Wine of the Week
- August 2010 (4)
- July 2010 (3)
- June 2010 (3)
- May 2010 (5)
- April 2010 (4)
- March 2010 (3)
- February 2010 (4)
- January 2010 (3)
- December 2009 (1)
- November 2009 (4)
- October 2009 (4)
- September 2009 (3)
- August 2009 (3)
- July 2009 (5)
- June 2009 (2)
- May 2009 (3)
- April 2009 (4)
- March 2009 (5)
- February 2009 (4)
- January 2009 (2)
- December 2008 (3)
- November 2008 (1)
- October 2008 (3)
- September 2008 (2)
- August 2008 (4)
- July 2008 (4)
- June 2008 (3)
2008 Columbia Crest Horse Heaven Hills Merlot
This merlot drinks like a cabernet, but tastes like a merlot.
The H3 Merlot entices the nose with aromas of blueberry, cassis and hints of tobacco and spice aromas. The silky and sweet mid-palate introduces slight dusty, earthy, and rich berry notes which cumulate in the long and concentrated finish. It will run you about $15.
Adelsheim Pinot Blanc, 2009 Bryan Creek Vineyard
I took my own advice and drank locally while on my trip. This Pinot blanc features
Granny Smith apple, tangerine and meadowfoam honey aromas, accented by hints of fennel.
There’s a rich mouthfeel that is offset by the wine’s general raciness. It pairs superbly
with a wide range of foods. It runs around $20.
Chamisal 2007 Califa Pinot Noir
Even if you stick to whites only... you will have to try this Pinot Noir.
With a complex nose of sweet berries and plums and a palate layered with powerful black fruit, chocolate and subtle oak spice, this pinot showcases some of the best Chamisal has to offer. The rounded acidity and fine-grained tannins carry the seductive flavors through the lingering finish and add to the plush overall mouthfeel. Tightly focused, this is a hedonistic Pinot that wows the senses.
Bennett Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
This Napa Valley Cabernet is worth the money.
This incredible release opens with aromas of dark plum, red cherry and chocolate. The palate is composed of dense flavors of candied dark fruit and subtle hints of vanilla oak. The finish is luscious and velvety, with elegant tannins. It runs around $50.
Luke Donald Chardonnay
Summer fun, golf and a great chardonnay.
The aromas of Granny Smith apple and stone fruit are supplemented by a touch of spice and slight notes of clove and cinnamon. Much like any white Burgundy, this Chardonnay will benefit from time in the bottle to blossom fully. Mouthfeel is medium full, with a nice entrance, broad midpalate, and a creamy, long finish.
2008 Provenance Vineyards Estate Sauvignon Blanc
You will have to check out the vineyard website for this one...only 719 cases were produced...but well worth the search.
Very subtly made, this sauvignon blanc shows off layered aromas of white peach, cantaloupe, caramel, vanilla and nutmeg. Its crisp, dry flavors of tropical fruit and lemon meringue pie are richly textured from sur lie aging. This beautifully balanced wine combines creaminess with fresh acidity that adds vibrancy to the fruit-intense finish.
2009 Husch Chenin Blanc
This 2009 Chenin Blanc offers inviting aromas of honeysuckle blossoms, white stone fruit,
honeydew and lemon zest with a spicy sandalwood note. To the palate, this off-dry wine is vibrant, revealing its balanced combination of bright fruit and zesty acidity while simultaneously offering a full luscious mouth-feel. Even “non-wine drinkers” have been known to fall in love with the Husch Chenin Blanc.
Montevina Barbera
Very refreshing, down-to-earth, with rich, concentrated flavors.
This Barbera is the perfect companion wine. The brightjuicy fruit is enriched with vanilla and graham cracker toast from the oak. A nose bursting with cherries is spiced with vanilla bean and cocoa and finished withcaramel toffee creaminess. It will run you about $12-$15.
Sbragia 2008 Dry Creek Home Ranch Chardonnay
This outstanding chardonnay will make your summer.
Very aromatic with nice bright fruit. pear and lemon and a bit of minerality on the finish. It will run you about $25-$30.
Casillero del Diablo Cabernet
This is a tremendous wine with an excellent price point.
Gorgeous and lovely bright cherry, blackcurrant and dark plum with toasted oak. Medium bodied with silky tannins and long, ripe fruit and berry aftertaste, with impressive balance of fruit and polished tannins.
