May 2006

Chenin Blanc

The other ‘c’ word: chenin blanc from California
Wine columnist Edward Deitch reviews Pine Ridge’s ’04 Chenin Blanc-Viognier. And yet chenin blanc just doesn’t get the respect it deserves, except by those in the know.

Barbecue and wine – a cool combination
I just love the creativity of this winemaker, bringing together rich, tropical and unoaked chardonnay, Muscat and chenin blanc grapes for one delicious experience.

Wine Pairings
If you're looking to avoid sauvignon blancs altogether, steer toward a Vouvray (based on the chenin blanc grape) such as the Remy Pannier 2004 ($13) from the Loire Valley with its light, fresh fruit and peach flavor.

Wine and Spirits / The Judean Hills are alive
Efrat, Chenin Blanc, Teperberg Reserve, 2004: Golden straw in color, medium-bodied, reflecting light oak treatment in French and American oak barriques with a light creamy overlay on generous peaches, pears, melons and spring flowers, complemented by a hint of citrus peel on the finish.

Vancouver Courier
On the other end of the price scale and from another side of the world comes another worthy white-the 2005 Flagstone Noon Gun, a true Cape "cocktail" of Weisser Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Semillon, Morio Muscat. One more good screwtop from the Cape: Fairview Goats do Roam White 2005-another one of those "cocktails"-comes together with Chenin Blanc, Clairette, Riesling, Viognier and Grenache Blanc.

Colin Bower tastes the latest Indaba blends
There are six varietals in the Indaba range: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Merlot and Shiraz. Also recommended is the 2005 Chenin Blanc, also to come on to the market in the next few weeks.

Wine Lovers Page
By its nature, this intense, mineral-laden Chenin Blanc is a rare thing for a white: a wine so one-dimensional and frighteningly acidic in its youth that it needs as long as a decade in the bottle before maturity brings it around to a rich, imposing complexity that ranks it among the great ones. I took the risk and was duly rewarded with a rich, complex Chenin Blanc that's still very much alive.

New tastes of South Africa on the way
South Africans might prefer to think of their wine industry as a relative newcomer to the global stage but it is actually 347 years old and saddled with a history of cheap chenin blanc and patchy pinotage.

Gold and silver in Lisbon
Goudini Pinotage 2005; Guardian Peak Merlot 2004; Kaapzicht Steytler Pinotage 2003; La Motte Pierneef Sauvignon Blanc 2005; Rijckbosch Chenin Blanc 2005; Spice ...

96 Winery Road: Still going strong
Forrester’s current high profile offering is his chenin blanc, getting plenty of attention as one of the best offerings amongst a resurgent varietal. The days of chenin blanc as little more than house plonk are fading, and not before time.

Celebrate unusual varieties
Pull the cork on a bottle of Evolution, or unscrew the cap on the 2004 Vinum Cellars White Elephant California White Table Wine ($14), a Chenin Blanc-Roussanne-Viognier blend made by Napa Valley winemakers Richard Bruno and Chris Condos. Try Pine Ridge Winery's 2004 Clarksburg Chenin Blanc-Viognier ($14) for its pretty honeysuckle aroma and a rush of fresh peach, pear, green melon and citrus flavors.

Twist into summer wines
On the other end of the price scale (and from another side of the world), another worthy white comes in the form of 2005 Flagstone Noon Gun, a true Cape "cocktail" of Weisser Riesling, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Semillon, Morio Muscat. One more good screwtop from the Cape: Fairview Goats Do Roam White 2005 - another one of those cocktails - comes together with Chenin Blanc, Clairette, Riesling, Viognier and Grenache Blanc.

A revolution ferments in Mexico
The staggering number of varietals in this microclimate include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Petite Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Barbera, Grenache, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Colombard. His biggest seller is Cabernet Sauvignon, but his best wine may well be the Chenin Blanc, a lovely white with floral and citrus scents that would go great with ceviche.

Dunne on Wine: The old man and the oyster
Dry Creek Vineyard 2005 Clarksburg Dry Chenin Blanc ($11.50), the latest version of a pleasantly refreshing wine that finishes in the top 10 almost every year.

Summer calls for crisp whites
In addition to Lodiand Monterey-sourced chardonnay, smaller amounts of chenin blanc, muscat and gewürztraminer flesh an already medium-bodied beauty packed with fresh fruit and crisp acidity. Made from 75 percent Torrontes, a wildly aromatic and lush variety, and finished with 25 percent chenin blanc, the wine shows wonderful honey-apricot and sweetpeach notes and moderate acidity.

Wine Blogging Wednesday No. 20--Anything But Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Riesling
We choose a delicious Chenin Blanc that was refreshing and clean, bursting with citrus, green apple and floral melon flavors.

The Local Grill, Hurlingham Manor
Last year's Van Loveren Sauvignon Blanc will set you back R60 while the same vintage French Cote de Gascogne Chenin Blanc is R65. The Glen Carlou Chardonnay 2004 is R155.

