Marimar Estate 2005 Dona Margarita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
2008-06-01 22:10:00 The Marimar Estate 2005 Dona Margarita Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir just got rave reviews from Wine Enthusiast, 96 point, and seeing it in my local wine store for "only" $35.99 I had to bring it with me home. Said and done, excited about this "gem" we tasted it that very evening.It has a dark, clear, intense, garnet color in the glass.On the nose it shows black cherry, dark raspberry, currant, sweet floral, and earth. It is luring with both darker and more floral/red fruit elements. Curious at this point how it will play out on the palate.In the mouth is expresses dark fruit, red cherry, wild berries, and oak. Again both red and dark fruit intermingling with oak and also earthy components. The acidity is vivid, and the tannins young and firm. Overall it is supple in nuanced fruit and has good complexity with some elegant elements reminding slightly of a Burgundy with a more silky and lean texture once you get past the young tannins.Find this wine at the winery's website for $4...
By: Tastes of Life
Waltzing Bear 2003 Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
2008-05-13 04:40:00 Waltzing Bear Winery is an artisan winery where owner and winemaker Brad Lowman focuses on producing small lots of ultra premium wines.The Waltzing Bear 2003 Rancho Ontiveros Vineyard Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir is made from the first fruit of a new block planted and grown by James Ontiveros in the southern end of Santa Maria Valley, near Bien Nacido Vineyard. Only 74 cases made.The wine has a dark garnet color in the glass.The nose showing deep cherry, earth, mushrooms, and oak. The earth/mushroom components being dominant.On the palate is earthy and rich with dark cherry, dusty raspberry, and red fruit. The wine is nuanced with good acidity, and a long, smooth, finish with soft, lean, tannins.This is definitely a slightly different, very interesting Pinot Noir. I can't quite put words to it so you just have to experience it yourself. The winery is right now selling it to a reduced price of $33.75. Give it a shot! I do not think you will be disappointed...Vote for my blog here a...
By: Tastes of Life
PINOT NOIR
2008-05-11 20:28:00 Uno de las variedades de uva más antiguas ya que su inicio está constatado en la época romana. La noble variedad es la base de los vinos de Borgoña y es imprescindible en la formula del Champagne vinificado en blanco. En su juventud posee una amplia gama de aromas frutados de la franja de las frutillas, las frambuesas y grosellas.
By: Lugar del Vino
Free redwood creek Pinot Noir poster
2008-05-08 03:09:00 http://awardwinning.redwoodcree-k.com/clients/redwoodcreek_post-ers/ -this is a new one
By: Free Stuff Times
The Bohan-Dillon 2006 Hirsch Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
2008-05-04 05:04:00 Visiting Selland's Market earlier this week, to bring home some of their fabulous carnitas for dinner, I could not resist taking a look at their wines and of course "accidentally" one of them ended up coming home with me...Tonight it was time to try the "errant bottle", a Bohan-Dillon 2006 Hirsch Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Made by Hirsch Vineyards from 97% estate fruit for the cost of $29.99 (at Selland's), compared to the Hirsch Vineyards 2006 Sonoma Coast for $55 (made from the same fruit), I hoped for it to be a high quality wine for a bargain price.It has a clear ruby red color in the glass.The nose displays cherry, raspberry, red currant, tobacco leaves, tea, and vanilla notes.The palate showcasing light plum, cherry, sweet tobacco, and heat from the alcohol (14.6%), backed up by good acidity and sturdy tannins. The heat being a little unflattering, but as you sip the wine and get to know it, it becomes less noticeable.Overall I definitely enjoyed this wine. As I said...
By: Tastes of Life
Foxen 2003 Bien Nacido Vineyard - Block Eight Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
2008-04-25 19:39:00 Foxen makes some of our favorite Central Coast Pinot Noirs. We opened a bottle of their 2003 Bien Nacido Vineyard - Block Eight Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir a few night ago, and got to enjoy it close to, or at, its peak.The grapes are 100% destemmed prior to enjoying five days of cold soak. They then go through whole berry fermentation before being aged in 65% new French oak for 16 months. Finally it is bottled unfined and unfiltered.The result is a Pinot with a clear, dark, ruby red/purple color in the glass.On the nose; dark raspberry, cherry, vanilla, and earthy components.On the plate the wine shows of raspberry, cherry, and plum with a hint of spice and vanilla. It is a harmonic, balanced, and concentrated, medium to full bodied Pinot, that receives a lift from the fresh acidity and slight edge to the tannins. Drinks beautifully right now. Unfortunately this was the last bottle I pulled out of our stash...Looks like it is still available at Vinfolio.com for $42. Check it out i...
