Argentina
Altos Las Hormigas 2009 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda (Delightful)
The nose shows enticing aromas of red plums and cherries, some black currant, and dense aromas of dried red fruit. Both the nose and palate were perfectly seasoned with black pepper and green pepper seeds. This is an unoaked wine which allows incredible fruit character to shine through the great acidity and well-integrated, pleasant tannic bite. Perfect wine with flavorful pizzasand pastas, but substantial enough to stand up to grilled meats and hearty stews.
Freakishly good value. $8.99
Dona Paula 2010 Estate Torrontes Valle de Cafayate Salta (Delightful) *S*
Sexy, seductive wine starting with loads of super ripe apricotsand peaches. Then bursts forth with intoxicating tropical perfume of
orchids punctuated with hints of coconut. Fades with a nice
apricot kernel finish. Pair with white fish in coconut curry sauce. $14.99
Dona Paula 2009 Los Cardos Malbec (Good) *S*
Straight-forward blackberry, darkcherry and plum with just a hint of floral
finesse. Drying, but bearable toasty oak
and nettles on the finish. Decent value and
good match for all kinds of grilled meats. $10.99
Manos Negras 2009 Torrontes (Delightful) *S*
Exceptional expression of Torrontes, with just a splash of Viognier to add some heady floral and tropical undertones. But, when I first dipped my nose over the rim, my senses were accosted by an almost supernatural aroma of apple and pear cider. I felt like I had been transported to a cider cellar in Normandy. Extremely alluring already, the nose just continued to show more and more as it warmed with Asian spices such as star anise and cardamom, and the super-well integrated structure made this wine a true sensory pleasure in the mouth. $14.99Yellow + Blue 2010 Malbec (Good) *B*
The aroma offers pretty basic plum and blackberry fruit with just a hint of pepper. Continues simple and fruity in the mouth with a hint of a dark cherry finish. Tannins are a touch too rough, and therefore a bit out of balance with the simple fruit character. Definitely drinkable, but nothing to get excited about. $9.99Yellow + Blue 2010 Torrontes (Fair) *O*
Could have a nice sweet peach and pineapple gummy bear nose, but unfortunately overpowered by a rather unpleasant petrol funk. Fresh and fruity on the tongue, but again those weird, petroly, wood resin aromas take away from the enjoyment. Sorry Y + B, just not diggin' this one. $9.99Australia
Frogmore Creek 2007 Pinot Noir (Delightful) *O*
Delicately warm, sweet fruit nose of strawberry preserves, raspberry, and red currant cordial. Big tannic explosion on the tongue of black tea, forest floor, rose petal, steeped hibiscus, cranberry, and herbs. Absolutely delightfully unique. $21.00Peter Lehman of the Barossa 2008 Layers (Good) *S*
Blend of Shiraz/Tampranillo/Carignan/Mourvedre/Grenache. A dusting of cocoa and nutmeg on blackberries, sweet dark plums and black cherries. Sweet vanilla oak on the nose turns charred and a bit harsh in the mouth. For now a bit oaky and over-extracted for my taste, but may round out somewhat over the next 3-4 years. Otherwise well balanced and juicy an the palate, making it a good match for barbecue. $15.99Austria
Gobelsburger 2009 Gruner Veltliner Kamptal (Good) *O*
Racy wine with good chalky minerality, if somewhat lean on the palate. Very much a Gruner in character. This would be the quintessential all-around food wine. I found delicate peach and honey on the nose backed by some freshly mown hay, some field herbs, and a lemony crisp acidity on the tongue. A sprinkle of cinnamon and clove lent a bit of nuance to an otherwise straight-forward profile. $12.99Zantho 2009 Zweigelt (Delightful) *S*
