• 2005 Franco M. Martinetti Barbera d’Asti Bric dei Banditi – Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Barbera d’Asti (12/28/2008)
  Cranberry, sour raspberry and cherry on the nose with a bit of salt water taffy. On the palate, there is an immediate wave of red fruit and earth, followed by good acidity with somewhat darker fruits but still bright and a bit tart. Nice finish, very food-friendly. (88 pts.)
• 2005 Reichsrat Von Buhl Riesling Kabinett Armand – Germany, Pfalz (12/26/2008)
  Pear and minerals with a touch of peach on the nose. Nice minerality on the palate, a touch of sweetness with the peach but good citrus that overtakes the sweet with medium acidity. Overall, great QPR. (87 pts.)
• 1985 Casetta Barolo – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (12/22/2008) 90 pts.
• 1999 Philippe Delesvaux Coteaux du Layon Saint-Aubin de Luigné Sélection de Grains Nobles – France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Coteaux du Layon Saint-Aubin de Luigné (12/18/2008)
  Just outstanding- rich, burnt creme brulee nose with saffron and honey. Very luscious mouthfeel, deep complexity with fresh fruits, vanilla, and almost perfect balance. A baby now but if I had more I wouldn’t be able to wait! (96 pts.)
• 1998 Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Sassicaia Sassicaia – Italy, Tuscany, Bolgheri, Bolgheri Sassicaia (12/18/2008)
  Decanted for 3 hours. This is a young, big, in your face wine with outstanding richness, complexity and concentration. Ripe dark fruits, sweet cedar, spice, and dozens of other flavors that are up to personal interpretation! The finish is endless. I would love to revisit this in 5 or more years. (95 pts.)
• 2005 Domaine des Baumard Quarts de Chaume – France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Quarts de Chaume (12/18/2008)
  Obviously young but a treat to taste again. Rich, complex, orange peel, loads of tropical fruit, honey, sweet but good balance of acidity. Structured to last decades. (95 pts.)
• 1996 Trimbach Gewürztraminer Sélection de Grains Nobles – France, Alsace, Alsace AOC (12/18/2008)
  Layers of tropical fruits- apricot, peach, with vanilla. Gorgeous, palate-coating mouthfeel with good acidity, nice sweetness to balance it and a long finish. Very pretty wine. (93 pts.)
• 1970 Fontanafredda Barolo – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (12/18/2008)
  Opened and pour very gently! A good amount of sediment but we worked through it. Initially there was a bit of heat on the nose which was surprising. It opened to notes of flowers, smoked meats, and earth. On the palate the fruits were a bit faded, but it is still drinking well and quite enjoyable with a soft finish. (92 pts.)
• 1993 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Cicala – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (12/18/2008)
  Very expressive and complex nose- violets, red fruits, peppered raspberry, and truffle. On the palate there is still a good amount of fruit, the wine is very elegant at this point with fine tannins and great length on the finish. This wine appears to be at its peak and on a slow downhill phase. (92 pts.)
• 1998 Domenico Clerico Barolo Pajana – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (12/18/2008)
  Big and rich with dark fruits. Young, notes of cocoa, flowers and earth on the nose. On the palate is sweet cherries and earth with some acidity and medium tannins leading to a long finish. This wine should peak in the next 5 years at which point I think it will get even better. (92 pts.)
• 1986 Nicolis Angelo e figli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico – Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico (12/18/2008)
  Lighter than expected with chocolate, raisin, prune, almond, and sweet wood on the nose. On the palate the fruits don’t live up to the nose, but the chocoalate and prune is enjoyable. A bit off balance but enjoyable with a medium intensity blue cheese. (87 pts.)
• 2003 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel – USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (12/16/2008)
  Plenty of earth on the nose with very dusty red cherry, sour raspberry, some dark fruits, and spice on the palate. Medium bodied wine with great Old World character – quite rustic. (90 pts.)
• 2002 Domaine des Baumard Savennières – France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Savennières (12/16/2008)
  Good fruit character of apple, pear and peaches, pleny of citrus, with a floral and attractive nose, good acidity and length on the finish. (89 pts.)
• 2006 Cascina Bongiovanni Dolcetto d’Alba – Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Dolcetto d’Alba (12/16/2008)
  Medium dark fruits with sour cherry highlighting a touch of earthiness. Good balance of acidity and tannin- very food friendly wine. (89 pts.)
• 2005 Reichsrat Von Buhl Riesling Kabinett Armand – Germany, Pfalz (12/15/2008) 87 pts.
• 2004 Domaine Serene Pinot Noir Jerusalem Hill Willamette Valley – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (12/6/2008)
  Dark fruits, cocoa, earth, ripe black cherry, licorice, subtle spice notes. Very good structure and balance- a bit young but very delicious at this stage. (93 pts.)
• 1998 Domenico Clerico Barolo Pajana – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (11/28/2008)
  Young and big- floral nose, deep red and black fruits, tannic with a good amount of acidity. I won’t touch another bottle of this for at least 4-5 years but can imagine it being even more special at that point! (91 pts.)
• 1970 Fontanafredda Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto di Serralunga d’Alba – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (11/28/2008)
  On the back-end of its drinking window, but showing nicely. Still a bit of heat on the nose which otherwise was gorgeous with smoked meat and dried flowers. Soft tannins, some red fruits still around and very nice earthiness. An enjoyable bottle that should be drank soon or risk it falling apart all-together. (90 pts.)
• 1998 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (11/23/2008)
  Opened and poured. Subtle bricking, showing some age. Classic Chateauneuf nose with red pepper, wet earth, cherry, and spice. On the palate the wine shows great balance of mature fruit and soft tannins with fresh pepper and a bit of sweet spice leading to a fine finish. Drinking at or near its peak with a few good years left. (90 pts.)
• 1999 Collosorbo Brunello di Montalcino Riserva – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (11/12/2008)
  Oh so tight at this point but still a treat to taste. Dark fruit, ripe cherry, sour raspberry with spice notes wrapped up with medium tannins, a good amount of acidity and a long finish. There is an interesting sweet petrol component on the finish that’s nice. If everything comes together as it should ,this will be an outstanding wine in 5 years or more. Had at lunch with a thin crust pizza topped with wild mushrooms, arugula, and a white sauce. (92 pts.)
• 2000 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo Riserva Granbussia – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (11/11/2008)
  Wow, a real treat. This wine is produced from the best vineyards in the best vintages and is no joke. The nose is amazingly floral and elegant with truffle, plum, and dark berry. On the palate the wine is complex and alive with tobacco, licorice, spice, red fruits with impeccable balance and finesse and a long, thought provoking finish. Did I mention, wow? (96 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine Dujac Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Aux Malconsorts – France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru (11/11/2008)
  So complex on the nose it was hard to even take a sip- dried cherries, raspberry, broken sticks, a touch of spice, earthy, clove. On the palate the wine is tight but opened up to very fresh tasting cherry and boysenberry and even young is has great balance, soft tannins and great soil/slate character. Loving ‘06 Burgundies as they are drinking great now and will be an early drinking vintage while waiting for the ’05s to mature! (94 pts.)
• 2006 Remoissenet Père et Fils Corton-Charlemagne – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru (11/11/2008)
  This producer goes way back with great history, but was hit or miss in the 80’s until around 2000. It was then purchased by the Milstein brothers and a small share by Jadot in 1998. The first new regime vintage was in 2005 and so far, I’m thoroughly impressed with the changes they’ve made. This ‘05 Corton-Charlemagne is amazingly complex on both the nose and the palate. Tons of minerals, apple, buttered popcorn, white truffle, dried flower component- very rich and creamy but there is a touch of acidity that brings it all together. Young and exciting- keep an eye out for Remoissenet in the next few years. (93 pts.)
• 2006 Remoissenet Père et Fils Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Referts – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru (11/11/2008)
  Much less oak than the Meursault Les Genevrivres 1er Cru- the fruit really shines in this effort and doesn’t battle the oak one bit- more pure fruits, good complexity, elegant, lighter style with great grapefruit note on the finish. (92 pts.)
• 2004 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barbera d’Alba Conca Tre Pile – Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Barbera d’Alba (11/11/2008)
  A bit of petrol/earthiness on the nose, which is interesting with lots of dark fruit. Dark and rich Barbera on the palate with sour raspberry, blackberry, cherry, mushroom and earth. Complex, great acidity that’s in check through the finish. One of my favorite Barbera’s. (91 pts.)
• 2003 Poderi Aldo Conterno Langhe Nebbiolo Il Favot – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC (11/11/2008)
  From the Langhe, all French oak, Barrique. Chocolate, dark fruits, fresh spice, great texture and a long finish. Very nice wine. (90 pts.)
• 2005 Feudi della Medusa Cannonau di Sardegna – Italy, Sardinia, Cannonau di Sardegna (11/11/2008)
  100 Cannonau from Sardegna? Yep, and it works- it works quite nicely. Very easy to drink, lots of cherry and raspberry, dusty, medium tannins, great food acidity. Nice, nice wine though it’s at a tough price-point at retail (~$45) (90 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine Bernard Moreau & Fils Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chenevottes – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru (11/11/2008)
  Nose of burnt rubber, toasted vanilla beans, light fruit, good acidity with a rather light finish. Tight now, perhaps the fruit will emerge with time. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Feudi della Medusa Vermentino di Sardegna Albithia – Italy, Sardinia, Vermentino di Sardegna (11/11/2008)
  Drinking great right now- loads of tropical fruits, citrus, asian spices, medium bodied yet gentle on the palate with good acidity. Well done by this producer. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Remoissenet Père et Fils Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault 1er Cru (11/11/2008)
  ‘05 was the first vintage of this wine from the new owners- Very good- creamy texture with buttered popcorn jelly bean flavors, vanilla, baked apples, medium acidity that works great with the creaminess and a long finish. The fruit seems to battle a bit with the oak, but it works. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine Bernard Moreau & Fils Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru La Maltroie – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru (11/11/2008)
  Good minerality with a touch of toasted oak/butteriness, but it’s tart and a bit uninteresting at this point- very tight and not sure if the fruit is deep enough to last to make this great. (86 pts.)