By: Tastes of Life
Bonaccorsi 2003 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
2008-04-24 04:31:00 Not the first time I have had and reviewed a Bonaccorsi Pinot Noir, and although I always think they are stellar, for some reason I am particularly enjoying the 2003 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir tonight. I decided to try all new recipes for dinner and served it with BBQ red wine flank steak, bulgur/roasted beet/mushroom/red onion pilaf, and a red wine vinegar braised carrot and leek dish. It turned out awesome! (both the food and the pairing)The 2003 Santa Maria Valley has a dark, dense, slightly cloudy, garnet color in the glass. To me indicating big, lush, savage, fruit. But I should have known better. Bonaccorsi usually leans toward the more elegant side, although the dark fruit is there. It stays true in this case as well.The nose, sure enough, displays black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, vanilla cola, and notes of dried grass. All powerful but with the recognizable finesse.On the palate dark raspberry, black cherry, a touch of blackberry and subtle spice. The berries are accom...
By: Tastes of Life
Gala Rouge 2006 Pinot Noir France
2008-04-21 23:31:00 It?s biggest failing is, except for the tannins and acidity, a certain lack of intensity for this wine. Good for dinner, but probably not really for sipping. Better choices might be the 2006 Pizza Vino, the 2005 Lorval, the 2005 Tortoise Creek and the 2006 Arrow Creek. One from Calinfornia, the rest from France. read more
Paul Hobbs 2002 Hyde Vineyard Carneros Napa Valley Pinot Noir
2008-04-17 17:35:00 Paul Hobbs 2002 Hyde Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir has a dark dense garnet color in the glass.The nose shows vibrant dark raspberry, cherry, and vanilla.The first thing that hits you on the palate is ripe, deep, blackberry, supported by cherry, spice, and a nice vanilla/oak component. The acidity is still going strong and the tannins are smooth and well integrated. The balanced medium to long finish has beautiful, elegant, dark fruit and berries, with a trace of pencil lead at the very end.I bought this wine in a local wine store, Capitol Cellars, about 3 years ago for $60. After some research at the Internet I come to the conclusion that this wine is hard to get a hold of. I could not find a single store/website that carries it.It really drinks beautifully at this point and if you can get your hands on a bottle do not hesitate to get it.Vote for my blog here and help me reach top 10 on The Blog Top!
By: Tastes of Life
Petit Bistro 2005 Pinot Noir France
2008-04-11 21:48:00 As ten dollar wines go, this one isn?t bad. It?s a bit short to nonexistent on the aroma department but pretty dependable otherwise. A wine that?s OK for sipping and maybe a light dinner too. read more
Redwood Creek 2006 Pinot Noir France
2008-04-10 23:23:00 Redwood Creek? France? You know, I?m seeing more and more of this. French wines with American names. Shouldn?t Napa Valley protest to the International Trade Commission over this? We can?t call our sparkling wines Champagne. Why should they get to use American names for their wines? And it?s a somewhat pedestrian wine that is best suited for dinner than for sipping. read more
Stone Corral Vineyard 2005 Edna Valley Pinot Noir by Talley Vineyards
2008-04-10 00:43:00 Strolling through Winecask Wine Store in Santa Barbara we saw a bottle of the Stone Corral Vineyard 2005 Edna Valley Pinot Noir produced by Talley Vineyards. We have enjoyed several vintages of their Rincon Vineyard and Rosemary Vineyard Pinot Noir, and having heard about the newer Stone Corral Vineyard, but never tasted it, we just had to give it a try. At $55 a bottle we saved it for enjoyment with a Saturday night dinner.This wine has a clear, dark garnet color in the glass.The nose shows floral notes, raspberry, and subtle round oak.The palate displaying raspberry, restrained cherry, spice and notes of green tea. The fruit persistant and showing throughout the whole palate. Relatively high acidity and tight tannins with a ?green? finish.We really liked this complex, still refined pinot with plentiful fruit that made a statement without being to large or lush. Although very enjoyable right now I would definitely put this away for a year or two as for the tannins to loose the gree...