When I tasted this wine it showed exceptional complexity and finesse for a wine in its price range. The soft, almost velvety texture enveloped elegant expressions of black raspberry and spiced blue plum confection mingling with hints of wild mushroom, rose petal, tobacco leaf and pine resin. This is one to drink with flavorful wild boar or other game stews. $19.99Chile
Antiyal 2009 Valle del Maipo (Transcendent) *B*
Beautiful red fruit expression of red currant, raspberry, and red cherry with some black currant lingering in the background. The green Carmenere notes come through beautifully with Poblano pepper and freshly snapped haricot verts. Underneath this there are darker earthy notes of Morel mushrooms and charred beef. Shows denser dark cherry and red fruit on the palate followed by a long blackberry and almond skin finish. $39.00Cono Sur 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere (Good) *O*
Rally decent organic budget red from Colchagua Valley. Abit on the oaky side, but nicely balanced with plum, blackcurrant,
espresso and chocolate. Hints of rose and a bit of rotting log funkiness
keeps it interesting. Nice smoky charred oak finish. $9.99
Errazuriz 2009 Wild Ferment Chardonnay (Delightful) *S*
Leesy Champagne-like nose of warm, yeasty brioche drizzledwith wild honey alongside ripe yellow apples and pears. More
pungent tropical notes of kiwi and grilled pineapple follow with
a dusting of cinnamon. The well-synthesized palate offers
skins of quince and pear, floral notes, clove and allspice, followed
by cleansing lime zest and a hint of pleasing quinine bitterness.
A nice bitter almond finish lingers on the tongue. $20.00
Kuyen 2009 Valle del Maipo (Delightful) *B*
Darker fruit expression than its sister wine Antiyal with dark cherry, blackberry, and purple plum. There is a classic Rhone stewed venison gameyness, dense baking spices, and wet, rotten log funk. In the mouth this wine shows spiced blackberry and purple plum. Just a bit oaky, with slightly overpowering sweet alcohol.
$25.00
France
André-Michel Brégeon 2009 Muscadet Sevre et Maine (Delightful) *B*
$25.00
France
André-Michel Brégeon 2009 Muscadet Sevre et Maine (Delightful) *B*
From the unique volcanic Gabbro soils of Brégeon's Biodynamic vineyards, this beautifully built Muscadet exudes golden elegance. Long ageing on the lees has giving it wonderful complexity and richness highlighted by white berries and a big bouquet of wild flowers and herbs. This golden warmth is balanced by crushed oyster shell salinity and a lip-smacking twist of Kaffir lime zest. All this leads to a nice Nasturtium pepperiness on the back end of the palate and the juicy medium-long finish. $15.99Chateau La Roque 2010 Pic Saint Loup Rosé (Delightful) *B*
Restrained red fruit and bilberry beneath black tea, hibiscus, raspberry leaves, and a heady waft of mediterranean herbs and garrigue. This is a wonderfully complex, bone dry Rosé to be paired with rustic terrines, grilled tuna, Roquefort and other sharp cheeses, or Nicoise salad. $18.99Chateau Puech-Haut 2009 Prestige (Delightful) *B*
55% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 10% CarignanJuicy sweet plum, game, smoked bacon,
crushed flowers and herbs on the nose.
Then dense fruitcake on the palate with
crushed rose petals and smoke. Very
sweet and dense. A little high on the alcohol.
Probably best after 2013. $18.99
Domaine de Fondrèche 2007 Clos du Ventoux Fayard (Delightful) *B*
Starts big, bright and complex on the nose with ripe cherries, cherrycordial, blackberry, raspberry, red and blue plums, backed by
garrigue, a spritz of lemon, and tons of freshly cracked pepper.
