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I was not expecting much from this wine, and it turned out better than I anticipated. It is from non-specified regions of California. The nose was under-developed, but plenty of fresh strawberry and cherry on the palate. The wine was only about 13 bucks at Ralphs super-market, and you'd be hard pressed to find a better Pinot Noir in the under $15 category.
3.25 stars |
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The Syrahs from Behrens and Hitchcock have been some of the more consistent California Syrahs the last several years. This wine had a lot of fruit and spice up front, and finishes strong. Plenty of life left in this one.
3.75 stars |
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The regular Napa bottling of Mondavi cab has been excellent since about 2001, after undergoing a period of mediocrity in the 90's. It can frequently be found at deep discounts.
3.75 stars |
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The cabs from Domaine La Due were excellent. Unfortunately, it seems as though the company may have gone belly-up. If you see some of their wines floating around, buy them up. Big, fruity, rich super-ripe California cab.
3.75 stars (last tasted 1/09) |
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| The 2002 Diana MAdeline wine from Culen is a blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon, 12% merlot, and 8% petit verdot. It took a while to open up but was very nice after about an hour. The wine was on the dusty, rustic side rather than an over-the-top Aussie fruit bomb. Alcohol content was a modest 13%. I score this wine 4 stars, but it will probably appeal to those who like European blends. |
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An absolutely delightful wine just hitting it's peak. In general, the wines from Domaine Henri Gouges represent good values for Burgundy, which is pricey by nature.
4 stars |
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I had no idea that anyone was trying to grow Nebiolo in Southern California. This grape that is indigineous to the Piedmont region of northern Italy has not been grown with success in any other locale that I am aware of.
This Temecula Nebiolo was entirely drinkable, but not at all representative of the Italian real thing.
2.5 stars |
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| I lost my tasting notes, but scored this wine at 3.5 stars. 48% merlot, 40% cabernet sauvignon, 9% caberenet franc, and 3% petit verdot. Can drink now or hold for the next several years. |
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Envy wines is a new winery project by famed winemaker Nils Venge, and Mark Carter who started Carter wines a few years back. The wines produced under the Carter label are uniformly outstanding, but pricey (about $100). The wines sold under the Envy brand sell for about $50 for the standard cab, and $70 for Bee Bee's Blend.
The 2005 Bee Bee's Blend is 47% cabernet sauvignon, 50% merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. The wine was not really at it's peak yet, but boasted a nice strong nose of black berry and black currant with a hint of anise and sage. The palate was that of mixed black fruit. The finish was strong and a little tannic, but should soften nicely in the next year or two.
3.75 stars. My guess is that this will be a 4 star wine within a year. |
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Condrieu is a community in the Rhone River Valley of France, and the only grape permitted to be grown there is Viognier. The Viognier wines from Condrieu are considered some of the best white wines in the world. Unfortunately, the 2004 Cote Bonnette Condrieu that I bought at Harvest Ranch Market in Encinitas for $39.99 tasted flat. It did have some of the pineapple/honeysuckly/peach and mineral flavors that characterize good Condrieu, there just wasn't enough of it. I wonder if the wine was on the shelf too long. The wines are usually drinkable very young, but can last with proper cellaring.
Barely 3 stars, and not worth the price. |
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