By: Tastes of Life
Pizza Vino 2005 Pinot Noir California
2008-04-08 20:47:00 It?s a good thing they named it ?Pizza Vino?. It?s a wine that definitely good with pizza, or spaghetti, lasagna, .etc. Even better, it?s good enough to not even bother with the pizza. read more
Nagy2 2005 Garey Ranch Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
2008-04-07 04:02:00 I picked up a bottle of Nagy2 2005 Garey Ranch Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir at El Rancho Market in Solvang when I was in Santa Ynez Valley a couple of weeks ago. I was on the hunt for something new to try and this bottle came highly recommended by the ?wine guy? that helped me in the store. El Rancho has as lot of wine from local wineries that can be hard to find in other grocery stores/wine shops. This bottle was no exception. The only other place I could find it online was at WanderingDogWinebar.com, located in Solvang, for $32.The color in the glass; a dark, dense garnet color.On the nose smoky oak, dark raspberry, blackberry and vanilla.The palate showing dark cherry, dark raspberry, blackberry and a hint of pencil lead at the very finish.This is initially a very mouth full and fruit forward wine on the palate that unfortunately goes a little thin on the mid palate and finish. Moderate acidity and young light tannins. Thin finish or not, we still enjoyed this wine and think it ...
By: Tastes of Life
Arrow Creek 2006 Pinot Noir France
2008-03-21 23:15:00 As Pinot?s go, not a bad one. Higher grades might have been garnered if there was a more intense aroma. Otherwise, drink it up! read more
Walter Hansel 2005 South Slope Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
2008-03-21 17:30:00 Last night we opened and old favorite of a new vintage, the Walter Hansel 2005 South Slope Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. The apperance in the glass; a light, clear, garnet red color.The nose showing raspberry, red cherry, slight hint of strawberry, herbal tea, and touch of basil at the end.The palate tasting of fresh raspberry, cherry, earth, and pencil shavings at the very finish. This pinot has great acidity and young but relatively soft tannins.A beautiful elegant style Pinot Noir with bright red fruit and good structure. We really enjoyed it , as we have earlier vintages of this wine, and at $ 33.99 I dare to say that it is good value for the buck at this level of quality.Find it at Wine-Searcher.com from $33.99.Vote for my blog here and help me reach top 10 on The Blog Top!
By: Tastes of Life
Weekend Wine Word - Pinot Noir
2008-03-14 13:19:00 Pinot noir – pronounced ‘pi-no-nwar’ is a red wine grape variety. Also refering to wines produced predominantly from pinot noir grapes. The leaves of Pinot noir are usually smaller than those of Cabernet Sauvignon, although larger than those of Syrah. The name is derived from the French words for "pine" and "black" alluding to the varietals’ tightly clustered dark purple pine cone shaped bunches of fruit. Pinot noir tends to produce narrow trunks and branches. In the vineyard it is sensitive to light exposure, soil types, pruning techniques and yield levels. Its thin skin makes it highly vulnerable to bunch rot and other diseases. The vines themselves are prone to downy mildew, leaf roll, and fanleaf. These complications have given the grape the reputation of being difficult to grow. In the winery it is sensitive to fermentation methods and yeast strains. "minx of a vine" - Jancis Robinson "God made cabernet sauvignon whereas the...
By: Creovino!
Talus 2005 Pinot Noir California
2008-03-13 01:48:00 The wine has some positive points, but it?s tannins at the end give this wine a lesser grade. I guess for $7 you really can?t expect too much. Some better wine choices, if more expensive, are Dynamite 2004, Cline 2005, Zinfatuation 2005 (only available at World Market.) read more
Melville 2006 Estate Verna's Vineyard Pinot Noir
2008-03-05 04:24:00 Melville 2006 Estate Verna's Vineyard Pinot Noir is made from 100% Melville fruit from their Los Alamos Estate. Aged in 20% new French oak.The wine has a ruby red color in the glass with slight cloudiness.The nose shows ripe lush raspberry, strawberry, sweet red cherry, sweet floral, and a hint of baked rhubarb.The palate displays raspberry, cherry, and red fruit with spice. Soft and round on the palate with young tannins matching the fruit, good acidity and a long savory finish.The wine is medium bodied, fruity, and was really nice with salmon, or great just to sip on it's own.Find this wine at Wine-Searcher.com from $19.99, a great price for this very enjoyable wine.Vote for my blog here and help me reach top 10 on The Blog Top!
