Terranoble 2009 Carmenere Gran Reserva
Most folks who came to my table at a recent wine tasting event hadn’t heard of Carmenere, and the majority of them opted for something more familiar. One guy, on the …
Fine Wine and Good Spirits
Gloria Ferrer 2002 Royal Cuvee
The Ferrer family is best known for their other winery, the Spanish bubbly producer Freixenet. However, this Sonoma County winery, named after the family’s matriarch, almost always exceeds the quality of …
Dry Creek Vineyards 2008 “Foggy Oaks” Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Despite packing the double-whammy of barrel fermentation AND barrel aging, this wine still retains wonderful fruit flavors, particularly fresh pineapple, and lemon curd. Flavors reminiscent of Grannie’s apple pie come into …
Chateau Pavillon Bel Air 2008 Lalande de Pomerol
As wine regions go, Lalande de Pomerol is typically a mixed bag. It’s not actually Pomerol, but one of the many satellite regions on the right bank of Bordeaux. This is …
Kawarau 2006 Pinot Noir Reserve
Sourced from one of the oldest blocks of Pinot Noir in the Central Otago region, this bottle is an excellent example of what New Zealand can do. The winemaker, Dean Shaw, …
Erasmo 2006 Viña La Reserva de Caliboro, Maule Valley, Chile
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with a bit of Merlot and Cabernet Franc for added finesse. Kirsch and pencil shavings with a touch of brine and wet earth. Wet tobacco and grass on …
Cabernet Sauvignon Smackdown
The top bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon reviewed at Epikur Magazine. From Tuscany to Bordeaux to Napa Valley and South Africa: This list includes the best of the best bottles of Cab Sauv currently available, and the ones with the best quality to price ratio.
Dead Letter Office 2008 Shiraz, South Australia
A vinous cocktail of Chambord, Creme Yvette, and Morello cherries. A viscous wine with a glass-and-teeth staining hue of carmine. Sweet cherry and mocha notes rise over the huge weight of …
Bernardus 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Griva Vineyard, Sonoma County
Classical notes of grass and green pepper on the nose, along with plenty of grapefruit. Flavors of fig and apricot are followed by lemon zest and a touch of waxiness. The wine finishes with smoke and kiwi. A gentle roundness gives this a little more sex appeal than most Sauvignon Blancs.
Montinore 2009 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley
A good example of Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, and an great value. Marzipan and Granny Smith apples are followed by vibrant lemon and mineral. Light bodied and alive with a touch of white pepper.
Bremerton 2007 Verdelho, Langhorne Creek, Australia
A winning wine from Bremerton in Langhorne Creek. A great style that is not typically seen the the states. Verdelho is best known as one of the grapes of Madeira. It is also one of Australia’s niche varietals. This bottle starts off with honey and peach, moves toward grapefruit and then veers to verbena and citrus on the finish.
Shoofly 2008 Freckle White, South Australia
A delicious white wine from Australia that manages to keep its lush weight in check. A Rhone-style blend from South Australia: Marsanne , Roussanne and a dash of Viognier. Aromas of fresh pear, ginger and almond, followed by mineral and melon on the palate. Medium bodied with a zesty acidity makes this a fun and easy bottle. It also offers enough complexity to keep any wine lover interested for a bottle or two.
Elk Cove 2009 “Five Mountain Vineyard” Pinot Noir
Here is one for the Pinot geeks of the world. Located in the Chehalem Mountains AVA, Five Mountain is one of the original Willamette Valley vineyards, dating back to 1978 and planted …
CrossBarn 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon
The “CrossBarn” is remarkably similar to the “Paul Hobbs,” but at half the price. It is lush and dense with richly soft tannins, it stains the glass with a deep crimson. Full bodied, it offers up rich flavors of blackberry and burnt oak that are deeply embedded into a savory impression of fresh bay laurel and roses.
Marques de Concha 2009 “Peumo Vineyard” Carmenere
Crimson and dense, this Carmenere is one of the best examples of the varietal on the market. It offers up plenty of oak-influenced flavors, including chocolate, coffee, and licorice. Toasted spices …
Andrew Will Winery 2007 Two Blondes Vineyard
Figs and cassis meld with coffee and campfire notes, along with a strong impression of Herbes de Provence. The midpalate brings in fresher red fruits, and serious oak-influenced flavors of chocolate and allspice. The finish rolls on and on, bringing more pleasure than anyone could expect from a glass of wine.