Oddly enough, at a wine dinner I attended in Monterey — hosted by the Estancia Director of Winemaking, Scott Kelly — I found their reserve chardonnay too oaky, too sweet and too, well, manipulated. But this simple little gem paired better with more food than most of the carefully chosen ... Read More »
Chill with Friends
Wines for hanging out with friends.
Wine review: Calina 2008 Chardonnay Reserva Casablanca
Did you know 95 percent of Chilean wine is exported to places like the U.S. and the U.K.? Sucks to be Chilean because this smacks of quality California chardonnay, but half the price. Smooth and juicy with creamy, buttery peaches, melon and vanilla. 4.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out
... Read More »Wine review: Talbott 2007 Logan Chardonnay Monterey
Family-owned Talbott Vineyards has been growing superior chardonnay and pinot noir grapes for 25 years.
... Read More »Wine review: Pacific Rim Dry Riesling
This is a project that Randall Grahm consults on and the quality reflects his hand. The label says “dry” but it’s not really dry. That doesn’t mean it’s not super yummy. Pineapple, red apple and a slight whiff of “petrol” or diesel. Give into your inner sweet cravings with this
... Read More »Firestone 2007 Riesling Central Coast
This winery makes so many different kinds of wines, it’s like they’re manic. But they do make a tasty riesling. Soft and elegant with ripe white peaches, pineapple, caramel, diesel fuel and a tiny bit of effervescence that makes it interesting. 3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=3 out of 10
... Read More »Achaval Ferrer 2008 Malbec Mendoza
Highly acclaimed winery. This malbec tastes so plush and fruity, you’d think you’re biting into a sweet cherry. Friendly tannins, gushing raspberry, blueberry, blackberry and a cigar box-scented finish. Generous and intense with some tart acidity but everything flows really well together. 4.5 ... Read More »
Graham Beck 2008 Gamekeeper’s Reserve Chenin Blanc
Made from 40-year-old vines planted in the warm coastal region of South Africa. It’s a mildly sweet style, heavy on peach, tangerine, and ripe pineapple. While the ripe fruit coats your tongue, it finishes dry with a lingering citrus aftertaste. Deliciously lush. 4 out of 5 stars. Sweetness=3 out ... Read More »
Petite Petit 2006 Petite Sirah Lodi
Fun label from Michael-David winery that features gigantic circus elephants. These are the same guys that delivered other whimsical wines like 7 Deadly Zins and 6th Sense Syrah. The irony of petite sirah is that it’s far from petite. This intense behemoth is blended with 15 percent petit verdot, ... Read More »
Cambria 2007 Chardonnay Katherine’s Vineyard
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Blackstone Sonoma Reserve 2005 Rubric
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Sebastiani 2006 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
Creamy and buttery but no overwhelming oak found in inexpensive chardonnays. Instead, tangerine, honeyed almonds, earthy vanilla and apricot rule the sip. Good value. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $15
... Read More »Catena 2007 Chardonnay Mendoza
Made from vineyards grown in a cooler, high altitude region to achieve lively acidity, yet also to gain ripeness crucial for breathtaking chardonnay. Soft and medium-bodied with layers of creamy vanilla, mango, butter-saut
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