By: Tastes of Life
Lorca 2001 Gary's Vineyard Monterey County Pinot Noir
2008-03-04 04:55:00 Lorca Wines is located in Rutherford, Napa Valley, and produces Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc with grapes from Monterey County, Pinot Noir form French-clone vines of Gary Pisoni and Gary Francione of Santa Lucia Highlands, and an old vine Petite Syrah from Napa Valley.The Lorca 2001 Gary's Vineyard Monterey County Pinot Noir has a dark ruby red color in the glass with a hint of purple. The nose is pretty intense and complex with dark cherry, raspberry, dried herbs, earth with a hint of smoke, vanilla, and a trace of liquorice.The palate is less intense with more dusty earth accenting the black cherry and dark raspberry, all with a touch of spice. The tannins are somewhat smooth but still has a "wood" quality to them. We are not talking splinters in the mouth but still a notable amount. Moderate acidity.I found this wine at my local Total Wine & More for $23.99 and it is sold for a surprisingly higher price online. They best deal I could find was at WineZap.com from $45.99.This was...
By: Tastes of Life
2006 3 TREES PINOT NOIR
2008-02-23 20:44:00 I must admit that I was a little suspicious of today's reviewed wine. The 2006, 3 Trees Pinot Noir, from Australia, was on sale for $11.99. In the past I've been mostly unimpressed with Pinot's at this price point. Well, I'm still unimpressed. This wine had very little flavor that I could pick up and seemed somewhat uninspired. Not much to note on the nose and when I took the first sip Pinot Noir was the last thing that came to mind. After it warmed a little I was able to pick up a little blackberry and spice but nothing that overwhelmed me. Kind of a blah finish as well. I gave this one 2 Corkscrews because it was drinkable, barely, and I didn't pour it down the sink. Avoid this one if you can. Sit Long, Talk Much, Laugh Often, Drink Wine (Something Else for sure)!
By: 365Corks
Devil's Gotcha
2008-02-19 13:30:00 The wine for the evening was a 2006 Devil's Corner Pinot Noir which I served in our schmancy new Reidel stemless glasses. The wine hails from Tasmania, clocks in at 14.5% alcohol by volume, screw-cap closure and cost me $16.99 minus a 10% case discount at The Winery in Old Town Alexandria. I've never had a wine from Tasmania before!On the nose the wine was spicy and herbal, with leather, pepper, oak must, and perhaps a tiny bit of cherry, but that was barely there. In the mouth I found tart cherry, raspberry, leather, and earth. The wine was tannic, so perhaps it needs a little more time to mellow out.Overall, a decent Pinot Noir for the money.
By: Wannabe Wino
Lorval 2005 Pinot Noir France
2008-02-11 23:18:00 This was the first of two bottles we had that night, and at least one turns your tongue completely black. If this isn't the wine that did it, then for $5 per bottle you've got a great table wine to serve to the children, or lesser guests, while you open up something a bit better for yourself. I'm not going to buy it again, but, if it's on a happy hour menu, it's a safe choice. read more
Seagrass Restaurant, Santa Barbara
2008-02-05 06:45:00 Saturday night me and my cousin went to dinner at Seagrass Restaurant, a newly opened restaurant located in the old spot for Sage and Onion (that I miss so much!). Seagrass' chef and owner team is the same as that of Bouchon, a highly regarded restaurant in Santa Barbara. As the name suggest this newest venture has extensive seafood options on the menu, but also beef, chicken, etc.A small remodeling has been done to the space, with new colors, wall coverings, light fixtures and removal of the bar. It certianly got a face lift even if I did not quite agree with everything in the decor.We had reservations and were promptly seated upon arrival. Fresh warm bread was served shortly after menus were presented, as I decided on a bottle of Roar 2005 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir with dinner. I have had this pinot before and is was as lush in red fruit and berries with, raspberry, cherry, and earthy notes, as I remembered it to be. Great supporting acidity and tannins, and developed a gr...
By: Tastes of Life
Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards wine tasting
2008-02-02 22:36:00 Spending the weekend in Santa Barbara I decided to go to the Alma Rosa wine tasting at East Beach Wine Company last night. Stepping into the shop the place was packed and it took a minute before we reached the counter and could pay for two tastings and get our glasses. To our delight the owners, Thekla and Richard Sanford was there themselves, with their daughter Blakeney, to pour and talk to the customers. Nothing beats the opportunity to talk to either the owners or wine maker as you taste a winery's wine. Both Thekla and Richard where very nice and pleasant, and spent quite a bit of time with us. It was a true pleasure to talk to them, and you could tell how passionate and excited they are about their wines.A short bio: Richard Sanford was the first to plant Pinot Noir in Santa Rita Hills in 1970. 1981 him and Thekla started Sanford Winery, and after parting with it in 2005, they founded Alma Rosa Winery and Vineyards at the location of their old winery. All grapes are grown org...
