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.
No comments:
Post a Comment