Cowhorn Applegate Oregon Syrah 42 2011
As with all of Cowhorn’s wines the 2011 Applegate Oregon Syrah 42 is a lovely thing to behold, and made lovelier still by the fact that 2011 was a difficult growing season in Oregon. What this wine conveys is terrific purity, high-toned black fruit, cinnamon bark and violets with just a touch of earthy savoriness. […]
Henri Giraud Champagne Argonne 2004
I found myself seated next to Claude Giraud on the final morning of #IPNC (the International Pinot Noir Celebration). I had interviewed him the day before about his research, which made this bottle all the more special. Precise and ebullient, the very picture of lightness and energy, with the nose and palate conjoined in exquisite harmony. […]
ColleStefano Verdicchio di Matelica 2013
This is a producer I revisit year after year, ColleStefano’s Verdicchio di Matelica is not only organically produced, but it also offers excellent value for money. The 2013 boasts compelling notes of lime zest and pine resin that gracefully play against lighter notes of orange blossom. What follows is crisp, refreshing acidity that tapirs to […]
R. López de Heredia Rioja Gran Reserva Viña Tondonia 2002
I was actually, sadly disappointed in this bottle. With muted aromas and flavors, it lacks the complexity I expect from Lopez de Heredia wines. Most likely, it’s been stored incorrectly somewhere on its journey, from the producer to my cellar. R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, S.A. Flawed
Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado 2014
Lovely, lively and oh so drinkable, Muga’s Rioja Rosado was a must-buy after tasting their budget-friendly reds. Salmon-hued with notes of watermelon and cherry blossom and interestingly—dried coconut flake and dried pineapple. The 2014 is a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Viura, and 10% Tempranillo grown in alluvial and calcareous soils. It’s medium-bodied and softly […]
Hidden Springs Dessert Style Riesling 1991
Lovingly poured by winery owner, Don Byard—I don’t think the winery exists anymore, and so drinking this was like drinking a piece of history. The fill height was low, cork crumbled, and it was amber colored in the glass. Despite oxidation, there were still redeeming qualities. An echo of fruit, pear and apple cloaked in […]
Besson Franck Beaujolais Rose Granit Méthode Traditionnelle 2011
Sourced from 100% 45-year-old Gamay Black vines grown in granitic sand, hence the name, this unique sparkling rosé walks a very fine line between funk and fruit. Ripe strawberries and plump market raspberries are unarthed, once a gets past damp spring soil, that walk through the barn in sodden boots (and yes, I had a […]
Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Poulsard Vieilles Vignes 2012
The nose of this intriguing biodynamically-farmed Jura red is slightly reminiscent of a good Cru Beaujolais, laden with aromas of decaying rose petals, Vietnamese cinnamon, stale pomander ball, and stemmy raspberries, all anchored by a touch of earthy-musky-funk. Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Poulsard Vieilles Vignes 2012 is light-to-medium bodied, slightly rustic and slightly spare, with […]
Morlet Family Vineyards Ma Douce 2010
Ma Douce is the third wine in a trio of Morlet 2010 Chardonnay’s I’ve reviewed, and like it’s siblings, it is exceptionally well-crafted. Fragrant aromas of acacia honey, bruised pear and toasted hazelnut fill the glass. Perhaps what I love most about this wine is its outstanding texture, which is elegant and slightly creamy with […]
A. et P. de Villaine Mercurey Les Montots 2011
Domaine de Villaine is owned by none other than Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of that most illustrious estate, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti. The little house Villaine is located in Bouzeron, and offers fine quality for money for those looking for a good value. The 2011 is light on fruit, a notoriously difficult vintage, but it […]