By: Tastes of Life
Pessagno 2005 Lucia Highlands Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
2008-01-31 01:54:00 We went to check out the newly opened Total Wine and More (an all beverage super maket) in Roseville last Sunday, and after spending more than 40 minutes walking through the seemingly endless ailes of wine and other alcoholic beverages, we left with three bottles of wine.We opened the first one, the Pessagno 2005 Lucia Highlands Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Pinot Noir, a couple of nights ago for a glass of wine before dinner. It showed a dark garnet color in the glass. The nose had red ripe berries and fruit with massive cherry, red currant, light strawberry, and dried herbs/grass. On the palate the cherry dominated, with blueberry and ripe currant backing it up with some smokey and grassy notes. This wine has a round mouthfeel with a spicy, hot quality to the finish. Good acidity and slightly edgy tannins.At the amazing value of $11.99 at Total Wine and More I can't deem this anything but a good-great value. Normally retails for around $ 26-32 according to winery and other web...
By: Tastes of Life
Epiphany Restaurant and Bar in Santa Barbara
2008-01-19 21:55:00 My brother is visiting from Sweden and last night we had reservations for dinner at Epiphany Restaurant and Bar while in Santa Barbara over the weekend. We have been there a couple of times in the past for a drink in the bar, but never for dinner. The restaurant is located at 21 W. Victoria St, and the building in which the restaurant is located, was built in the 1800's. The decor is warm and modern with rustic architectural feature like the brick archways in between the small intimate dining rooms.After arriving, being seated, and presented the menu, we were served an Amuse Bouche, White Asparagus Salad with Truffle Vinaigrette on Endive. Very light with subtle flavors. The salad also contained Granny Smith apples which added a juicy, sweet/tart crunch to the dish. Warm, rosemary foccacia was placed at the table with olive oil and balsamic vinegar prior to our starters arriving.For starter I had the California Halibut Ceviche ($12) which was served in butter lettuce cup. The halib...
By: Tastes of Life
Taz 2005 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
2008-01-17 19:53:00 Today I am starting of with a fun little trivia: The name of the winery, Taz, is short for Tasmanian devil, which is winegrower Robert "Taz" Steinhaur's nickname.The grapes for the Taz 2005 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir comes from Northern Canyon Vineyard in Santa Maria Valley, and Fiddlestix Vineyard in Santa Rita Hills. 1/4 of the wine was aged in new oak and the rest in neutral barrels.This wine shows a clear, bright, ruby red color in the glass.On the nose red berries, red currant, a hint of blueberries, vanilla and some floral notes come through.When tasting the wine darker berries emerges with dark cherry, ripe raspberry and spice. The acidity is good and tannins, although slightly light and tart, are also there in sufficient amount.This wine is relatively light and lacking a little in complexity, but despite that I really enjoyed it. Bright, fruity and with the slight spice it is a great wine considering I only payed $14.99 at Costco. Normally price at $25 at the winery, t...
By: Tastes of Life
Fiddlehead Cellars 2003 Lollapalooza Santa Rita Hills Fiddlestix Pinot Noir
2008-01-14 01:00:00 Only 312 cases was made of the Fiddlehead Cellars 2003 Lollapalooza Santa Rita Hills Fiddlestix Pinot Noir.Lollapalooza is an old English word for "the best of its kind".A clear, dark, ruby color, with a touch of purple, meets you in the glass.The nose shows dark cherry, raspberry, spice, and from 15 months in French oak, vanilla and oak.The palate has similar character with dark cherry, ripe red currant, raspberry, nice, light spice, and brandied cherries at the very finish. Great acidity and well integrated, silky tannins, with a firm touch at the finish makes this wine a winner.We had this wine about a year ago in a restaurant and picked up a bottle to enjoy it again at home at a later time. It is as good as I remembered it to be and wish I had picked up some more... Great balance between the fruit, acidity and tannins. The fruit is supple, beautiful, and not overwhelming. This is a great wine to enjoy with a meal, or by its own as we did.Hard to find online but available through...
