Louis M. Martini Gnarly Vine Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard 2012
The Zinfandel vines grown at Monte Rosso Vineyard are a sight to behold, massive and tightly gnarled, they are still productive despite an advanced age of 125 years or more. The wine produced from these grapes is substantial without being heavy, yielding heady notes of damson plum, blackberries, clayey soil and a whiff of allspice. […]
Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Enjoyed from the topmost point of historic Monte Rosso vineyard, the 2005 Louis Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet is showing beautifully ten years on. Sumptuous notes of lavender, violets, and anise along with muscular tones of graphite, cassis, macerated blackberries, dried mushroom and forest floor. Expansive on the palate, with firm, grippy tannins that have […]
Tarlant Champagne Cuvée Louis Brut Prestige NV
Tarlant’s Cuvée Louis Brut Prestige is a blend of four vintages, 85% from 1999 and the balance from 1998-1996. From the famed chalky “Les Crayons” vineyard, it is an elegant blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. Beautifully, concentrated aromatics of brioche, dried apple, tangerine, white flowers and spice. Fantastic purity, depth and focus, […]
Lilbert-Fils Champagne Blanc de Blancs Brut Grand Cru Cramant 2004
This lovely 2004 Grand Cru Grower Champagne from Lilbert-Fils. The site is only 3.5 hectares, so, on the petite side, though that is certainly not the case in terms of what this bubbly delivers. Wonderful nose that reminds me of fresh, toasted raisin bread slathered in butter along with citrusy, minerally notes. Piercing acidity on […]
Le Petit Coquerel Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Expressive without being the least bit heavy, the 2012 Le Petit Coquerel expresses classic notes of graphite, cassis, blueberries, cedar, and even a pleasant touch of gaminess. There is fantastic balance here, with terrific purity of fruit, plus tannins and acidity in equal measure. This is one of the more poised, delicate Napa Cab’s I’ve […]
Lewelling Wight Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
The 2004 Lewelling Wight Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is big, glossy, slightly muscular number. Heady aromas of butterscotch, vanilla, maple syrup, mocha, and blackberry jam, plus a top note of alcohol rounds out the nose. The core of this wine as anticipated: sweet and silky. Layers of spice and subtle char notes add dimension, there is, […]
Soter North Valley Willamette Valley Chardonnay 2013
From sustainably farmed vineyards, the 2013 North Valley Chardonnay spends two to three months on mostly used French oak, with 77% of the blend going through malolactic fermentation. On the nose, an elegant tempo—smokiness gives way to classic notes of orchard fruit, lemon tart and marzipan. It’s nicely balanced, with crisp acidity, moderate weight and […]
Soter Mineral Springs ‘White Label’ Pinot Noir 2012
Soter’s 2012 Mineral Springs ‘White Label’ Pinot Noir has a unique story in that it is crafted from an unidentified “heirloom” clone. Who cares what the clone is, the results are spectacular. The perfect combination of concentration and finesse, the nose is a romp through a damp and earthy forest glen, fields of lavender, and […]
Soter Mineral Springs Brut Rosé 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this sparkling blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. The 2011 Mineral Springs Brut Rosé has spent three years en tirage, further it’s hand riddled and production is limited to 50 cases. Salmon-hued with a delicate mousse, it’s a lovely juxtaposition between fruit and brisk acidity. Racy tangerine and […]
Angela Estate Yamhill-Carlton Pinot Noir 2011
I’ve always been fond of Angela Pinot Noir, for those of you not in the know, this it’s made by Ken Wright, for those of you who aren’t fans of Ken’s wines, Angela possesses none of that Oregon funk his wines are famous for. What Angela does have, in abundance, is complexity. Lovely, lush layers […]