• 2003 Château Cos d’Estournel – France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Estèphe (11/5/2008)
  Opened and tasted. Poured and drank 2 hours later. Deep purple color with coffee, black currant, blackberry, vanilla and some sweet wood on the nose. On the palate there are concentrated, very tight black fruits, tobacco, a touch of mint/eucalyptus was very prominent. The tannins were actually in check at this young age and the balance on the wine is near-perfect. A baby by all means, I wouldn’t open this until at least 2020 and enjoy it as long as the wine lasts! This rating is based on the wine as it is today- I foresee this becoming something very, very special with due time. (95 pts.)
• 1998 Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (11/5/2008)
  Opened and tasted, then poured- the wine sat in the glass for 45 minutes before drinking while the bottle remained opened and was drank over 2 hours. Deep Brunello color with tons of raisin, dark berries, black cherry, and wet cedar, tobacco/earth on the nose. On the palate the wine is very rich yet elegant, with layers of dark fruit, hints of spice and perfectly integrated and silky tannins. Had this most recently two years ago and thought it was a solid 91 pts…this has evolved so well and is drinking beautifully. Peaking soon, though I think it will continue to please for many years to come. This was paired with a perfectly prepared rack of Wild Boar served with a celery root risotto and chianti reduction at Cinghiale in Baltimore- one of my favorite meals of 2008! 93 pts by itself, 96 pts with the meal. (93 pts.)
• 1996 E. Fuligni (Cottimelli) Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (11/2/2008)
  No formal notes taken but this is drinking very nicely. Open and enjoy!
• 2001 Azienda Bricco Asili (Ceretto) Barbaresco Bricco Asili – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (10/31/2008)
  Opened and tasted. Re-corked and drank on day 2. Beautiful bouquet of flowers, anise, blueberry, and other dark fruits. On the palate it’s just massive with lots of dark fruit, licorice, tobacco, and a very subtle sweetness to it like toasted oak. A pretty wine, albeit very young it shows good balance- look for good to great things from this in 4-6 years. (92 pts.)
• 1998 Domenico Clerico Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (10/24/2008)
  Popped and tasted. Then a decant and drinking over 2+ hours. Beautiful nose of dried prunes, sour cherry, slight tobacco, flowers and earth. Great structure and impeccable balance- tons of dark fruit, complex flavors of earth and spice, medium tannins and a pretty finish. This wine has years until it peaks but is very enjoyable now. (95 pts.)
• 1996 de Venoge Champagne Brut – France, Champagne (10/24/2008)
  Very fresh flavors with tons of grapefruit, lemon rind, pear, and apple. Straightforward but very nice balance and quite refreshing on the palate. Will enjoy much more of this in the future! (91 pts.)
• 1998 Paolo Scavino Barolo – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (10/23/2008)
  Opened and tasted over 4 hours. Medium garnet color with subtle bricking on the edges. The nose is stunning with violets, watermelon jollyrancher, crushed cherries and raspberry, and a subtle touch of earthiness. Initially the wine was tight, but opened up beautifully with more jollyrancher, cherry, a touch of eucalyptus/menthol, and very elegant, medium tannins. An expressive though not very complex finish, that slowly fades away with a lasting flavor that reminds me of flowers. Nowhere near its peak…though it’s singing with 4 hours of air. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2002 Clarendon Hills Shiraz Liandra – Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon (10/23/2008)
  Very rich, concentrated Syrah that is ink black with very dark fruits, toasted spices, wet leather, really interesting wine. It’s almost warming on the palate with the syrupy, deep texture and flavors. Little woodiness on the finish, soft mouthfeel…evolving nicely. (90 pts.)
• 2004 La Brancaia Il Blu Toscana IGT – Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (10/20/2008)
  Opened for 12 hours before tasting. Serious dark fruit and complexity on the nose with a bit of funky earthiness. On the palate there is an initial wave of very tight dark fruits, followed by chocolate, sweet licorice, and moderate tannins. A very pretty wine, and obviously youthful, but will this ever live up to the initial hype? Time will tell! 90+ pts (91 pts.)
• 2003 Cantine Da Vinci Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (10/20/2008)
  Opened for 10 hours before tasting. A very approachable ‘03 after a day of breathing, dark fruits,medium tannins, newer world style with sweet vanilla and wood on the finish. Good, but a pass at the price. (88 pts.)
• 2004 Il Molino di Grace Il Volano Toscana IGT – Italy, Tuscany, Toscana IGT (10/20/2008)
  Opened for 6 hours prior to drinking. Deep ruby color. On the nose is spruce, sweet red and dark fruits. The palate offers generous amounts of fruit, sweet spice notes, medium, edgy tannins and an almost ‘fresh’ finish…dried plum and tobacco show up on a medium finish. Pretty straightforward wine that is very approachable and fun to drink. (87 pts.)
• 1986 Château d’Yquem – France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes (10/16/2008)
  One of the finest wines I’ve had to date. Incredibly complex, great structure, and in its “youth” very approachable. Opened 1 hour prior to pouring. Beautiful nose of vanilla bean, lemon merenge pie, toasted nuts. Great depth with concentrated fruits and a finish that almost doesn’t finish. A drinking window on this might be now through 2050 or more! Outstanding wine- one to be enjoyed with great friends and family. foodandwineblog.com (97 pts.)
• 2001 Romano Dal Forno Amarone della Valpolicella – Italy, Veneto, Valpolicella, Amarone della Valpolicella (10/16/2008)
  Someone please pinch me…holy richness. Amazing depth and concentration with dried fruits, raisins, plum, cassis, sweetness on the tannins. This wine could define “layers and layers of complex flavors” as it’s incredibly structured and very exciting. Young? Yes. Enjoyable now? Yes!!! foodandwineblog.com (96 pts.)
• 2003 Château Lafite Rothschild – France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Pauillac (10/16/2008)
  The aroma’s of tobacco, cassis, anise, and dark fruits were intoxicating. Great concentration of dark fruit wrapped up tightly in a bundle with cigars, soil, smoke and some dried herbs. Albeit very young, this wine was very approachable after 3 hours in the decanter though I can only imagine what 15+ years in the cellar would do for it. The tannins in this wine were massive but at the same time they were so elegant and refined…truly a great wine. foodandwineblog.com (96 pts.)
• 1985 Graham Porto Vintage – Portugal, Douro, Porto (10/16/2008)
  A very concentrated port that has decades to go before it all comes together. Sweet surypy deliciousness with ripe fruit, burnt vanilla, toasted oak, and outstanding structure. A real treat to finish off a night of outstanding wines. foodandwineblog.com (95 pts.)
• 1986 Château Gruaud Larose – France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (10/16/2008)
  Very mature and drinking well. Some of the fruits took backstage to a bell pepper, spice, anise component but overall the wine showed good integration and balance. Drink in the next couple years with a leg of lamb! foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 1990 Elio Altare Barolo Vigneto Arborina – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (10/16/2008)
  Blackberry, currant, spice notes dominate the palate while fairly moderate-sized tannins bring some excitement to the midpalate. A hint of earth/spice comes and goes on the long finish. This wine is holding up VERY well and should do so for many years to come. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 1997 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto di Serralunga d’Alba – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (10/16/2008)
  A very delicate Barolo showing a variety of red and dark fruits, clove notes, tobacco and licorice. Very fine, medium tannins and great length on the finish. Drinking VERY well right now (opened for 3 hours) but definitely structured to last many years. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 1984 Monticello Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley, Yountville (10/16/2008)
  Long past its peak but still showing some life. The fruits were almost faded completely, tannins soft and dusty, with earth and a very distinct coffee note. foodandwineblog.com (84 pts.)
• 1998 Vasco Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (10/14/2008)
  Lacks fruit at this point, but soft tannins, earthy with a bit of an acidic bite on the finish. (85 pts.)
• 1995 Château Ferrand Lartigue – France, Bordeaux, Libournais, St. Émilion Grand Cru (10/14/2008)
  Past its prime if there ever was one! (79 pts.)
• 2000 Château Lagrezette Cahors Le Pigeonnier – France, Southwest France, Cahors (10/8/2008)
  Deep purple color with a barnyard/dusty nose. Exotic, rich, complex, bell peppers, wet soil, licorice, ripe blackberries, currants, touch of blueberry and cigar tobacco. Wow, this is an interesting wine with lots of character and depth. Maybe not for people who like straightforward Argentine Malbec…but for those who are a bit adventurous and like earthiness..this is outstanding. (94 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis Grand Cru (10/8/2008)
  Minerality galore! Layers of vanilla, citrus/lemon rind, dried fruits, crushed rock. Delicious and elegant- nice wine. (92 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine Darviot-Perrin Meursault 1er Cru Les Genevrières – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault 1er Cru (10/8/2008)
  Very earthy nose with dirty sock and toasted nuts. On the palate the wine provides grapefruit, toasted hazelnut, white pepper with great balance and a long, complex finish. Lovely. (91 pts.)
• 2003 Château Lagrezette Cahors – France, Southwest France, Cahors (10/8/2008)
  Opened for 3 hours: Huge, tannic, but fine tannins. Tons of dark fruits, a lot of wood but it’s balanced by the fruit and good structure. A very good wine with old world nuances and uniqueness that will bring me back for much more. Young and ready for a few years in the cellar. (90 pts.)