By: Tastes of Life
Turning Leaf 2005 Pinot Noir California
2008-01-10 18:02:00 If your nymph is lacking in refinement, then this is the wine for you. It's cheap, goes down easy and just a little accompaniment will mask its flaws. Good for all nighters as well. read more
Marshall Family Wines 2006 Barry's Blend California Pinot Noir
2008-01-08 16:50:00 The Marshall Family Wines 2006 Barry's Blend California Pinot Noir is made from grapes from Russian River Valley and Mendocino, and was aged in French oak prior to bottling.The color in the glass is dark ruby red and slightly cloudy. The nose shows dusty berries of cherry and raspberry, earth, and floral notes. On the palate medium to full bodied, with a meaty quality, cherry, dark raspberry, earthiness, and spice. Good acidity and young, green tannins on the relatively long finish. This Pinot Noir can be found at Wine-Searcher.com from $19.95 or at the winery's website for $25. This pinot has a slightly different style than I prefer. The more fruit forward tend to be my favorites but this was certainly not a bad bottle at all. For $20 I would say it's a good value, although I would most likely pick another bottle for that price range.Vote for my blog here and help me reach top 10 on The Blog Top!
By: Tastes of Life
Pisoni Vineyards and Winery 2004 Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
2008-01-06 00:17:00 Last night we opened a bottle with dinner that I had very high expectations of. I have had several vintages of the Pisoni Vineyards and Winery Estate Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir before, and they have always been great. I assumed and hoped that the 2004 wouldn't let me down either.The color in the glass is a vivid deep garnet. The nose exudes black cherry, dark raspberry, notes of blackberry, sweet violet, and a touch of tobacco (?).On the palate big, broad fruit and berries with ripe cherry, dark raspberry, vanilla, an earthy touch, and slight tart fruit at the finish. The acidity is plentiful and the tannins integrated with a young edge to them. This wine has a great backbone and complexity, and I wish I had another bottle to open up in a year or two to see how it develops.As you understand this wine did not disappoint me what so ever and I would say that this is one of the more complex vintages of this wine. The earlier ones that I have had have been even more ripe, lush and...
By: Tastes of Life
August West 2005 Rosella's Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
2007-12-24 02:00:00 We ordered half a case of the August West 2005 Rosella's Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir after a restaurant visit this summer and having a bottle with dinner. We are now down to our last bottle and I thought I better review it before it is all gone!It has a beautiful dark, clear, ruby red color in the glass. The lush nose reveals raspberry, ripe cherry, sweet vanilla, and notes of herbs. The palate follows with black raspberry, cherry and spice. The fruit carries nicely all the way through the long finish, with a hint of red liquorice at the very end. The acidity is sufficient, and the tannins are well integrated and matches the ripe fruit nicely. Medium to full bodied, this wine is sure to not disappoint. We have not been as you can see, with only one out of six bottles remaining, although I planned to cellar a few... Oh well, very enjoyable right now.Find it at WineZap.com from $45.Vote for my blog here and help me reach top 10 on The Blog Top!
By: Tastes of Life
Pinot Noir Grape Sequenced
2007-12-19 16:09:00 From ScienceDaily: Latest Science News: Viticulture, the growing of grapes (Vitis vinifera) chiefly to make wine, is an ancient form of agriculture, evidence of which has been found from the Neolithic and Early Bronze Ages. We have a detailed understanding of how nurture affect
Barham Mendelsohn 2003 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
2007-12-17 02:26:00 This wine is made by winemaker Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat. His only bottling from Russian River Valley. 800 cases produced.It shows a medium dark ruby color in the glass with medium dark berries, floral perfume, tea notes, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla oak on the nose. The palate shows young red fruit/berries, tart red currant, earthy spice, and a hint of black liquorice (?) and minerals at the very finish.This medium bodied wine has good acidity but slightly harsh, still green tannins that shows on the the full length of the palate. The nose unfortunately promises more fruit than the palate carries.Nice effort but, to me, not worth the $35 I paid for it. At $20 I could have seen it as a good value. The tannins and the tartness of the fruit did not quite fit my palate. It might however be the perfect match for someone else... I would love to hear your opinion if you have had it, and agree or disagree.If you are interested in giving it a try it can be found at Winerz.com for $28.8...
By: Tastes of Life
Drinking Some Pinot Noir
2007-12-11 12:57:00 Now, Pinot Noir is not a varietal you see a lot of over here at Wannabe Wino. It's not that I don't like it, it's just that it normally falls way outside the price range I like to spend on a bottle of wine. However, our club membership to Michel Schlumberger sends us two bottle of wine every other month for a fixed cost, no matter what's in the box. One month we got a bottle that retails for around $100! So with that in mind, club shipments are about the only way Pinot Noir lands on my doorstep.The bottle was a 2005 Michel Schlumberger Dry Creek Valley Pinot Noir. It clocked in at 14.3% alcohol by volume, had a real cork closure, and can be purchased from the winery for $32. My first bit of advice is to let this one breathe, it had a lot of alcohol on the nose and needed to air out. It took until after dinner for the wine to be ready to drink.On the nose I found cedar, raspberry, roses, and cherry. After the alcohol dissipated, it was a very pretty nose. In the mouth I g...
