2010 Daniel Bouland Morgon “Delys” Beaujolais, France
Daniel Bouland is one of the new generation of Beaujolais producers who mean to distance themselves from the region’s marketing schemes and history of mass-produced, cheap wines. From 85-year-old vines, what you get here is a real wine with –… Read more
2009 Sebastien Riffault ‘Raudonas,’ Sancerre, Loire Valley, France
Riffault’s wines are made in the most natural of styles, without fining, chemicals or added sulfur. As a result, they’re always interesting — and even more interesting with age (one might say, an experiment). Three-four years later, this wine is… Read more
2010 Pierre Overnoy Chardonnay, Arbois, Jura, France
As posted previously, the wines of Pierre Overnoy (or I should say, Emmanuel Houillon, who now runs the estate) are something of a cult item. Of course, they are also nearly impossible to get in the U.S., unless you live in New York — and even… Read more
2011 Serragghia Fanino Catarratto e Pignatello, Pantelleria, Italy
Psst! Hipster wine geeks! Look here! Made from old vines on a virtually unknown island near Sicily? Check. Vinified in clay amphorae, the old way? Check. Entirely natural? Check. Impossibly strange? Check, double check, triple… Read more
2011 Talbott Vineyards ‘Kali Hart’ Chardonnay, Monterey
Light straw color. Initial aromas of smoke, citrus, honeydew melon, ripe apple and cream lead to honey-kissed citrus and fleshier tropical fruit flavors in the mouth. For a Chardonnay that sees relatively little French oak contact (only 15% of the… Read more
2011 Talbott Vineyards Chardonnay, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
Brilliant medium straw color. Vanilla, toasted bread and butter notes lead to a mélange of delicate fruit aromas — apple, pear and white peach — along with a whiff of citrus zest. The wine is full in the mouth, sporting a juicy acidity that… Read more
NV Blandy’s ‘Malmsey’ 10 Years Old Madeira
Deep tawny color to the rim; while not cloudy, there is a clearly deeper color here than in other bottlings reviewed (from additional suspended particulate matter). The forward nose shows lots of dried orange peel, honeyed golden raisins, dried… Read more
2008 Leeuwin Estate ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia
Pale straw in color, with glints of emerald. Lovely aromas of grilled Meyer lemon, hazelnut, vanilla, smoke and pear lead to additional fleshier fruit flavors and creaminess in the mouth. Remarkably balanced, with a finish that seems to build with… Read more
2009 Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley
Opaque purple/plum color, lightening toward the edge. Dollops of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot add complexity and balance. A mocha note frames dusty berry fruit, along with hints of dried herbs and dark flowers. Typical of the Dry… Read more
2009 Dry Creek Vineyard ‘The Mariner,’ Dry Creek Valley
Nearly opaque dark ruby/crimson color. The nose of this Bordeaux-styled red blend (43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc) is immediately engaging, with woodspice notes of cinnamon, toast, vanilla and… Read more