• 2003 Château Lagrezette Cahors Cuvée Dame Honneur – France, Southwest France, Cahors (10/8/2008)
  Similar profile to the basic bottling with tons more wood/oak that don’t really take anything away from the fruit or balance, but just make it a different wine and a bit more elegant. Still big, concentrated fruits and solid tannins- the oak may subside with age bringing this one up a couple points. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Nicolas Potel Nuits St. Georges – France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges (10/8/2008)
  Ripe red cherry, a bit of earthy funk which is nice and in check, on the mid palate is some crushed sticks and slight clove leading into medium tannins. (89 pts.)
• 2005 Château de Chamirey Mercurey – France, Burgundy, Côte Chalonnaise, Mercurey (10/8/2008)
  Ripe, fresh strawberry, cherry, bright flavors, hint of dried herbs with spice notes, good balance. Very enjoyable wine. (88 pts.)
• 2006 Nicolas Potel Morey St. Denis Vieilles Vignes – France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Morey St. Denis (10/8/2008)
  A bit of funk on the nose (wet earthiness) which is enjoyable, with tightly wound fruits and medium but soft tannins. (87 pts.)
• 2006 Jacques Prieur Meursault Clos de Mazeray – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault (10/8/2008)
  Basic fruits, touch of citrus, good minerality, buttery, entry level, very easy drinking just nothing life changing. (86 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine Christian Moreau Père et Fils Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons – France, Burgundy, Chablis, Chablis 1er Cru (10/8/2008)
  Have liked this porducer in the past, but this bottle was and off balance to me. Good flavors mixed in with a medium body- just uninteresting. (85 pts.)
• 2003 Château Fuissé Pouilly-Fuissé Le Clos – France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé (10/7/2008)
  Baked apples, wet grass, buttered fennel, very soft and elegant with mineral notes and a long finish. Really nice wine. (92 pts.)
• 2005 Olivier Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet (10/7/2008)
  Beautiful nose of ripe apple and minerality. On the palate the wine is impeccably balanced with apple, butter, and a touch of citrus on the finish. (91 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine des Perdrix Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru Aux Perdrix – France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges 1er Cru (10/7/2008)
  Rich, layered Burgundy with notes of spice that run with dark raspberry and cherry. This is night/day different from the normal bottling, this wine has character and weight with more medium tannins that are sprinkled with pepper. Very nice wine. (91 pts.)
• 1999 Pol Roger Champagne Brut Rosé – France, Champagne (10/7/2008)
  Tons of fresh cherry and raspberry, good balance and length, very nice. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Château Fuissé Pouilly-Fuissé Tete Cru – France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé (10/7/2008)
  Apples, buttered hay, lemon rind with a long finish. Nice balance, elegant wine. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Jean-Jacques Vincent Pouilly-Fuissé Marie-Antoinette Vincent – France, Burgundy, Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé (10/7/2008)
  Loads of ripe apple, buttered popcorn with good balance. An early drinking wine that is very good now. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Nicolas Potel Puligny-Montrachet Vieilles Vignes – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Puligny-Montrachet (10/7/2008)
  Light straw color with an expressive nose that is dominated by butter and apple. On the palate are flavors of sweet cocoa butter, a touch of apple, and some earthy/minerality. A very elegant wine that needs time to open up and express its fruit and come into balance. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Nicolas Potel Volnay Vieilles Vignes – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Volnay (10/7/2008)
  A very rich Burgundy with loads of raspberry and strawberry, light burnt wood, a touch of heat on the mid palate but medium tannins and a spicy finish bring it all together. (89 pts.)
• N.V. Pol Roger Champagne Extra Cuvée de Réserve Pure – France, Champagne (10/7/2008)
  Very crisp, touch of almond, grapefruit, apple. Straightforward but very fresh and enjoyable. (89 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine des Perdrix Nuits St. Georges – France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Nuits St. Georges (10/7/2008)
  Very light bodied, with hints of raspberry and cherry, charred pine. From start to finish it’s a light wine that will appeal to most people but is unlikely to make people go wild. (88 pts.)
• 2006 Nicolas Potel Meursault Sous Blagny – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Meursault (10/7/2008)
  A bit rigid, perhaps closed. Light acidity, little fruit/minerality, tons of buttered wood and light nuttiness. Served at a nice temperature and opened for 2 hours. (88 pts.)
• 2006 Nicolas Potel Pommard Les Vignots – France, Burgundy, Côte de Beaune, Pommard (10/7/2008)
  Light, very little fruit or character, a bit of alcohol comes through. (84 pts.)
• 2000 Ciacci Piccolomini d’Aragona Brunello di Montalcino Vigna di Pianrosso – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (9/23/2008)
  When I think of this wine, I think big, robust and dominating (think ‘99 and ‘01). But this 2000 was quite elegant and soft. It began tight but after an hour in the decanter really revealed fresh cherry, wet spruce notes, hints of tobacco and medium yet soft tannins. Straightforward but quite enjoyable now…may peak in a year or two. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2005 Abbazia di Novacella (Stiftskellerei Neustift) Gewürztraminer – Italy, Trentino-Alto Adige, Alto Adige, Valle Isarco / Eisacktaler (9/23/2008)
  Paired with antipasti of Speck and funghi in olive oil. One of the most floral, enticing noses I’ve ever encountered from a Gewurztraminer. Youthful, yet exploding with tropical fruits, orange zest, miscellaneous spices, a touch of anise, very interesting flavors all-together. Medium bodied, very nicely balanced with just enough acidity on the finish to keep the palate tingling for more. Very nicely done. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 1995 Cantina Vignaioli Barbaresco Elvio Pertinace Vigneto Nervo – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (9/19/2008)
  Decanted and immediately poured. Alive and fresh off the bat, even a bit tight. After 30 mins- 1 hour the wine provided an outstanding nose of fresh flowers, sour cherry, wet earth and ground cloves. On the palate the wine peaked at 1 – 1 1/2 hours when it was most balanced with sour cherry, raspberry, a touch of eucalyptus, and soft tannins. The wine was very slowly beginning to fade at 3+ hours but overall showed very nicely. Drink now and enjoy! foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2002 R. López de Heredia Rioja Crianza Viña Cubillo – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (9/7/2008)
  Almost as good as the lost bottle I had of this. Tons of sour cherry, a touch of chocolate, and earth…quite acidic this time around but a great match for duck in a rich sauce. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2002 Domaine des Baumard Savennières – France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Savennières (9/3/2008)
  Floral, big bouquet of fresh fruits and lemon zest. Medium bodied, textured wine with bright apple and peach flavors. Good length on the finish with a crisp acidity that trails off with a touch of grapefruit. Great with a halibut served with a spicy sauce. Showing very nicely right now- drink over the next five years or more. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• 2004 Tamellini Soave – Italy, Veneto, Soave (9/3/2008)
  Wow, this is drinking great now. Notes of pineapple, pink starburst, honeysuckle, lemon rind, medium bodied, great balance and a nice touch of minerals. Almost “Burgundian” in style. Seriously, go find this wine for $16 or so it’s a steal! foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2006 Cascina Adelaide Dolcetto Diano d’Alba – Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Diano d’Alba (9/3/2008)
  Very rich with juicy black fruits, a flavor that makes me think of molasses (a touch sweet) on wet leather, subtle wet earth and medium tannins. Overall a nice entry level Dolcetto- not overly interesting but a good wine. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 1997 Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi Riserva Piano Di Montevergine – Italy, Campania, Taurasi (8/31/2008)
  Deep, deep color. A very interesting nose with smoked meats and dark fruits. A big, big wine with great structure and balance. Fruits were ripe but took second stage to flavors of smoked meat and anise. Young- needs 5 years to integrate and show its potential. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 1985 Casetta Barolo – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo (8/31/2008)
  Popped and poured: Took some time to open up in the glass. Light, fading color of a mature wine- began tight and over the hill but at some point took a turn for the better when subtle red fruits emerged with a touch of cedar. Will drink my other bottles soon with at least an hour (maybe 2) decant. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 1996 Grans-Fassian Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Auslese – Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (8/7/2008)
  Consistently a killer wine for the price. Structured and very enjoyable- buy and drink as many as you can find (paid $15) over the next 3-4 years! (90 pts.)
• 2006 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (8/7/2008)
  Not overly impressed with this effort by KB- a bit too much alcohol while being a one dimensional (bright fruits) effort. Good bottle of wine, but so far it’s quite overrated. Won’t open another bottle of this for at least 4 years…hopefully by then it will have come together. (88 pts.)
• 1975 Château Beychevelle – France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (6/30/2008)
  Tasted side by side with the ‘75 Leoville Barton. Cork came out in two pieces, wine was decanted for sediment and poured within 30 minutes of decant. Deep crimson color with subtle fading. Beautiful aroma’s with layers of mature fruits, fig, dried prunes, plum and notes of leather. The tannins are fully integrated and lead to a medium length finish. Drink now, may last another few years with proper cellar conditions. A nice mature Bordeaux. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2003 Château du Mont – France, Bordeaux, Entre-Deux-Mers, Sainte Croix du Mont (6/30/2008)
  An impressive wine and a great value. This ‘03 sweetie has a beautiful nose, tons of tropical fruits, rich mouth-feel and good length on the finish. A really well made wine- clean with interesting acidity. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 1975 Château Léoville Barton – France, Bordeaux, Médoc, St. Julien (6/30/2008)
  Tasted next to the ‘75 Beychevelle. Subtle dried fruit notes but most of the fruit is faded. There are mild tannins left, but uninteresting and over the hill. foodandwineblog.com (83 pts.)