By: Wannabe Wino
Drinking Some Pinot Noir
2007-12-11 12:57:00 Now, Pinot Noir is not a varietal you see a lot of over here at Wannabe Wino. It's not that I don't like it, it's just that it normally falls way outside the price range I like to spend on a bottle of wine. However, our club membership to Michel Schlumberger sends us two bottle of wine every other month for a fixed cost, no matter what's in the box. One month we got a bottle that retails for around $100! So with that in mind, club shipments are about the only way Pinot Noir lands on my doorstep.The bottle was a 2005 Michel Schlumberger Dry Creek Valley Pinot Noir. It clocked in at 14.3% alcohol by volume, had a real cork closure, and can be purchased from the winery for $32. My first bit of advice is to let this one breathe, it had a lot of alcohol on the nose and needed to air out. It took until after dinner for the wine to be ready to drink.On the nose I found cedar, raspberry, roses, and cherry. After the alcohol dissipated, it was a very pretty nose. In the mouth I g...
By: Wannabe Wino
El Pinot Noir de Can Bonastre premio a la mejor botella y etiqueta.
2007-12-09 22:15:00 El vino Pinot Noir de Can Bonastre (D.O. Penedés) fue elegido entre más de 500 botellas por su espectacular diseño, elegancia y presentación. Además de este premio Pinot Noir recibió también la medalla de bronce dentro de la cata-concurso a los mejores vinos. El jueves 21 de Noviembre, el diseñador Elio Berhanyer otorgaba por primera vez ...
Vino Volo and Caymus Vineyards 2005 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
2007-12-06 02:39:00 Going to Las Vegas last weekend our flight out of Sacramento was delayed for 4 hours, which gave us plenty of time to kill in the airport's wine bar, Vino Volo. Vino Volo is a chain of airport wine bars with five current locations; Seattle, Sacramento, Washington DC, Baltimore and New York, and with plans to expand and open many more locations in the upcoming year.Having the option to visit Vino Volo made me very excited as airport food and drinks, in general, gives me the shivers... Vino Volo adds a touch of sophistication with good quality wine by flight, glass or bottle. Small plates are also served. We tried the cheese plate, chicken panini and the New York skewers with mashed potatoes and peas. All a step above all other airport food I have ever had. I started of with the Pinot Noir wine flight featuring a California pinot from the Molnar Family 2005 Poseidon's Vineyard, from France the Louis Latour 2002 VOLNAY, and from New Zealand the Nevis Bluff 2003 Pinot Noir. A nice fli...
By: Tastes of Life
Mirassou 2006 Pinot Noir California
2007-11-16 16:18:00 It?s another clandestine review at a local eatery. (Johnny Carrino?s) Drinkable, but frankly you might do better with their house wines than this one. Although if you are looking for a floor show, the waiter removing the cork (which appeared to be a reconstituted variety) made for some entertainment as it broke in the bottle while he was removing it. Sadly, that was the highlight for this wine. read more
Saffron Sauce and Pinot Noir, anyone?
2007-11-02 02:01:00 The movie No Reservations made my taste buds sweat. Starring sultry actress, Catherine-Zeta Jones, her character makes gourmet food more enticing. I can't help but compare the movie to Ratatouille where the plot also revolved around the kitchen, secret recipes, and magical ingredients. In No Reservations, Saffron Sauce was a star and the Pinot Noir from Adelaide, Australia was also mentioned. Saffron Sauce reminds me of the saffron here in the Philippines which is rather cheap and easy to find. It can be easily bought in markets and is known locally as "Kasubha". Buy lugaw or rice porridge in Manila and the vendors will generously sprinkle saffron on your dish.Aaron Eckhart, who was excessively charming in the movie with his immaculately white apron, made me wish I had my own sous chef. Story wise, it's simple and realistic except for the shrink part. I suggest watching it with someone who has the gusto for fine dining and creativity in the kitchen. Passionate people will easily r...