Then moves to a pinpoint focus of dense dried fruits and baskets of
freshly picked sweet violets. On the palate shows great berry
concentration, chocolate and herbs with incredibly well-structured
backbone. Sur lie ageing with no perceptible oak influence really
lets the fruit and the terroir shine. Excellent value! $16.99
Domaine Giachino 2008 Abymes Monfraina (Delightful) *B*
Produced Biodynamically from the Jacquere grape, this lovely wine from the beautiful Savoie region of eastern France immediately showed off it's extended ageing on the lees with warm caramel apple dipped in freshly churned sour cream, some pungent mountain cheese rind, alpine herbs, and mouthfuls of gravely granite minerality. This would pair wonderfully with the great artisanal cheeses and charcuterie of the Haute-Savoie. $13.99Domaine Huet 2009 Vouvray Clos du Bourg Sec (Transcendent) *B*
Enticing nose of sweet, freshly grated apple saucesprinkled with cloves, laced with clover honey and
Frangelico liqueur. Fresh, juicy tart apples on the
palate followed by flowers, honey and hazelnuts. A
beautifully balanced wine with depth and finesse that
could become even more impressive with a few years
in the bottle. $35.00
Domaine Marcel Deiss 1009 Pinot Blanc Bergheim (Delightful) *B*
Tropical notes of sweet Pineapple and Kiwi paste move seamlessly to light peach and apricot preserve lined with a delicate herbal bouquet on the tongue. This wine dances in the mouth with lively acidity and slight effervescence. Short Minerally finish. $19.95Domaine Pallus 2009 Chinon Les Pensées de Pallus (Transcendent) *B*
Restrained and elegant fruit component featuring raspberry, blackberry and mulberry laced with a prominent ferrous minerality. There is a beautiful, fresh, green perfume of young nettles as well as a tinge of freshly crushed poppy seeds straight from the pod. Although the herbal components are decidedly present, maybe even a bit on the wild side, they are well balanced and complement the fruit perfectly. Comes together in the mouth as a warm and continually expanding expression of red currant and brambly fruit, pleasant black tea tannins, mineral, and earth. An exciting and lively reflection of Chinon terroir. $21.99Vignobles Mayard 2005 Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau de Ma Mere (Transcendent)
Warm black and red fruit nose featuring blackberry, black cherry, red cherry, and raspberry. But wait, there's more: Mediterranean herbs, black pepper, a warm, pleasant barnyardy washed rind cheese bloom, some truffle, lavender, roses...lovely, lovely, lovely. The palate shows a warm, soft, smooth entry of brambly preserve, then herbs and smoked pork belly opening up throughout the mouth. All this is backed by great freshness and balance. The finish is long with walnut, pistachio, fruit, truffle, and herbs. Lovely! $39.95Zind-Humbrecht 2007 Gewurztraminer (Delightful) *B*
Ripe Apricot, clove, nutmeg, acacia honey,white rose petal, with chalk and a clean
stone fruit kernel and mineral finish. $21.99
Germany
St. Urbans-Hof 2010 Bockstein Ockfen Riesling Kabinett (Delightful) *S*
The nose took me on a journey starting with juicy redand yellow orchard apple and walnut turning to spicy apple tart with
vanilla custard, and finally opening up to field herbs and apple
blossoms. On the palate the wine showed orchard fruit and
bright lemon zest, hints of kiwi and pineapple, followd by loads
of herbs and blue slate. Bracing tartness perfectly balanced the
modest residual sugar. Nice apple core and floral finish. $15.99
Italy
Alois Lageder 2010 Lagrein Rosé (Delightful) *S*
Sweet, fruity nose of cherry, red currant, and raspberry preserves with just a hint of pine needles, balsam resin and a whisper of lilac. Good freshness and acidity on the palate but the fruit becomes a bit muted and alcohol perhaps a bit prominent. Would make a nice match for pork dishes and Pâté. $18.99Azienda Agricola COS 2008 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico (Delightful) *B*
Initial sweet cherry and black plum, backed by a salty mediterranean herb infused sea spray opens up to some nice violet and rosy floral notes. All freshness on the palate with dark cherries, hibiscus tea, almond skin and a pleasant rosemary and thyme bitterness. Medium nutty plum stone finish. $28Castello dei Rampolla 2007 Chianti Classico (Delightful) *B*
Crushed walnuts and macerated cherries predominateon the nose followed by redcurrant and chestnut.