• 2004 Domaine de Couron Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Marie Dubois – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (6/23/2008)
  100% Syrah. Seriously good QPR wine here at $17. Flavors of blackberry, cherry, some very subtle toasted vanilla and nice earthniess. The tannins are both spicy and sweet and the touch of heat that was on the nose is gone on the palate. Big fruits keep the wine in balance and a smooth texture gives way to medium tannins that bring flavors of sour cherry and bell pepper on the finish. Highly recommended. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 1999 Bartoli Giusti Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Comunali – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (6/15/2008)
  Opened and drank over 3 hours: evolved very nicely in the glass. Ripe cranberry, sour cherry and a touch of red pepper that might confuse me in a blind tasting to think there is some Syrah in this. Ripe fruits with a touch of cranberry, gripping acidity on the midpalate, followed by medium tannins, more cranberry/sour cherry, and a finish that gets interesting after 15 seconds and lasts 15 more. Still young, perhaps will peak in 2010/11. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2006 La Forge Estate Viognier – France, Languedoc Roussillon, Vin de Pays d’Oc (6/13/2008)
  This ’06 Ile La Forge is a steal at $12. Dried apricot, honey, and pear explode on the palate with soft texture yet good acidity to balance it out. Not overly complex, but very enjoyable. I poured a few bottles of this at a recent tasting and everyone had very good things to say. A great choice with oysters or clams. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2003 Tardieu-Laurent Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (6/10/2008)
  Served a few degrees below cellar temperature (around 53 degrees). Pale gold color with good weight in the glass. Subtle heat on the nose with apricot, almond, Asian pear,sesame oil. The wine starts of a bit reserved, then some apple and banana show up with zingy acidity and a little heat. The finish has good acidity as well with a touch of mild oak and nuttiness that shows up and lasts 30 seconds until a bit of grapefruit appears. The heat goes away after an hour, perhaps a quick decant would do the trick. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• 1997 Jean-Michel Gerin Côte-Rôtie Les Grandes Places – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (6/4/2008)
  The most elegant wine in the group (N. Rhone Tasting: http://foodandwineblog.com/2008/06/02/md-cru-may-31-2008-a-night-of-northern-rhones/). Rich flavors of sour cherry , dried blueberry, smoked wood chips, and a touch of zesty hot peppers. foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.)
• 1998 E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (6/4/2008)
  Outstanding nose of cherry, earth, pepper, smoked meats and spices. On the palate the wine is still youthful with layers of dark red fruits, spice and peppers. Medium tannins and good acidity, this wine has a few years until it peaks and with proper cellaring will drink great for another 15 years or more. foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.)
• 1983 Delas Frères Hermitage Marquise de la Tourette – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Hermitage (6/4/2008)
  The most serious sediment I’ve ever seen in a bottle: literally caked around the entire bottle. Very interesting and complex nose of dried cranberry, sour cherry and earth. On the palate there is subtle cherry but really nice mouthfuls of grilled red pepper. The tannins are mature and highlighted by grilled peppercorns and chalky fruits that lead to a medium length finish. (92 pts.)
• 1996 Lanson Champagne Gold Label Brut – France, Champagne (6/4/2008)
  Really nice golden color. Nose of lemon zest, green apple and sweet yeast notes. On the palate the wine starts off subtly, then there is an explosion of grapefruit, lemon, sour apple laffy taffy with supporting caramel and toasted vanilla flavors. Good complexity and weight, long lasting finish. Quite enjoyable. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 1999 Domaine de Monteillet Côte-Rôtie Fortis – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (6/4/2008)
  More reserved nose of red pepper, dried cherries, blackberry with black cherry and earth on the palate. There was a nice spicy BBQ flavor in this wine as well. Good acidity, less structured than the ‘00 Ogier. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2000 Michel & Stéphane Ogier Côte-Rôtie – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (6/4/2008)
  Young, young, young. Big ripe cherry, blackberry, concentrated fruits, cedar, tobacco, spice on the nose. On the palate there is a good amount of ripe sour cherry and spice notes. Complex and youthful, medium tannins, would revisit in 5-10 years. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 1995 M. Chapoutier St. Joseph Les Granits – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (6/4/2008)
  A very traditional St. Josephs profile of dried soil and fresh ground black pepper notes with cherry notes. Nothing overly complex, but overall good balance and drinking well now. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 1995 Rene Rostaing Côte-Rôtie La Landonne – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (6/4/2008)
  An interesting grassy/leathery/cherry component with crushed red pepper and subtle black and red fruit. Good age on this bottle that was quite enjoyable. Earthy tannins and medium finish. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 1983 Cockburn Porto Vintage – Portugal, Douro, Porto (6/4/2008)
  Good amount of alcohol on the nose. The heat was high in this on the palate as well, masking flavors of cherry, blackberry, and chocolate, maybe some crushed cigars. Still needs a good amount of time to come together – decanting longer may have helped. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2001 Domaine Belle Crozes-Hermitage Louis Belle – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage (6/4/2008)
  Red and black cherry, blackberry, spice and pepper notes as well as smoked meats. Good structure, light acidity, a bit off balance but still quite good. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• N.V. Jacquesson & Fils Champagne Cuvée No. 732 – France, Champagne (6/4/2008)
  Grapefruit and apple flavors, light and crisp, overall quite refreshing. A bit weak on the finish and would benefit from a little more acidity. (89 pts.)
• 2004 Bodegas LAN Rioja Crianza – Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (6/4/2008)
  Mineral notes, wet clay, lots of sour cherry, raspberry, medium tannins. A good bottle of wine for $10. (85 pts.)
• 2005 Francois Blanchard Violoncelite – France, Loire Valley (6/4/2008)
  So youthful and quite tannic, but the wine had great balance and elegance that promises great rewards for patience. foodandwineblog.com
• 1996 Grans-Fassian Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Auslese – Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (6/1/2008)
  Drank second bottle with consistent notes- overall a group of wine enthusiasts loved this wine. If you see one, buy it (or let me know so I can!). foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2001 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Mourre des Perdrix – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (5/28/2008)
  Great aroma’s of violet, cherry, and soiled mixed with sweet berries and tobacco. On the palate the wine is very elegant with flavors of sour cherry, subtle black tea component, and fresh soil. Tannins are soft and well matched with the acidity, cherry and earth reappear on the 30-45 second finish. Very nice wine. foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.)
• 2005 Domaine Auguste Clape Cornas – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Cornas (5/28/2008)
  Great concentration of blackberry, cranberry, and a bit of dark raspberry, really tight, ripe fruits at this point. The tannins are huge, but there is good fruit and acidity to balance this wine out. Structured to age quite nicely, cellar this for at least 7-10 years. foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.)
• 2005 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Les Hautes Brusquières – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (5/28/2008)
  More complex and interesting than 2004, with dark cherry, plum, dark raspberry notes, wet soil, leather and spice. Big flavors throughout the wine, with moderate tannins, medium acidity and a long finish. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine Auguste Clape St. Péray Blanc – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Péray (5/28/2008)
  Fragrant nose of tropical fruits, citrus, jasmine, wildflowers and petrol. Apricot, peach, pear, grapefruit, and a handful of other fruits emerge on the palate- medium bodied with good minerality and very subtle acidity. Complex flavors and overall an enjoyable wine. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2004 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Les Hautes Brusquières – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (5/28/2008)
  Ripe cherry and plum notes with good acidity and elegant tannin structure. Some hint of minerals and earth show up on the finish. Young and tight, but should develop nicely. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine de la Charbonnière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (5/28/2008)
  Lemon rind, butterscotch, minerals, great texture, zingy acidity and overall nice balance. There’s a nice touch of yeast and an elegant finish. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2007 Château de Trinquevedel Tavel Rosé Vignoble Demoulin – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Tavel (5/28/2008)
  This is a rose made from 7 grapes: Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette, Syrah, Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre and Bourboulenc. The wine is quite nice, with big bright strawberry and cherry, good acidity and a touch of minerality. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2002 Terrazas de Los Andes Malbec Reserva – Argentina, Mendoza (5/26/2008)
  Plump, concentrated dark fruits, really elegant wine with buttery richness, sweet tannins and a long finish. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2005 Kosta Browne Syrah Amber Ridge Vineyard – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (5/26/2008)
  Opened and tasted. Was very closed. Recorked and let sit overnight. Much more approachable on night two. Very deep purple color. On the nose there is a bit of heat, but it’s not overpowering and is matched with crushed chalk, ripe raspberry, dried herbs and baked pine wood. On the palate there are really tight fruits, spice, zingy acidity and elegant tannins, but there is a bit of heat through the attack. This wine is an infant, patience is highly recommended (at least 2010 before I open another bottle). foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2006 Tolosa Winery Pinot Noir – USA, California, Central Coast (5/26/2008)
  Aromas of cedar, smoke, cherry and rubber. Sour cherry, grilled meat flavors with good structure and nice acidity. There is an interesting zingy/funkiness on the finish that I enjoyed but may turn some people off. Decent QPR. foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.)
• 1994 Tenuta Friggiali (Centolani) Rosso di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino (5/24/2008)
  Opened and poured. Deep garnet color with moderate bricking. Nose is very mature with sweet candled cassis, plum and miscellaneous spices. On the palate there is an immediate earthiness that is quite nice, followed by mature fruits, baked plums, candied sour fruits, and still noticable tannins. Overall quite an enjoyable 14 year old Rosso. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2007 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier – USA, California (5/23/2008)
  A wine with an outstanding QPR. The Viognier really gives this wine beautiful aromas of grapefruit, hay, and tropical fruits. There is a touch of acidity on the palate, but not overwhelming with very nice texture and a flavorful finish. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2007 Chehalem Chardonnay INOX – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (5/23/2008)
  Before I tasted, I was told it was Chablis-esque. I was skeptical, but the nose really had me convinced. There was a nice minerality wrapped up in apples and jasmine notes. Upon first sip though, the wine seemed…odd. There was an interesting up front rubbery pear/apple flavor that wasn’t bad, just interesting. This mellowed out into nice fruits, mineral notes, a touch of cotton candy, and a bit of acidity on the finish. Overall a good, young wine, but far from Chablis! The wine needs some time in bottle to soften up. Would revisit in 2009 or later. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2004 Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel Richard Sauret – USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (5/23/2008)
  Loads of concentrated dark fruits on the nose with subtle sweet tobacco. Jammy blackberry, plum and other dark fruits on the palate, vanilla leading into sweet tannins. Nice texture, but a little off balance acidity. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2007 Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc – USA, California (5/23/2008)
  Really nice aromas of apple, peach and citrus, with peach, lemon rind and apricot coming to on the palate. This wine has very good acidity that is quite refreshing. Good QPR. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2004 Benessere Costa del Sol – USA, California, Napa Valley (5/23/2008)
  Surprisingly Italian (Tuscan) wine based on the nose with dark red fruits and spice notes. Dark raspberry, cherry and other fruits on the palate, this wine has good balance with subtle oak notes and a zingy acidity on the finish. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 2007 Benessere Sangiovese Rosato – USA, California, Napa Valley (5/23/2008)
  Did someone switch this glass out for a cheap White Zinfandel? Candied fruits, over the top, artificial sweetness, and wacky acidity make this a huge pass in my book. May appeal strongly to those who love Sutter Home or other White Zins. foodandwineblog.com (79 pts.)