By: Suzaku Lace
Bargetto 2005 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
2007-10-19 04:14:00 In 1918 immigrant brother, Phillip and John Bargetto, from Castelnouvo Don Bosco in Piedmont, Italy, purchased the land in the Santa Cruz Mountains where Bargotto Winery was founded. During the prohibition (1919-1933) they made wine for family and friends, and in 1933 they started to sell it to the public. Two generations later the winery is still in the family...The Bargetto 2005 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir has a clear, ruby red color in the glass. The nose is dominated by cherry, dark raspberry and perfume aromas. It is vivid, but with a light touch to it, on the palate with bing cherry, plum, raspberry and a fruity finish with pencil lead at the very end. The oak is present but far from overwhelming, the acidity is plentiful and the tannins are slightly "tart" but still silky.I found this wine at BevMo on sale for $19.99 (regular price $25.99). If you can't find it there check out MissionLiqour.com wher you can find it from $19.98.Vote for my blog here and help me reach top ...
By: Tastes of Life
A Quest for Good Cheap Pinot Noir - The Summary
2007-10-19 00:00:00 I was almost ready to write up this summary on my Quest for a Good, Cheap Pinot Noir when I noticed that more recent vintages of my top two picks were on the shelves. To be relevant to those shopping now, I had to pick them up to ensure they ...
Pnoir 2005 Pinot Noir France
2007-10-18 21:41:00 It?s a moderating pleasing wine for about $10. Not bad, but for the money, you can probably find better. read more
ZD 2005 Carneros Pinot Noir
2007-10-15 03:59:00 I am finally back after having had family in town for the two last weeks with a lot of traveling (and no blogging). Thank you for being patient...Tonight we opened the ZD 2005 Carneros Pinot Noir with dinner. It is made from fruit sourced from two vineyards in Carneros. After crush it was fermented in small open top fermenters with hand punchdowns every six hours, then aged for 10 months in French Oak barrels.This wine shows a dark ruby red, clear color in the glass. The nose is lush but still elegant with ripe red cherry, rose, vanilla and a slight hint of thyme. In the mouth it expresses red cherry, dark raspberry, dust and smokey oak. The tannins are soft in this medium bodied wine with a moderate finish, that could use a little bit more punch.At first I was slightly disappointed at the very restrained fruit but as I let it open up about 30 min the more lush, ripe berries emerged and made this elegant wine quite enjoyable. After an additional 30 min it was even more fruit forward...
By: Tastes of Life
Castle Rock Sonoma County Pinot Noir
2007-10-07 00:00:00 In a recent issue of Wine Spectatorthey were reviewing Californian pinot noir and listed Castle Rock Sonoma County 2006 as one of their best values. Given that it is only $15, I thought I would be remiss if I didn't try it as a part of my quest for good, cheap pinot ...
Mezzacorona Pinot Noir
2007-10-07 00:00:00 Continuing my quest for a good, cheap Pinot Noir I picked up a bottle of Italian pinot. Mezzacorona Pinot Noir comes from the Tretino region of Italy. It's a simple Pinot Noir that I found rather boring. There is nothing bad about this wine other than a lack of complexity and ...
Three Thieves Pinot Noir: Cute Jug? That?s About It
2007-10-01 00:00:00 I would like to tell you that my quest for a good, cheap pinot noir is going great. I'd like to tell you that I've found so many tasty yet inexpensive pinots that you have the world to choose from. But if I told you these things, I'd be a ...
Bonaccorsi 2003 Fiddlestix Vineyard Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir
2007-09-30 04:47:00 Saturday night and we are revisiting an old friend of ours, the Bonaccorsi 2003 Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills. I had this bottle for the first time in Dec-06 in Las Vegas (after which I had to get some for home), could not wait and opened one in January this year. Time for a new taste tonight, and then there is only one bottle left in my stack for future enjoyment.The color in the glass is a dark ruby red with a slight purple shade. The nose is still bursting of bright fruit and berries, with dark cherries, dark raspberry, plum and for the first time I am noticing an herbaceous note. On the palate the dark cherry rules again with dark raspberry, and oak notes. The acidity is mouth watering and the tannins are well integrated and have mellowed down a bit from last time I had this wine, at that point I remember them being firm with an edge. The edge is gone...Hard to get a hold of I found just a fews site online where you can order it, Wine-Searcher.com for $54....
By: Tastes of Life
Woodbridge Pinot Noir: Mediocrity Exemplified
2007-09-28 00:00:00 A constant internal debate I have with wine choices on this site is whether to pick wines that are distributed widely enough that just about any reader can find them or just focus on those hidden gems that you should scoop up if you're lucky enough to come across them. ... |
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