2004 Domaine Viticole Renouard ‘Scamandre,’ Rhone Valley, France
At least lately, I have opened far too many Rhone Valley wines, only to be a bit underwhelmed by their supposed intense / flavor-forward tendencies. Is green fruit to blame? A string of bad luck? I can’t speak for more current vintages, but… Read more
2004 Meo Camuzet, Bourgogne, Burgundy, France
Transparent light ruby color, showing some orange at the rim. Seductive aromas of sweet red cherry in the nose, with whiffs of charred oak. Lithe mouthfeel, with some grip at the end. Retail Wine Cost: $27 Wine Lines rating:… Read more
2004 Domaine Aux Moines ‘Roche Aux Moines,’ Savennieres, Loire Valley
Needs a bit of time to open, especially if well chilled, but this emerges as a superbly aged example of the Savennieres terroir, with a great deal of minerality and an almost meaty finish that complements robust dishes. Yes, you read that right –… Read more
2004 Domaine de Mountbourgeau L’Etoile Savagnin, Cotes du Jura, France
Many people, even some self-professed wine snobs, are only familiar with Vin Jaune as “that cooking wine from southeast France that is always replaced with sherry.” That’s a shame, especially with such fine bottlings as this one from Mountbourgeau,… Read more
2004 Sebastiani ‘Secolo,’ Sonoma County
Introduced in 2004 (with the 2001 vintage) to commemorate Sebastiani’s 100-year anniversary, “Secolo” is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, Merlot and Petite Sirah. Even its cooperage is a cuvee, as the wine was aged in a mix of… Read more
2004 The Terraces Petite Sirah, Napa Valley
Rich, warm aromas of dark flowers, brown sugar, black licorice and black cherry fruit. It is creamy on the palate, showing fine, rounded tannins. MSRP: $35 (January 2007) Wine Lines rating:… Read more
2004 The Edge Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa
Aromas of chocolate, spicy oak, menthol, black currant and black cherries. Fat, lush and ready to drink. MSRP: $18.99 (November 2006) Wine Lines rating: 89 Group:… Read more
2004 Opolo Zinfandel, Mountain, Paso Robles
Young and bright, with spicy blackberry and blueberry, licorice and cream. No sense of the 16.6% alcohol. A long, lingering, sweet finish. MSRP: $26.99 (November 2006) Wine Lines rating: 91 Group:… Read more
2004 Benton Lane Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley
Light nose of wild strawberry and green peppercorn, vanilla and orange rind. Sharp, drying finish. MSRP: $21.99 (November 2006) Wine Lines rating: 80 Group:… Read more
2004 Hogue Cellars Reserve Chardonnay, Columbia Valley
Layered, balanced and elegant, this wine shows tiers of clove, cinnamon, pears and cream, with an underlying note of citrus. A full-bodied wine, the finish is long and fruit-driven. MSRP: $22 (November 2006) Wine Lines rating:… Read more