• 1996 Grans-Fassian Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling Auslese – Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer (5/20/2008)
  Nice aromas of tropical fruits, light mineral notes, slightly frizzante which was nice. Not overly sweet, but noticeable honey and melon with a very nice finish of grapefruit and leche fruit. Good mouthfeel and nice level of acidity left in this wine. Drink within the next year. Great value- foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2005 Domaine de la Charbonnière Vacqueyras – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Vacqueyras (5/18/2008)
  Aroma’s of cherry, black fruits, and red pepper. Filled with ripe fruits, very subtle but noticable spices, and warm earth notes. Well balanced with an interesting, rounded finish. Really a great value wine. (91 pts.)
• 1990 Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve – USA, California, Napa Valley (5/16/2008)
  Stood up for 4 hours, no seepage, cork came out in tact, poured from the bottle slowly for sediment. Beautiful deep purple color with subtle bricking. The nose on this wine is quite nice with red pepper really standing out, dark fruits, rhubarb, mushroom, wet soil, subtle tobacco notes and an interesting nuttiness that showed up after an hour or so. On the palate there is a serious red pepper/spice note, plum, cassis, still noticeable, slightly sweet tannins and still good acidity. 30 second finish. Great sentimental value in celebration of the life of Robert Mondavi, but also an outstanding wine. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2006 Viña Santa Rita Carménère Reserva – Chile, Central Valley, Rapel Valley (5/16/2008)
  Rich ripe, dark fruits with mild spice notes, vanilla and toasted oak. Elegant tannins with a bit of heat but overall an outstanding QPR and very fine wine. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2001 Andreas Oster Riesling Eiswein – Germany, Rheinhessen (5/15/2008)
  Exceptional flavor, texture and depth. Complex nose of peach, jasmine, citrus, tropical fruits, and subtle spice. On the palate the wine is elegant and exciting. Rolling flavors of peach, grapefruit, tangerine, lavender. Great body, long long finish that keeps you smiling. foodandwineblog.com (94 pts.)
• 2004 Wente Vineyards Chardonnay Nth Degree – USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Livermore Valley (5/14/2008)
  2004 Wente Vineyards The Nth Degree Chardonnay: Light straw color with complex aromas and flavors. Apple, pear and hay notes stand out, well balanced and good structure. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2004 Wente Vineyards Syrah Nth Degree – USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Livermore Valley (5/14/2008)
  2004 The Nth Degree Syrah: Not overly extracted, yet good concentration. Sweet aroma’s of black fruits and spice. Ripe with very good acidity and green flavors on the finish. If you prefer big, cough-medicine-esque Shiraz, this isn’t for you. If you like Old World Syrah, you may really enjoy this one. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2004 Wente Vineyards Merlot Nth Degree – USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Livermore Valley (5/14/2008)
  2004 Wente Vineyards The Nth Degree Merlot: Plum, loads of dark fruit, leather. This wine has some serious structure and tannins, all balanced out with nice acidity. Earth notes show up for a few seconds followed by a long finish. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2004 Wente Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Nth Degree – USA, California, San Francisco Bay, Livermore Valley (5/14/2008)
  2004 Wente Vineyards Cabernet The Nth Degree: Deep plum color nose of dried herbs dark blueberry. Notes of vanilla, but subtle. Overall good structure with moderate tannins, medium finish. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 2001 Il Paradiso di Frassina Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (5/13/2008)
  Purchased at vineyard. Decanted 30 minutes, drank over 2 hours. Another very enjoyable bottle of this ‘01 Brunello. Loads of dark fruit, elegant tannins, great spice and earth notes with a complex finish. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 1978 Gaja Barbaresco – Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco (5/11/2008)
  The cork came out in one piece, decanted for sediment and immediately poured. The nose on this wine was beautiful and complex. Herbs and spice notes with mushroom, minerals, raspberry and cherry, and other red fruits. Each sniff gave the impression of something new and exciting. On the palate the wine a real delight. Flavors of tobacco, leather, cherry, bay leaf, spice, earth came in waves giving way to a touch of acidity and elegant and refined tannins. The finish was unique with new flavors showing up long after the decanter was dry! A great wine experience. foodandwineblog.com (96 pts.)
• N.V. Diebolt-Vallois Champagne Brut Blanc de Blancs – France, Champagne, Cramant, Champagne (5/10/2008)
  Light mineral notes, yeast, grapefruit, light nuttiness that is enjoyable. Great QPR Champange. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2006 Château de Raousset Chiroubles – France, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Chiroubles (5/10/2008)
  Bright cherry, strawberry, raspberry fruits, quite aromatic on the nose, light structure and good balance. A nice summer wine. foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.)
• 1978 Château Latour (Bordeaux Supérieur) – France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur (5/10/2008)
  The cork came out in two pieces, but was in good shape. Decanted for sediment, immediately poured. Medium garnet color with slight bricking. Lovely aromas of a mature Bordeaux- sweet notes, minerals, subtle notes of cassis . On the palate, the wine was soft and elegant, but the fruits have faded almost completely leaving a bit of awkwardness. This bottle has been dead for some time, but still an enjoyable experience. Not rated. foodandwineblog.com
• 2005 Ferraton Père & Fils Crozes-Hermitage La Matinière – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage (5/7/2008)
  Mineral notes, mouthful of spice, green pepper, cherry, dark raspberry. Pretty nice balance and structure, red fruits showing up near the finish (which is quite nice, albeit reserved). Overall great value, perfect introductory wine for people looking to try a Syrah-based Rhone wine. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 1999 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select – USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (5/6/2008)
  Was very excited to try this again. The nose is packed with ripe, black fruits, cedar, and subtle mineral notes. Blueberry grips the palate giving way to currant, dark raspberry, vanilla and tobacco notes. The wine is just arriving to the party- drinking great right now as the fruit is really starting to emerge and take center stage. I’d expect this to peak in 2011-2013, but have enough structure to last another 10 years or more. Hands down one of the best California Cabernet’s I’ve had. Just a nice, balanced wine with big fruit, good depth and complexity. If you’re offered a chance to try this, or can afford the bottle, it’s a must-try. foodandwineblog.com (96 pts.)
• 2003 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon Hillside Select – USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (5/6/2008)
  Quite a different wine than the 1999. Concentrated dark fruits, cola, licorice and raspberry on the nose with hints of dried herbs. More buttery on the palate with toasted vanilla notes wrapped around blackberry and currant. Big acidity that is well balanced. This wine hasn’t even left home to head to the party. With time (or a long, serious decant) this may rival the 1999, in my opinion. An outstanding wine with many great years ahead of it. foodandwineblog.com (94 pts.)
• 2004 Shafer Relentless – USA, California, Napa Valley (5/6/2008)
  Petit Sirah. Brilliant dark purple color. Huge compilation of dark fruits on the nose with a touch of smokiness and very subtle pepper notes. This is a giant wine- buttery/vanilla notes but not overbearing. Really impressive structure that should keep this wine aging like a supermodel. Long, tongue coating with creaminess finish. Relentless on the wallet? Maybe. Relentless in its ability to bring you back for more. Definitely. foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.)
• 2005 Shafer Cabernet Sauvignon One Point Five – USA, California, Napa Valley, Stags Leap District (5/6/2008)
  This is a 98% Cabernet, 2% Petit Verdot. Bright yet deep purple color with a very attractive nose of blackberry, cassis, very subtle sweet tobacco notes. The first thing that hit me was the acidity which was big yet balanced. Notes of wet soil, and serious black fruits yet elegant tannins at its young age. This one rivals some of the better left bank Bordeaux’s. foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.)
• 2006 Shafer Chardonnay Red Shoulder Ranch – USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros (5/6/2008)
  Grapefruit, vanilla and pear on the nose. Initially on the palate there is mouth puckering citrus notes and acidity, that gives way to an interesting banana peel flavor. Good balance, complexity on the finish. This is a great example of a “not too oaky” Chardonnay for the people who claim to “not like Chardonnay because it’s too okay!” foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2001 Calera Pinot Noir Jensen Vineyard – USA, California, Central Coast, Mount Harlan (5/6/2008)
  Drank from 375 mL over two hours. Nose of cherry, cranberry, wood dust, minerals. On the palate there’s an initial minerality, followed by cherry, cranberry, and a touch of spice. Rather big tannins, which I liked, that are intertwined with subtle notes of vanilla and more cherry. Best feature of this wine is the long (45+ second) finish where some sour cherry really stands out. Overall quite enjoyable, but there are better value at this price point. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2005 Shafer Merlot – USA, California, Napa Valley (5/6/2008)
  Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet France. Plums , spice, smoke and candied fruits on the nose. Real tightly wound fruits nice earth notes, but not enough structure for long-term aging. This one is a pass for me, especially at the price. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 2005 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône Reserve – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (4/27/2008)
  Nose: Sweet notes, cherry, laffy-taffy, herb and earth notes. Sour cherry, raspberry, spice, medium tannins, lots of razor sharp acidity. Purchased for $10- very good value. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2004 Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley (4/25/2008)
  Only opened because my company loves new world, big wines and had never tried a Caymus! It wasn’t a waste, but as everyone knows it’s incredibly young and concentrated. Loads of blackberry, cigar box, subtle spice notes, cassis, huge tannins. Should balance out nicely – approachable perhaps 2010 lasting until at least 2014. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2003 Viñedos de Páganos Rioja El Puntido – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alavesa, Rioja (4/25/2008)
  Rich concentrated flavors of black and red fruits, soft, sweet tannins, great balance. Surprisingly new world once it opens up. May age well but no reason to wait? foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2006 Cat Amongst the Pigeons Shiraz Grenache Alley Cat – Australia, South Australia, Barossa (4/23/2008)
  I liked the Syrah/Cab blend from CATP, and this was good, just not great. Smooth texture and nice dark fruits and spice, but a little bit of heat. Overall, a good value for $10. (87 pts.)