On the tongue shows cherry cordial, blue plum,
fading into walnut skin and cherry stone. Juicy
in the mouth with well integrated firm tannins, and
a pleasant medium finish. $22.00
Vietti 2008 Barbera D'Asti Tre Vigne (Delightful) *S*
Once again Vietti does not disappoint. This is an excellent expression of Barbera showing a beautifully sensuous aroma, at once both bright and brooding, of cherry, blue plum, crushed dried rose petals, and dark damp earthy mineral. In the mouth an explosion of cherry and plum cordial backed by bitter almonds, bay leaf, and juniper berries. Wondrously well balanced with a nicely composed finish of spiced macerated cherries. $18.50Vietti 2006 Barolo Castiglione (Delightful) *S*
Earthy, dusty dark chocolate coverd blueberries, cherries, andraspberries backed by musty aging wood, black truffle,
porcini, sweet tea leaf, wet log, rose petal and violets.
All in all an exceptionally focused wine with
super-well integrated chewy tannins and beautiful balance.
The medium-long finish evokes the finish of a good
cigar, some truffle and suade. $44.95
Spain
Lopez de Heredia 2000 Viña Gravonia (Delightful)
Almost Sherry-like on the nose with toasted almonds, walnuts,and hazelnut skins and a bit of the characteristic acetaldehyde sharpness.
Honey drizzeld baked pear and peach skins lurk seductively in the background.
Pears and almond skins predominate on the palate along with
pleasant accents of sage and oregano. Slightly lean on the palate with
good acidity and mineral. I suspect this one may have been just past its
prime at this point, but still eminently drinkable. Pair with dense white fish,
roast chicken, pork, or sharp Manchego or Cabrales cheeses. $28
Medrano-Irazu 2005 Rioja Crianza (Delightful)
Big and fruity on the nose exploding with black currants and black cherries, backed by sensual notes of iron, truffles, spicebox, smoke, and dried, crushed roseptals. Fruit, spices, and truffle continue on the palate with a long pleasant smoked berry finish. In its youth this wine might have been fruit-forward in the extreme, but a little age has given it beautiful complexity. Unfilterd, so be prepared to decant or chew mouthfuls of tartar crystals, which I love. $19Pazo Señoráns 2009 Albariño (Delightful)
Quite a lush, fruity style of Albariño dominated by golden ripe peaches and sweet Carnation-like floral notes. This is countered by salty minerality and a hint of savory smoked pork belly. Enters the mouth round and smooth but develops towards mineral on the back end and a long peach pit and clove finish. $19.99Raventos I Blanc 2007 L'Hereu Reserva Brut Cava (Good) *O*
Zippy bright green apple, white peaches, a hint of pineapple, bitter orange zest, and some green leafy notes. Citrusy mouthwatering freshness on the palate again with white peach, tart apple, and tropical notes, accented by dried thyme and marjoram. $18.99U.S. California
Alma Rosa 2009 Chardonnay Santa Barbara County (Delightful) *S*
This is what California Chardonnay should be. Burgundian elegance with a touch of California sunshine. Nice juxtaposition of classic minerally pear and apple orchard fruit against sweet tropical notes of pineapple, tangerine, pink grapefruit and kiwi. Beneath the fruit lie hints of decaying fall leaves and some wild maritime herbs. Very yummy on the palate, like a pineapple salad sprinkled with fennel root and leaves, and drizzled with a tangerine dressing. Great acidity, nice chalky minerality, and a beautiful grapefruit pith finish. $14.99Bonny Doon 2009 Ca' del Solo Muscat (Delightful) *B*
Juicy white peach, golden decicious apple, and pineapplecandy dusted with cardamom, star anise, and clove.
