2010 Sbragia Zinfandel, La Promessa Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
Translucent ruby color, turning to coral toward the rim. The sweet nose shows a note of bacon fat, followed by brown sugar, vanilla and a whiff of black pepper to go with plump red berry fruits. There is a creamy chocolate quality in the mouth. The… Read more
2010 Sbragia Merlot, Home Ranch, Dry Creek Valley
Translucent ruby-plum color. Aromatics of dill weed, menthol and char give way to bright red berry and currant fruit. This wine sweetens up in the mouth, picking up grainy dark chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla from mid-palate through to the finish…. Read more
2011 Domaine Vincent Careme Vouvray Tendre, Loire Valley, France
Faintly sweet and delicately floral, with an undercurrent of minerality and tightly wound acidity, this Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley speaks to Vouvray’s most memorable qualities. Vincent Careme has experience producing Chenin quite literally… Read more
2009 Leeuwin Estate ‘Siblings’ Shiraz, Margaret River, Australia
Translucent dusty ruby color, lightening at the edges. Polished leather, floral eucalyptus, briary dark berries, beeswax and vanilla interplay in the forward nose. The dark berry fruit follows through in the mouth, picking up earthy black olive,… Read more
2010 Maddalena Chardonnay, Monterey County
Crisp and fruity, this wine has lots of character, from citrus and apple to tropical fruit aromas and flavors. A small percentage of the juice sees oak barrels for aging — just enough to round out the sharper acid edges. Year in and year out, a… Read more
NV Dominique Leandre-Chevalier Vin de France Blanc Noir, Bordeaux, France
Let’s play a game called “Guess the Grape.” Sauvignon Blanc? Nope. Chenin? Nope. Arbois? Nope. Chardonnay? Nope. Pinot Gris? Nope. Riesling (OK, we’re really stretching it here)? Nope. Uh … Now, had you guessed Cabernet… Read more
2010 Sebastien Bobinet ‘Greta Carbo,’ Saumur-Champigny, Loire Valley, France
Bobinet’s name graces some of the most delicious, drinkable wines from the Saumur region, and so it’s no surprise that his are a staple at some of Paris’ hottest restaurants. Food friendly and yet hardly vapid or light, this Cabernet Franc from… Read more
2011 Marc Plouzeau Sauvignon Touraine, Loire Valley, France
Though not one of Plouzeau’s entirely biodynamic/natural wines, this entry-level Sauvignon is a standout for its piercing acidity and verve. Green apple, lime and flint minerality deserve in-season oysters or, in the summer, a bitter salad of… Read more
2011 Talbott Vineyards ‘Logan’ Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
Medium straw color. Whiffs of charred oak and vanilla frame ripe apple with a note of honey. A refreshing thread of acidity as the wine enters the palate plays nicely off of the buttered apple fruit. The juicy finish lingers, inviting the next sip…. Read more
NV Blandy’s ‘Malmsey’ 5 Years Old Madeira
Deep toffee color, lightening to amber at the rim. The nose is restrained, heightening the sensation of alcohol (19%). Moderate aromas of honeyed raisins, salt and roasted nuts lead to a much sweeter, fruit-laden mouth presence. There is an earthy… Read more