• 1978 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon Bosché Vineyard – USA, California, Napa Valley (4/20/2008)
  Stood up for two weeks in the cellar to let the sediment collect. Light seepage which worried me. The cork came out perfectly in one piece. Decanted very gently only to remove sediment of which there was a significant amount. In the glass the wine reddish with some bricking. The nose had sweet scents with some rhubarb and earth. Surprisingly the wine wasn’t maderized or gone. After 10 minutes in the glass fruits emerged, although very subtle, blackberry. The wine begins actually quite nice, but falls apart near the finish when the tannins that survived show up as well as a big mouthful of coffee. Long over the hill but still drinkable. Overall I was happy with the bottle! foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.)
• 2005 Charles Joguet Chinon Cuvée Terroir – France, Loire Valley, Touraine, Chinon (4/16/2008)
  Deep red color, aroma’s of sweet and spicy herbs, dark raspberry, cherry, and tobacco. Lacks the bell pepper component one would expect from an old world Cab Franc, but there are nice mineral and earth notes and it’s very Old-World-esque. Not a lot of fruit on the palate, a bit of heat on the mid palate with moderate tannins on the finish (nice finish, some subtle green notes). Should mellow out in a year or two. Surprise of the night: outstanding pairing with sushi! foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 1983 J. Ricard Château de la Chartreuse – France, Bordeaux, Sauternais, Sauternes (4/15/2008)
  Deep golden color. Lovely nose of apricot, spice and subtle mineral notes. Concentrated flavors of apricot and peach, good weight on the mid-palate, with interesting grapefruit notes on the finish. Very enjoyable. Getting near its peak but has some life left. (92 pts.)
• 2005 Manoir de la Tête Saumur Bagatelle – France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (4/11/2008)
  Decanted one hour – drank over 3 hours. Aroma’s of earth, spice, bright yet dark fruits, big league chew bubble gum, raspberry, sweet tobacco. On the palate the wine is light in style with soft dark fruits, minerals and with good acidity. Tannins are present, but neither rough nor smooth, sort of in between. The finish is 30 seconds or more with dark raspberry and sour cherry notes and a flavor that reminds me of dried candle wax. The wine was enjoyable, and went well with grilled salmon steak and grilled tuna. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2003 Warre Porto Vintage – Portugal, Douro, Porto (4/7/2008)
  Decanted for 3 hours from a 375 mL: Too young, I know..but I was deciding whether or not to buy more so I pulled the trigger on one. It’s so concentrated with dark fruits, cherry, light spice notes. The wine has big weight to it, but it’s not over the top and is very elegant. This will be incredible with some age- foodandwineblog.com (93 pts.)
• 1999 Bodegas Valdemar (Martinez Bujanda) Rioja Conde de Valdemar Reserva – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (4/7/2008)
  Light, dark fruits, a bit rough on the edges but drinkable and good with a plate of food. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2007 Kosta Browne Pinot Noir Rosé – USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (4/2/2008)
  Screw cap, opened and served at cellar temperature (58 degrees) – nice dark salmon color. On the nose there is strawberry, not quite ripe banana, orange peel, rubber and an interesting nutty component. ON the palate there is an immediate wave of sweet cherry and strawberry that gives way to mineral notes and a touch of alcohol. There is very little acidity but the wine has a good overall texture. I was pretty happy with it overall and with spring coming up, wish I had a few more bottles around to kick of BBQ’s with friends. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2001 Cims de Porrera Priorat Classic – Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (4/1/2008)
  Ripe nose of dark fruit, raspberry, sweet cedar. Blackberry and cherry notes on the palate, good acidity and concentration of flavors that transition to elegance on the finish. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• 2005 Manoir de la Tête Saumur Bagatelle – France, Loire Valley, Anjou-Saumur, Saumur (4/1/2008)
  Decanted one hour – tight at first. Aroma’s of earth, spice, bright yet dark fruits, big league chew bubble gum, raspberry, sweet tobacco. On the palate the wine is light in style with soft dark fruits, minerals and with good acidity. Tannins are present, but neither rough nor smooth, sort of in between. The finish is 30 seconds or more with dark raspberry and sour cherry notes and a flavor that reminds me of dried candle wax. The wine was enjoyable, and went well with grilled salmon steak and grilled tuna. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2001 Cims de Porrera Priorat Classic – Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (4/1/2008)
  Ripe nose of dark fruit, raspberry, sweet cedar. Blackberry and cherry notes on the palate, good acidity and concentration of flavors that transition to elegance on the finish. 91 pts foodandwineblog.com
• N.V. Domaine Ste. Michelle Blanc de Blancs – USA, Washington, Columbia Valley (3/31/2008)
  Palatable, but uninteresting- this one’s a pass. (83 pts.)
• 1999 Chartogne-Taillet Champagne Fiacre – France, Champagne (3/29/2008)
  Aroma’s of orange peel, wet dough, grapefruit. Miscellaneous citrus notes that give way to minerals on the finish. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• 2003 Clos Mogador Priorat – Spain, Catalunya, Priorat (3/29/2008)
  Layers of ripe dark fruits with excellent depth and concentration. Interesting sweet tobacco notes, cherry, chocolate and earth with medium tannins and nice flavors on the finish. 91+ points, foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• 2005 Bravante Vineyards Trio – USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (3/28/2008)
  Young, ripe fruits, good concentration. Vanilla, cedar, blackberry, good flavors, elegance. Great value. Second bottle with consistent rating. (92 pts.)
• 2001 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley – USA, California, Napa Valley (3/28/2008)
  Silver Oak is overrated, but it’s still a good wine, just not worth the money. Good flavors and elegant, but a bit off balance on the finish – lacks real fruit character. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2002 Saint-Cosme Côte-Rôtie – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Côte-Rôtie (3/28/2008)
  Raspberry, barnyard, cherry, spice. A bit off balance and lacking of real fruit character or a good finish, but drinkable. Poor QPR- this one’s a pass. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2007 Maipe Malbec – Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo (3/27/2008)
  Popped and poured at cellar temperature. Aroma’s and flavors of dark fruit, vanilla, leather. Rrough tannins that softened up over an hour, medium finish – very drinkable for $10. Decant would help. foodandwineblog.com (84 pts.)
• 2001 Bodegas LAN Rioja Reserva Viña Lanciano – Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (3/26/2008)
  Dark purple color. Biggest nose of the night with ripe dark and red fruits. Concentrated blackberry and cherry notes, hints of chocolate and tobacco with big tannins yet signs of great balance with some age. Patience is virtue- 3-5 years and this should be showing very nicely. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• 2002 R. López de Heredia Rioja Crianza Viña Cubillo – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (3/26/2008)
  Cherry cordial/chocolate, sour cherry, earth, cellar on the nose – this wine is more old school which I appreciate. At first it seemed a bit young, but time in the glass was sufficient to make this quite drinkable now with nice balance, fine tannins and good mineral notes. In its drinking window, may peak in a couple years, but why wait? foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2006 Biurko Gorri Rioja Arbanta – Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (3/26/2008)
  Really beautiful, vibrant purple color. This 100% Tempranillo never touches oak which really lets the blackberry and cherry come through. Ripe fruits, young, light tannins, nice finish, good value! (88 pts.)
• 2006 Descendientes de José Palacios Bierzo – Spain, Castilla y León, Bierzo (3/26/2008)
  Loaded with dark ripe fruits, bacon and a bit of heat on the nose that isn’t as evident on the palate. Blackberry, plum and sour cherry notes with good balance at the finish and ripe tannins. Opened up quite a bit in 10-15 minutes – requires some age or a long decant. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2006 Summers Winery Chardonnay – USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (3/26/2008)
  Orange peel and citrus flavors, some minerality and butter with a tad too much oak but not overpowering. Apple and pear flavors, crisp finish. (88 pts.)
• 2006 Do Ferreiro Albariño Rías Baixas Cepas Vellas – Spain, Galicia, Rías Baixas (3/26/2008)
  Good weight in the glass with aromas of cotton candy, fresh cut grass and herbs. Medium bodied wine, less acidic than the Ulacia and more of a smooth finish that gives some acidity. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2006 Palacios Remondo Rioja La Vendimia – Spain, La Rioja, Rioja (3/26/2008)
  Some plum notes, as well as vanilla and almond. Medium bodied wine with an OK finish. Nothing spectacular, but very drinkable. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 2006 Ulacia Getariako Txakolina – Spain, País Vasco, Getariako Txakolina (3/26/2008)
  Interesting nose of dryer lint, cinnamon, peach. Very crisp acidity that hid the fruits at first, some orange rind and grapefriut. Acidity slowly fades back with a refreshing finish. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 2005 Alquezar Moristel Somontano – Spain, Aragón, Somontano (3/26/2008)
  This Moristel comes from a beautiful town high in the foothills of the Spanish Pyrennes. Starts out with a nose of raspberry, a lot of cranberry, and a good amount of pepper and spice. On the palate the fruit is less prominent with subtle cherry and cranberry, and medium tannins. An OK effort – a pass for me though even at $15. foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.)