Dense fruit carrying over mid-palate with herbal and
floral elixir all bound together with juicy acidity
and wet stone minerality. $14.99
Bonny Doon 2006 Le Cigare Volant (Delightful) *B* (partial)
of the new world, but the complexity and restraint of the old. A quite heady,
masculine nose with game, underbrush, lavender and cracked pepper, balanced with feminine notes of flower infused cherry preserves, red plum and a touch of raspberry. The fruit thins out a bit in the mouth, leaning more towards tart pie cherry. The impressive aspect of the palate, however, is the complex gamey, wet log middle that also features some lavender-infused black licorice. Silky smooth, yet mouth-filling tannins and good acidity create exceptional balance. The finish is pleasure-giving and long with game, rotting log, cherry flesh, and delicate floral notes reminiscent of lilac. $32.99
Bonterra 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon (Good) *O*
Started with semi-sweet chocolate, black plum, blackberry,and some brett-like mustiness. Hints of forest floor and
geranium developed as the wine opened in the glass. On
the palate showed more soft dark fruit including some
blackcurrant as well as a bit of mushroom earthiness and a dusty
juniper berry back-end. The tannins were quite round, almost
velvety for such a young wine. Nice cedar box finish. $15.99
Bonterra 2009 Chardonnay (Delightful) *O*
Rather unexpectedly rich style of Chardonnay thatstarts off with beguilingly dense aromas of white fruit
such as gooseberry, white currant and Rainier cherries,
turning to super-ripe Bosc pear in the glass with
hints of sweet almond paste and banana liqueur. The
not quite balanced palate shows new oak a bit too
prominently covering some nice green apple and
pear dipped in caramel. I loved the finish on this
wine, which goes on and on with nuts, apple stems,
and vanilla custard. $15.95
Bonterra Red Table Wine (Fair) *O*
Milk Chocolate covered cherry, blackberry, andblueberry with a hint of spice. Undelineated
fruit and rather too much oak on the tongue.
Sweet and stemmy on the finish $12.99
Domaine Carneros 2006 Brut (Delightful) *O*
The nose showed acacia honey and caramel sweetness and an intriguing earthy, leesy depth and complexity. Continues lively on the tongue with flowery honey and earthy mineral. Beautiful lengthy apple and pear core finish accented by almond skin. $24.95Frey 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Good) *O*
Frey 2009 Merlot (Hmmm) *O*
Well, what can I say? This is one that just needed a lot of help. There was brett, then some jammy red cherry, more brett, some red currant, a bit more brett, a hint of green pepper and green olives, some fruit on the palate too obscured by oak and alcohol to distinguish, and more alcohol with a dash of soy sauce on the finish. Pretty awful stuff, really. $11.99Frey 2010 Syrah (Fair) *O*
Sweet plummy dark fruit and a hint of garrigue seasoned with a bit of black pepper. The fruit carries over nicely in the mouth and would present a focused black cherry and plum core, if it weren't killed by gobs of raw oak flavor. There is a chance this could be a bit more drinkable with a year or two of mellowing. Alcohol a bit unbalanced as well. Too bad. $11.99Frog's Leap 2009 Frogenbeerenauslese (Transcendent) *O*
Honey, honey, honey, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, ripe peaches and pearsdrizzled with more honey and a sprinkle of orange zest. Lively lemon zest
tartness on the palate with pear core and more spiced honey. The beautiful
long finish shows pear skins, apple skins, and walnuts. This is an exceptional
late harvest Riesling at this price to enjoy on its own, or pair with roasted hazelnuts, walnut tart, or apricot tart. $23.99
Frog's Leap 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (Delightful) *O*
Very much classic California Style Sauvignon Blanc.Quite dense with sweet peaches, apricots, and springtime
stone fruit flowers and some funkier notes of cat's pee,
asparagus, and wet straw. Dances on the tongue with
pineapple, tart peaches and lemon zest followed on the
back end with thyme, anise, and fennel root, all held
together with punchy acidity and steely mineral. $19.99
Grgich Hills Estate 2009 Fumé Blanc Napa Valley (Delightful) *B*
