardin - Corton Renardes - Grand Cru - 2005 - $75 - (Ager, Classic, Food Wine) - Wow! I underestimated this wine and paid the price. It was perfect.
'A wine recommended for my palette by a good friend. Well he's a better friend now. Norman, thank you for sharing a great memory with me!'
So well balanced that I felt out of sync drinking it. Pure red berry, currant and red plum with soft but persistent tannin and moderate to moderate high acidity. Sweet and ripe without being heavy on either the oak treatment, nor the ripeness. If ever a wine of this quality and age can be called "quaffable", this is it. So easy to drink that it became a typical, "race to the bottom of the bottle". I will remember this wine for a long time.
We had a tapas feast: Miso Marinated Beef Stir-fry; Herb Spaetzle with Parmesan; Kale with Bacon Lardons, Morels and Chantarelles.

July 30, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Ehlers Estate - 1886 Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 - St. Helena - $75 - (Ager, Stand Alone, Modern) - By far the coolest package Ever for a Cab. Bottle or no bottle, this wine rocks! Tasted from bottle and from decanter separately, this wine offers up bright red and black cherry, light red flowers, cassis and black plum. Bitter sweet chocolate, cocoa and vanallin notes from time spent in French Oak are beefed up by moderately high tannin. Opened well before its time, we decanted the second half of the bottle while enjoying another wine. The air helped only slightly as this wine continued to descend into the dark, firm side rather than be nudged open. A 100% Cab from the Biodynamically farmed Estate vineyard outside the old stone winery. I'd recommend drinking in 2011 till 2018. Had it with Grilled Rib-Eye with coarse Hawaiian Sea Salt & Roast Squash with Toasted Garlic.

July 29, 2008 - Wines Tasted

Bryant Family Vineyards - Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - $NA - (Ager, Modern) - A rare inside-track wine that's just gone to bottle, so this wine was a touch dumb and muted.  A full -bodied, moderately tannic and alcoholic big mountain Cabernet from the rim around Lake Hennessy, east of Rutherford.  Black cherry, cassis, plum and loads of spice mark the nose of this Cult Classic.  The palette is similar and fully dry, with vanilla accents and well integrated bitter chocolate tones to boot.  Great length, without ever being exaggerated or syrupy.  Will likely age for 12 to 18 years easily.  It's hard to recommend a food pairing, but we had spaghetti with garden squash, tomatoes, freshly grated Parmesan and sea salt. 

July 26, 2008 Wines Tasted

Pine Ridge Winery - Epitome Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 $100 - (Ager, Stand Alone, almost Modern)  For those of you who love black cherry, cassis, rose petals, mocha and coffee grounds in their Napa Cab, praise the Lord because this wine delivers on all fronts.  A full bodied, moderately Tannic wine comprised of 99% Cab(half a percent each of Petite Verdot and Malbec), from mature hillside vines of Clone 7, it will age gracefully for 10 to 15 additional years.  A terrific effort from Stacy Clark who has been at the helm for 25 years now. (380 Cases)

I had it with chilled, mesquite-grilled New York strip loin snadwiches; sliced thin over melted Fiscalini Cheddar and Arugula with plenty of Sel Gris.

July 24, 2008 Wines Tasted

Raymond Vineyards - Generations 2004 -Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - (Stand Alone, Ager) - A gift for my 33rd, the Generations has always been my favorite Raymond wine by far.  While not as forward and balanced as the winery's 2002, this wine shows a deep and sweet nose typical of the label.  The wine opens with black cherry, cinnamon, bitter chocolate and sweet perfumed French Oak notes, but fails to deliver on the palette, which is more acidic and angular than expected.  The ship is "righted" by the finish which sweetens up the tannins and fruit.  A touch dumb right now, I'd recommend 2 to 3 more years of bottle age - since it didn't change too much from 1st to last glass.  We had it with Rabbit Stew, Texmati rice pilaf and basil, but the wine won easily on the palette.

July 22, 2008 Wines Tasted

Iron Horse - Wedding Cuvee 2005 $38- (Food Wine, Celebratory Wine) Great nose of strawberry and white raspberry as well as pear and mineral.  Pair with poached lobster salad with mango and wild Californian arugula.

Iron Horse - Russian Cuvee 2003 $33- (Food Wine) Sweet vanilla and creamy peach, nectarine and quince.  Extra dosage = soft and fruity yet classic.  Pair with paprika dusted scallops and summer squash to curb the subtle sweetness of this just-dry Cali sparkler.

Iron Horse - Thomas Road Pinot Noir 2005 $75 - (Food Wine, Stand Alone) Pure Russian River nose of spiced red and black cherries and well integrated oak.  A touch pricey at $75 though.  Stood head and shoulders above the Estate.  Grilled duck empanadas with charred tomato sauce and fresh basil.

Martinelli Winery - Charles Ranch Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2006 $40 - (Food Wine, Ager) While I hate to agree with Parker too often, this time I certainly do.  A remarkable chardonnay that offers up finely tuned coastal acidity and soft oak with tons of mineral and white fruit notes.  A touch of matchbook and more fruit and mineral lace the very long finish.  Like great Stony Hill Chard with more French oak notes, but never heavy.  Keep for 10 to 15 years easily.  Today with oysters or parsnip soup.

Martinelli Winery - Terra Felice Syrah Russian River 2004 $45 - (Stand Alone, Food Wine) Well, as many times as Martinelli has let me down, today I'm a fan and it's the Syrah(which is the first of theirs I've had) that has secured my faith.  Floral, lightly grilled bread, forest floor and a slew of dark berries.  Another long and generous finish; the kind a Rhone fan would respect in a medium full bodied Cali version.  Not hot, nor exhausted as some can be.  I like pork and tomato stew in a broth with morels and Chanterelles.