• 2005 Domaine André Brunel Côtes du Rhône – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (3/23/2008)
  Great quality for the price- Cherry, big cranberry notes, with a nice spice profile accented by black pepper and dried herbs. “Rhone-esque” character and weight with a nice finish. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2005 Saint-Cosme St. Joseph – France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, St. Joseph (3/21/2008)
  Decanted 1 hour, drank over 3 hours. Tight fruits now, but lot’s of great old world character, nose had caramel, sour cherry, raspberry. Chocolate and black pepper notes showed up after 2 hours, big big tannins and good acidity. This wine will develop well and is a good QPR at $29. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• 2006 Domaine Roger Perrin Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Prestige – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône (3/18/2008)
  Blackberry, sour cherry, spice notes on the nose. Light to medium body, red and black fruits, earth notes, medium tannins with good acidity – should age well for 2-3 years. Medium finish. Good dinner wine – foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2003 Panther Creek Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (3/15/2008)
  Nose of candied fruits, flowers, earth, vanilla. Elegant with notes of cherry, spice, buttery texture, sweet tannins, very nice balance. Medium finish – good Pinot. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2006 Agustin Cubero Calatayud – Spain, Aragón, Calatayud (3/14/2008)
  Served at room temp. Synthetic cork. Serious deep crimson color. Blackberry, blueberry, licorice, sweet cedar, dirt, big nose, complex and intriguing. Some alcohol stands out on the mid-palate, medium tannins, a lot of nice flavors show up on the finish – blueberry stands out. The alcohol is a turn-off at first, but it mellowed out a bit after an hour. Serve this at cellar temperature plus a few degrees. Decent wine for $10. Drank even better on day 2. foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.)
• 2006 Altos Las Hormigas Bonarda Colonia las Liebres – Argentina, Mendoza (3/9/2008)
  A lot of bright grape and dark berry on the nose and palate, interesting spruce notes as well. Simple wine, but for $6 a great daily drinker that would stand up to a variety of dishes. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 2004 Dutton Estate Chardonnay Dutton Ranch – USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (3/8/2008)
  Pale gold color. Good weight in the glass, with aromas of apple, peach, buttered popcorn, oak, vanilla bean. Bubblegum, dried apricot, apple, cotton candy, with a hint of grass on the medium body. Good acidity, good balance, nice crispness on the finish. Bordering on “too much oak” but it pulls it off nicely. I’d recommend an hour decant (yes I know it’s a white wine). foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• N.V. Riondo Prosecco Veneto IGT – Italy, Veneto, Veneto IGT (3/8/2008)
  Sealed with a traditional cork requiring a cork-screw. A little sweet, hint of yeast, a little fruity, not a lot of fizz but quite refreshing. Overall good appertif, nice flavors. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2005 Baron Philippe de Rothschild Mouton Cadet – France, Bordeaux, Bordeaux Contrôlée (3/7/2008)
  Deep garnet color, cherry, dark berry fruits, mineral/earth nose. Little balance or character, just an OK table wine. This one’s a pass – better value ‘05 Bordeaux’s. foodandwineblog.com (80 pts.)
• 1995 Fattoria dei Barbi (Colombini) Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (3/6/2008)
  Opened and poured. Garnet with a tint of deep rust. The nose was actually showing a lot of great aromas with blackberry, cherry, mushroom, spice, petrol and a bit of earth/wet forest. You could tell this one was just past its prime but dark fruits were in tact as well as a meaty component and a lot of sour cherry that showed up after an hour in the glass. Surprisingly good balance, medium tannins, nice finish. Still drinking well but definitely heading downhill. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2005 Château Gravat – France, Bordeaux, Médoc (3/5/2008)
  Decanted 1 hour, drank over 3 hours. Deep plum color, a lot of good things on the nose: plum, black currant, Vanilla wafers,sweet tobacco. Starts off with a lot of dark fruit with a transition to cedar and earthiness. Tannins aren’t silky but they work well with the structure of the wine. Really opened up after 2 hours. Great value wine from the outstanding ‘05 vintage. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2006 Loimer Grüner Veltliner Lois – Austria, Niederösterreich, Kamptal, Langenlois (3/4/2008)
  Light straw color. Pear and honeydew on the nose. Pear, citrus flavors, crisp acidity, refreshing. Great with chicken stir fry or Thai food. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 1996 Regnard Chablis Grand Regnard – France, Burgundy, Chablis (3/3/2008)
  Golden amber color. Some subtle pear on the nose, straw, mineral. Very little fruit left in this one, off acidity and past its prime. foodandwineblog.com (78 pts.)
• 2001 Verbena Brunello di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (3/2/2008)
  Nose has a lot of ripe, dark fruits, vanilla, chocolate and a petrol component. The wine took a while to open but when it did it showed earth, woody blackberry, dark raspberry, and plum notes. Good structure and smooth tannins, medium finish. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 1986 Delaforce Porto Colheita – Portugal, Douro, Porto (3/2/2008)
  Aroma’s of maple syurm, walnut almond, with a bit of heat. Complex nutty flavors on the palate, sweet, but not overly sweet with a little too much alcohol taste. Enjoyable, just not great. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• N.V. J. Esteve Nadal Cava Cava Avinyó Brut – Spain, Catalunya, Cava (2/29/2008)
  Consistently good Sparkling wine. Light, crisp, with citrus, apple, melon, pear flavors. Not overly complex, but a great appertif at $10. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2005 Chameleon Cellars Charbono – USA, California, Napa Valley (2/27/2008)
  Very unique nose: herbs, plum, rhubarb, cough syrup, raspberry, pepper. Good balance, paired well with pork chops. Medium finish. Previously rated an 88. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2003 Bravante Vineyards Simpatico – USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (2/24/2008)
  Inconsistent with my previous notes. Dark fruits, less focus or character, oaky with a bit of heat. Still good balance and structure, smooth tannins. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2005 Chameleon Cellars Zinfandel – USA, California, Napa Valley (2/23/2008)
  Previously rated an 87, the wine showed better this time around. Aroma’s of blackberry, blueberry, pepper. Good concentration of flavors and well balanced. A nice acidity coming through the finish that made it a great match for pizza. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2005 Il Poggione (Proprietá Franceschi) Rosso di Montalcino – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino (2/21/2008)
  I’ll preempt this note with a confession: I love Rosso’s and Brunello’s and have had my fair share of both. Dark cherry, raspberry, prunes, cedar, maybe a slight petrol component. A little rough at first, some tightly wound fruits begin to show on the mid palate, bittersweet chocolate come through later on. There are good sized tannins that lack elegance, but good balance leading to a finish that reveals more ripe fruits. Wet forest notes on the finish as well. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 2006 La Vieille Ferme (Perrin & Fils) Côtes du Ventoux – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Ventoux (2/20/2008)
  Sealed with a screw cap. Aroma’s include red berry, a good amount of ‘brett’, clay, some black fruits coming through. Not much going on on the palate, some plum flavors, off balance, hot. Cheap, but still a pass- foodandwineblog.com (82 pts.)
• 2004 Marqués de Cáceres Rioja Crianza – Spain, La Rioja, La Rioja Alta, Rioja (2/19/2008)
  Not as bad as a few of the other tasting notes made it sound – it is quite young and required 2 hours to open. It revealed black fruits; dark raspberry, currant, spice notes. The medium finish is a bit hot with alcohol and sugar, and it is quite off balance, but not a terrible wine – was OK with a braised lamb shoulder. OK value for $11 but not that good. foodandwineblog.com (82 pts.)
• 2001 St. Lucia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino (2/16/2008)
  Purchased at winery. Very ripe blackberry and sour cherry with a touch of chocolate, leather and mushroom flavors and hints of spice. Mild tannins and moderate acidity – lay this one down for a few more years. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• N.V. Jean Vesselle Champagne Brut Réserve – France, Champagne, Bouzy, Champagne (2/16/2008)
  Light amber color – it began with a good nose of citrus, some vanilla, a lot of pear and apple, and a very little touch of brioche. On the palate the wine was very light and lacked any sort of body or finish. Granny smith apples and a lot of green pears stood out…which was pleasant. After 30 minutes though, the wine completely fell apart. Perhaps flawed? There was no finish and the fruits became quite sour. It started out fine (86/7 pts) but really fell apart quickly. (posted on foodandwineblog.com) (82 pts.)
• 1998 Duval-Leroy Champagne Blanc de Chardonnay Brut – France, Champagne, Côte des Blancs, Champagne (2/14/2008)
  Light pale in color with a lot of tiny bubbles that seem endless. Initial dough/yeastiness (brioche), some citrus, a lot of banana peel, some caramel, just a lot of great stuff going on with the nose. Immediate and large dose of grapefruit and yeast on the palate, followed by pear and lime that carries through the finish when a touch of almond appears for a short while. Good focus, solid acidity and balance. Solid effort – drinking well now. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2000 Il Molino di Grace Chianti Classico Riserva Il Margone – Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico (2/14/2008)
  This blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet has a brilliant ruby color giving it an amazing presence in the glass. Having spent time in new French oak, the wine has toasted oak notes meshed with dark cherry and blackberry as well as a hint of vanilla and pepper. Nice long, memorable finish with soft, supple tannins – overall the wine was very well integrated. Very good wine that is ready to drink now but may reward another year in the bottle. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2005 Chameleon Petite Sirah Napa Valley – USA, California, Napa Valley (2/14/2008)
  Coming from 112 year old vines, this Petit Sirah is very good (tasted from 3 bottles). Dark purple color, aromas of dark cherry, spice and cigar box. Big, dark fruits and black pepper on the palate – great structure, big, chewy tannins and a 30 second finish. Drink one now and lay a few down for the next 5 years when it should peak. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• 2004 Marchesi de Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Riserva Nipozzano – Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Rufina (2/12/2008)
  Popped and poured. The wine has an ink-deep purple color. The nose was completely closed during the first hour…initial flavors were some sour cherry, a lot of wet forest, not much fruit showing on the palate.