Rich but elegant nose of honeyed pineapple, kiwi, peach and rose petal with just a drop of exotic passion fruit. Six months aging on the lees lends a warm yeasty sweet-roll backdrop. Smoothly structured lush elegance on the palate with plenty of breadth, depth, and well-balanced acidity. A savory seawater and shell-fish minerality cleanses the mouth and leads to a pretty long and concentrated hazelnut, walnut, and almond skin finish. Pair with a variety of roasted chicken or pork dishes, grilled or roasted vegetables, or quiche. $26.99Jeriko Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon (Good) *B*
Very sweet, dense nose featuring red currant, cherry, cranberry,and some blackcurrant, backed by a soft, deep herbal component
of thyme as well as some rose petal. Fresh on the tongue with
lots of sweet, juicy cherries. Excellent acidity and still firm tannins
will let this one soften for a few more years. I also liked the
pleasantly nutty finish. $16.99
Jerkio Estate 2009 Syrah (Delightful) *O*
Sweet and spicy with crushed, dried rose petals and violets and a touch of gameyness underpinning red and black plum and bing cherry fruit. Well balanced and juicy on the palate with a hint of dark chocolate and dusty herbs followed by a pretty long fruity finish. Crazy good value for $9.99.Lander-Jenkins 2009 Spirit Hawk Cabernet Sauvignon (Good) *S*
Easy drinking companion to burgers, pizza, and Summer-time barbecue.Soft, sweet blackberry, blueberry and red currant jelly, spiked with
clove and hibiscus tea. Just a touch of earthy funk to keep it
interesting. $14.99
Parducci 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (Good) *S*
Straight-forward red Asian plum and brandiedcherries with black pepper, eucalyptus, and hints of charred
vanilla oak. Some floral notes on the palate, but a bit
antiseptic, with a drying oak finish. $12.99
Parducci 2008 Small Lot Blend Petite Sirah (Good) *S*
Not at all a bad little wine. Surprisingly delicately structured. The nose features some solid blueberry and raspberry overtones, some nice characteristic P.S. gameyness and black pepper, and some pleasant, not too overdone vanilla. A bit one-dimensional on entry, but retains good core of fruit, some fennel and licorice in the middle, and a pretty decent fruit and spiced wood finish. Maybe the best wine I've tasted yet from Parducci. $12.99Parducci 2009 Pinot Noir (Good) *S*
Pleasant red plum and cranberry on the nose with hintsof vanilla and violets and just a faint waft of smoke, nice
Pinot character. Fruit continues on the palate
but is quickly overwhelmed by raw oak flavor
and somewhat distracting bitterness. $12.99
Ridge 2008 Lytton Springs Zinfandel (Transcendent) *O*
This stuff is anything but bashful. I hits you in the face with a big, beautiful, tart expression of fresh blackberries right off the vine. Also some black and red currant for good measure. Beneath the fruit lurk beautiful forest essences of pine cones, mosses, and decaying leaves. The panoply of aromas continues with stewed peppercorns, thyme and oregano, and fades out on a rustic note of chaparral earthiness. Lots of structure on the palate. This could continue to develop complexity and depth for easily another eight to ten years. Fruit bursts forth on the tongue, seasoned with black pepper and an undertone of rich, aged maduro cigar wrapper. The finish is long and deliciously fruity. For this one you want to fire up the cast iron skillet, throw in a nice fatty rib-eye, and you'll be in heaven. $36.99Swanson Vineyards 2007 Oakville Merlot (Delightful) *S*
A warm, almost opulent Merlot, that evolved nicely in the glass beginning with smoky dark cherry flesh/preserves and moving towards black plum with some forest floor and leather, sandalwood, dark chocolate and dried violet undertones. A silky smooth entry on the tongue helped subdue a still young oak edge that should round out nicely over the next four to six years. Finished long and fruity. $34.95Tangent 2010 Albariño (Delightful) *S*
A lovely nose of fresh white peaches and white cherry, with light, white flower accents. Also making an appearance in this nicely crafted Edna Valley wine were crisp golden delicious and red cider apples. The pleasantly tart and minerally palate laced with wildflowers and herbs makes this an ideal companion to a variety of seafood, and absolutely perfect with shellfish. Ends with a pretty apple core finish. $16.00U.S. Oregon
Cooper Mountain 2008 Reserve Pinot Noir (Delightful) *B*
Beautifully composed nose of blackberries and raspberriesgrowing in a forest among mosses, pine needles, and truffles.