Monsoon still cooks up a delicious storm
There you can also watch the staff plate numerous coconut crème caramels (the must-have dessert) and meter out wines by the glass riesling, chenin blanc, gruner veltliner, rose and pinot noir are among the choices available from the impressive international list.

Bombay wines a good match for Indian fare
Samant, who gave up a high-tech career in the Silicon Valley for the good grape, have expanded their Sula Vineyards production of chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc ...

Cabernet Sauvignon

You can send it back 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon
The cabernet sauvignon displayed an incredibly deep ruby red colour and emitted a rich, refreshing black currant and blueberry nose.

Beaulieu Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2001
Beaulieu Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2001 ($17) - Garnet in color with aromas of black cherry and spice.

Pi#241;a Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain) 2001
Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon before (9/05 and 6/05), but it just keeps getting better.

Leg of lamb, baked with eggplant and mint
To enhance the rich and minty lamb, match with a soft, red, mature Cabernet Sauvignon.

The natural progression of organic wines
In reds, Kronfeld recommends wines from Nevada County Wine Guild and its "Our Daily Red," ($9.99), a blend of syrah, carignan and cabernet sauvignon. Tagarello recommends the 2005 Mas de Gourgonnier Rosé ($12.99) from the Les Baux de Provence appellation in Provence, a rosé made mostly from grenache with small amounts of syrah, mourvedre, cinsault and cabernet sauvignon.

Scrubby Rise - Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot 2004
Located directly in front of Wirra Wirra's century old ironstone cellars, the Scrubby Rise vineyard and its marvelous soils produce some of our best Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon from season to season.

Pepperjack Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Couvillion Cabernet Sauvignon

Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignons Win Approval From Parker
They produce approximately 3,400 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon each year which always sell out quickly. You might want to get on their mailing list, in 2007 the winery will offer mailing list customers its first Galitzine Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery's estate vineyard on Red Mountain.

Napa Valley Meritage and Bordeaux-style reds
Meritage is a marketing term created in 1988 to identify Bordeaux-style blends -- in red wines, those made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec made outside of France's Bordeaux region. TWO AND A HALF STARS 2002 Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Tapestry Napa Valley Red Wine ($50) Give this Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine another year or more in the bottle, because it's quite tannic now.

A Good US Cabernet Is Hard to Find
Reasonably priced American Cabernet Sauvignon really was good once, wasn't it?

Jacob's Creek Limited Release Shiraz Cabernet 1998

Whitehall Lane Winery Selects Alcoa Vino-Seal(TM) Glass Closures ...
The innovative sealing system was used to top 45,000 bottles of Whitehall Lane premium 2003 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and 3,000 bottles of its premium 2003 Leonardini Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Sylvester and Alcoa will continue to evaluate the aging of the 2003 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

WTN: Shinn Estate Vineyards "Red" ($14)
Shinn Estate Vineyard's non-vintage Red ($14) is a blend of 75% merlot and 25% cabernet sauvignon, isn't the most complex local merlot.

The Sad Plight of Cabernet Franc
It produces interesting, distinctive wines in places besides Bordeaux; one of Napa Valley's most coveted wines, the Dalla Valle Maya, is a roughly equal blend of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Cabernet franc is not, of course, a noble grape, a la cabernet sauvignon (although it did, with the otherwise undistinguished sauvignon blanc, help sire the latter).

Link
We also got to sample Doug's Cabernet Sauvignon, which is being barrel aged and won't be ready to bottle for about a year.

2003 Turkey Flat Vineyards Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 14.5%

2001 Saltram Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon 14%

2002 Chateau Souverain Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Solaris 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) 1998

Long Flat Wine Co. - Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

02 Arns Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley A Little Known NV Cab

This is the one...

Ruca Malen, Yauquen, 2004

Wine Specials 20.04.2006
Although I am yet to taste the wine myself, both Winestar and Boccaccio have Wynns Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 for $16.99 per bottle.

Winemakers hole Paris taste test rematch
But not only was Stags Leaps 1973 cabernet sauvignon the top red, another California winery, Chateau Montelena, scored top white with a 1973 chardonnay. Spurrier staged a re-tasting for the 1986 anniversary in New York and California wines again took top places, although this time the No. 1 red was a Clos du Val 1972 cabernet sauvignon.

Thorn Clarke Shotfire Ridge Quartage 2004
A blend of Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.

03 Chateau Davril, Bordeaux
I would rather drink this red blend of non-cru merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc out of two stryofoam cups.

Riesling

This spring, reach for riesling
A few sommeliers I know have a playful saying for people caught in the lurch: When in doubt, try riesling. It probably helps that wine experts, more than most folks, tend to speak reverentially about riesling.

Langenbach Kabinett Riesling 2004
We would gladly have paid more: it was a very typical German Riesling--and by typical, we mean "good." Alas, one reason it was so cheap was that it was being discontinued.

Wine Review: Dr. Brken-Wolf 2002 Brklin Estate Riesling
A dry Riesling from the Pfalz region of Germany, the Bürklin Estate Riesling impressed us with its smoothness and elegance.

The Season for Riesling
And so too is it time for my annual Riesling Rant. Riesling is often considered a sweet wine, and while some of the most amazing examples are sweet, Riesling can also be bone dry.