  After 2+ hours of sitting, the wine completely changed. Now on the nose I get cola, cherry, a cedar component and possibly a smoky vanilla component. The palate has opened up quite a bit- still a good mineral/earthiness to the wine, but now the cherry really comes through, as does a hint of raspberry and burnt wood near the finish. The tannins are noticeable, but not too tough, and the finish lasts a while. Good wine overall – good balance. Decant for a long time or sit on this for a few more years. Good value for the price – foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)

• 2005 Fattoria La Lecciaia (Pacini) Rosso di Montalcino Vallafrico – Italy, Tuscany, Montalcino, Rosso di Montalcino (2/11/2008)
  Very tight the first night when popped and poured – lots of forest floor, little fruit, etc. Opened up over an hour or two, but really showed better on the second day when dark fruits started to come through as well as dark cherry and a dense forest component. Good spice notes show up early and on the finish, nice balance with medium finish. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• N.V. J. Esteve Nadal Cava Cava Avinyó Brut – Spain, Catalunya, Cava (2/9/2008)
  Once again a solid value. Some yeast notes on the nose this time around as well as minerals. Flavors of apple with a good amount of fizz. Clean, refreshing finish. Great value. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2005 Winzerkeller Neckenmarkt Blaufränkisch Classic – Austria, Burgenland, Mittelburgenland, Neckenmarkt (2/9/2008)
  Very food friendly wine. Raspberry, cherry flavors, good amount of acidity – light body, medium to light tannin structure. Paired great with the spices in Persian food and would overall do well with many different dishes. Good value – tasting from a previous bottle I gave it 87 points. foodandwineblog.com (85 pts.)
• N.V. Cristalino Cava Brut – Spain, Catalunya, Cava (2/7/2008)
  Hazelnut, dough/yeast, grapefruit on the nose. Crisp acidity that becomes quite refreshing with some citrus notes. Very good Cava and great QPR (Quality to Price Ratio). Excellent with some spicy Thai food! foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2002 Ferrando Nebbiolo di Carema White Label (Etichetta Bianca) – Italy, Piedmont, Northern Piedmont, Nebbiolo di Carema (2/7/2008)
  Terribly corked! NR (flawed)
• 2006 Fairview (Charles Back) Goats do Roam – South Africa (2/6/2008)
  Red fruits, light body, funky flavors. Just not my cup of tea. I’ve liked other vintages, but this one is a pass. (83 pts.)
• 2004 Marietta Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Sonoma County (2/2/2008)
  Aromas of blackberry, smoked meat, oak, sweet berries, currant. Big fruits on the palate, smooth, medium tannins that have some sweetness to them with lingering black fruits on the finish as well as cedar and spice. foodandwineblog.com (87 pts.)
• 2003 Panther Creek Melon de Bourgogne De Ponte – USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley (2/2/2008)
  Received as a gift, unfortunately terribly corked. NR (flawed)
• 2006 Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc – New Zealand, South Island, Marlborough (2/1/2008)
  Hay color with a grassy tint. Just getting near the glass gives off big aromas of tropical fruits, peach, minerals, apricot, and smoked cedar. On the palate the wine has good structure and acidity, with sweet fruit notes building up then being overtaken by a crisp acidity and tart finish that brings out notes of cut grass. I like this one. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2006 Familia Zuccardi Torrontés Santa Julia Organica – Argentina, Mendoza (2/1/2008)
  Light, crisp, lots of tropical fruits, grapefruit, apple, with floral notes. Great value, perfect for the spring barbecue or a warm summer night. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2003 Bravante Vineyards Simpatico – USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (1/27/2008)
  This was my wine of the night – layers and layers of dark fruits, earth, cherry, cigar box, anise, spice. Huge body, big tannins, a Cadillac among Fiats. Big, long finish, did I mention this wine is big? Pricey but worth it if you like big California Cabs (wine is roughly 80% Cab Sauvignon and 20% Cab Franc) can find a few bottles of this very limited release. For best enjoyment, lay it down for at least 5 years maybe 10 or more! foodandwineblog.com (94 pts.)
• 1989 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (1/26/2008)
  Decanted 1 hour. Second bottle of two. More vibrant ruby color than the other bottle, which translated to a bit more fruit on the nose. Currant, cherry, pepper, and mineral notes. More complex mid-palate and again, spice notes into medium tannins on the finish. A sip of this wine at the end of the night (roughly 5 hour decant) showed it was still evolving and drinking well. With good provenance, this will continue to drink well for another year or two, consider a 2-3 hour decant now. With OK to no knowledge of provenance, open now, decant, and watch it change over the course of a few hours. foodandwineblog.com (91 pts.)
• 1989 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (1/26/2008)
  Medium-ruby color, a bit dusty. Dark fruits, barnyard, eucalyptus notes on the nose. Less fruit on the palate but some currant and cherry left, good spice notes rolled into the soft tannins. Opened side by site with another 1989 which showed a bit better. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2004 Écluse Syrah Lock Vineyard – USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles (1/23/2008)
  Decanted and poured. Creamy melon nose with dried cherry and some spice…very aromatic and complex – quite nice. Lot’s of cherry and some dark fruits on the palate, medium-big tannins and a good amount of alcohol which was in harmony with good acidity. Opened up great after two hours…some of the initial oak subsided while the fruits stood out and tobacco appeared on the nose. If you like Syrah, this one is highly recommended. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• 2004 Jacob’s Creek Shiraz Reserve – Australia, South Australia (1/23/2008)
  Consistent with the last time I tasted this wine. A great value and highly recommended as a daily drinker. Better with a decant of 1 hr. (90 pts.)
• 2006 Marquis Philips Sarah’s Blend – Australia, South Eastern (1/23/2008)
  Black cherry, toffee, candied cherries, tomato and alcohol nose. On the palate it’s filled with a bunch of dark fruits, a touch of spice, mild tannins and medium acidity. The finish is medium but lacks a punch. – foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 2005 Fratelli Pighin Friuli Grave Pinot Grigio – Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Friuli Grave (1/15/2008)
  This 2005 Pinot Grigio from the Risano vineyard had a deep pale gold color. The nose was filled with peach, pinapple, jasmine, and floral notes. The wine had very good acidity from the get-go which subsided a touch through the mid-palate and kept going nicely through a crisp finish. I found some mineral/wet stone taste in the wine as well that was quite nice. Overall, it was a great wine- the acidity would be a great match for a mussels in garlic/butter sauce tossed with linguine and drizzeled with some lemon. foodandwineblog.com (88 pts.)
• 2004 Zolo Malbec – Argentina, Mendoza (1/14/2008)
  Big dark fruits, lots of tannins, big wine with little finesse. (84 pts.)
• 2006 Standing Stone Vineyards Riesling – USA, New York, Finger Lakes (1/12/2008)
  Pale yellowish color. Floral bouquet with some apple and pear. Light body with pear, apricot and mineral notes. Medium-light acidity with a crisp finish. foodandwineblog.com (86 pts.)
• 2001 Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape – France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (1/11/2008)
  Bright ruby color with a clear ring on the edge. Lots of wet forest floor, with some alcohol, plum and a raspberry on the nose, as well as some bacon. Medium tannins, lots of acidity early on that subsided a little bit over 2 hours but was still somewhat overbearing. Medium length finish with a touch of spice. May be better in another two years. foodandwineblog.com (89 pts.)
• 2005 Anton Iby Blaufränkisch Mittelburgenland DAC Reserve Chevalier – Austria, Burgenland, Mittelburgenland (1/7/2008)
  Beautiful deep purple color. Complex nose with dark and red fruits, a touch of spruce, and some spice notes. Graceful on the palate the wine opens up nicely in the first hour with each sip offering different flavors. Medium tannins that are soft and a medium finish. Good balance. foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)
• 2005 Cave Spring Gamay Niagara Peninsula VQA – Canada, Ontario, Niagara Peninsula, Niagara Peninsula VQA (1/5/2008)
  Less terroir driven but very Beaujolais in style. Very light red color,a lot of red fruits and a touch of spice, very light with a less than memorable finish. I like Cave Spring, but this one’s a pass – foodandwineblog.com (83 pts.)
• 2005 Gianni Masciarelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo – Italy, Abruzzi, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (1/3/2008)
  Funky little Montepulciano with good color. Nose of wet forest dirt with some dark fruits. Palate had a synthetic, rubbery taste which went away on Day 2. Maybe a bad bottle, maybe not, but this wine is a pass. foodandwineblog.com (82 pts.)
• 2004 Bravante Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon – USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (1/1/2008)
  Decanted 1 hour. Dark purple color. Possesses big dark berry and currant, herb, vanilla, and spice notes. The body is medium to big with integrated and refined tannins that finish with a touch of spice and chocolate. Lovely with a medium-rare ribeye – drinking very nice now. Re-corked and drank great on Day 2 as well. foodandwineblog.com (92 pts.)
• N.V. Boizel Champagne Blanc de Blancs – France, Champagne (1/1/2008)
  Popped on New Years Eve before going out to dinner. This Blanc de Blanc from one of my favorite Champagne producers was quite good. Light, pale yellow color with tons of small bubbles. Lot’s of grapefruit up front on the nose and palette with ample yeast notes as well. The wine was very refreshing and had a nice finish. Highly recommended especially for the price (was around $33). Foodandwineblog.com (90 pts.)

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