Shows juicy ripe berries on the palate followed by sweet black
licorice and rose petals. Nice herbal notes on the finish.
Exceptional value. $23.99
Maysara 2008 Jamsheed Pinot Noir (Delightful) *B*
Savory intense aromas of juicy red plum, raspberry, blackberry and cherry, underscored by herbs, mushroom and a hint of gameyness. Sweet, fruity mouth coating palate with a touch of mint and sage and good gripping tannins. $26.00The Eyrie Vineyards 2009 Estate Pinot Blanc (Delightful) *S*
Delicately alluring sweet-tart aromas of raspberry, white currant and gooseberry with hints of pineapple and pear skin. Rolls over the tongue smooth as liquid gold with wonderful white berry fruit concentration and a lovely bouquet of wildflowers and field herbs. Like waling through a dewy field on a cloudy morning. My only criticism is a somewhat low level of acidity. Lovely medium-long raspberry seed and walnut skin finish. $13.95The Eyrie Vineyards 2009 Estate Pinot Noir (Delightful) *S*
This is a somewhat austere but well-crafted Burgundy-style Pinot. Very young and it shows, but with nice Pinot Noir character showing red cherry, cherry blossoms, raspberry, black and white pepper, a bit of earth, truffle, and suede. Fresh and lively in the mouth with sweet red fruit, marjoram, and tarragon. I would expect the angular, but pleasantly green tannins to round out nicely over the next 4-5 years. Rather short finish of cherry pits and grape leaves. $28.99U.S. Washington
K Vintners 2009 Viognier (Good)
From Charles Smith, 2009 Food and Wine Magazine's winemakerof the year, this natural French oak barrel fermented Viognier is a
reasonably competent effort, but for me a tad underwhelming.
I found this wine a bit one-dimensional with overt peach aromas pushing some very delicate cinnamon, acacia flower, and banana-lychee tropical notes
too far to the background. I also found the alcohol a bit out of balance. Solid minerality, good acidity, and a pleasant almond skin finish, however, make this a decent sip. $24.99
Pacific Rim 2009 Riesling Made with Organic Grapes (Delightful) *O*
Just slightly petulant out of the bottle, as my favorite Rieslings usually are. Elegant sweet apricot and apple aromas accented by field herbs and flowers. Exceptional balance on the tongue with mouthwatering acidity countering just the right touch of residual sugar. The palate reminds me of German apricot cake, warm, sweet, and tart, right out of the oven. The finish is quite long and focused, leaving lingering white currant and gooseberry notes. Not particularly complex, but absolutely perfectly tuned and balanced. An exceptional effort for a Riesling in this price range. The perfect wine with spicy Thai dishes or sipped on it's own. I think it would go perfectly with that apricot cake too. $12.99U.S. Other States
Gruet NV Brut, New Mexico (Delightful) *S*
Aromas of crisp pear and brioche, cinnamon,clove and raspberry. Flavors changing from
green apple to blood orange, pink grapfruit
and quinine with excellent acid and powerful
chalky mineral. Finishes nicely with grapefuit
skin and mineral. $13.99