Dr. Franks Riesling has a New York accent
The word "Riesling" often sends wine drinkers scurrying for cover, muttering "No thanks, I like dry wines." Well, shoot conventional wisdom in the foot: the Riesling grape has such firm acidity that "mouth-watering" is often the sensory perception it elicits. Riesling is a bit fussy in terms of where it's planted, favoring a cool climate.

Wine: Land of the riesling sun
For white meats such as chicken with the extra richness of a barley miso marinade, Marchesan advises white burgundy, such as a Camille Giroud montagny, or an off-dry mosel riesling such as Heymann Lwenstein, whose off-dry sweetness brings out the ginger, or pinot noir. He makes the distinction between delicate white fish, which he says calls for aromatic dry whites like dry alsace and Clare Valley riesling, and the oilier, fatter properties of belly of tuna and salmon, which suit spicy Austrian grner veltliner or more opulent meursault.

How to complete your vacation
The air is so thin that even a light German Riesling with low alcohol content will go right to the head. 2004 Bloom Riesling, Germany ($5.99, screw-top) - This wine is my top pick for a summer night.

The wine list
Moderation: Bonny Doon Pacific Rim Riesling, 2005, $10.99.

Wine Specials 20.04.2006
A little while back I mentioned that Dan Murphys had the 2005 Leo Buring Leonay Riesling on special for only $24.99 a bottle, well it has happened again this week.

Simple styles for easy sipping
The off-dry 2005 Firestone Vineyard Select Central Coast Riesling ($10) is packed with floral aromas and crisp, citrusy flavors that are ideal for taming the fire of spicy fare. While Pinot Grigio and Riesling are gaining in popularity, America's white wine darling is still Chardonnay.

Selbach Dry Riesling 2004
Riesling is a wonderful white wine that deserves more attention than it gets. Since meals here at home consist of a lot of garlic and spice with lighter meats, I like a dry Riesling because it holds up exceptionally well against those strong, intense flavors.

2002 Clos des Rocher Riesling Grand Premier Cru "Wormeldange Nussbaum" (Luxembourg)
This was a superb buy in a really nice classic Alsace-style (dry, austere, intensely-flavored) Riesling.

Michigan sweeps Great Lakes wine competition
Michigan’s Black Star Farms won the most gold medals – six – for wines that ranged from the stunning 2004 A Capella Riesling Ice Wine to the 2004 Pinot Noir. Michigan’s other big showings came from Domaine Berrien Cellars in the southwest, winning three golds – for Marsanne, Traminette and Pinot Grigio -- and St. Julian with golds for Niagara, St. J Riesling and Traminette Reserve.

More April Whites (2): Canada Riesling, Canada Chard
The typical bracing acidity of Riesling is present, allowing for a good structure and clean, long finish." My notes: An off-dryness balances the crisp acidity nicely.

Wine of the Week: 2005 Angoves Riesling, Clare Valley
The 2005 Angove's Riesling, Clare Valley ($17 ) is a crisp, flavorful Australian white wine that bears little resemblance to fruity, slightly sweet German or American rieslings.

Fruit of the vine
Instrumental in the composing of Chardonnay and Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet, said two participating wineries are not only the fermentations and fruit, but also what kind of weather comes blowing in the wind.

Wines of Germany Presents the Second Annual Riesling Week
Wines of Germany Presents the Second Annual Riesling Week Nothing is as refreshing as a crisp German Riesling to compliment a warm weather meal, and just in time for summer sipping Wines of Germany presents the second annual Riesling Week.

Pinot envy, riesling lust and a ratings rant

Weingut Eduard Hauth-Kerpen, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Riesling, Kabinett 2001
Weingut Eduard Hauth-Kerpen, Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Riesling, Kabinett, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2001 ($17) - Light straw-green in color with the classic Mosel nose of flowers, lime and minerals.

A Little German May Wine
German wine has me a bit fascinated–mostly because I intermittently see quirky, oddly compelling commercials for a German Riesling that features of all things–a pint-sized German in madcap situations. Personally speaking, I'll probably pop the cork on a Riesling, a wine that I really enjoy and also happens to be very food friendly.

Ratcast #36, Smith-Madrone Riesling, and Napa Tour #2
There actually is no landform called Spring Mountain but rather this area is named for Spring Mountain road, which snakes into the hills just west of St. Helena CA. I sought out Smith-Madrone last year because I had heard they make a great Riesling, and Riesling is perhaps my absolute favorite wine. The Smith-Madrone Riesling is a pale, crystal clear yellow, and has a floral nose that hints at the depth, and body, of the wine but doesn’t necessarily give away the slate, stone and mineral flavors that hit you when you take a drink.

Oregon's Next Big Thing?
At least according to one person, it could very well be Riesling. "Although riesling played a seminal role in putting the Northwest on the world's wine map (it was riesling after all, not pinot noir, that was the first wine grape to be planted in Oregon), local rieslings have become an afterthought in today's market.

Submit a Tasting Note and WIN Tasmanian Wine
A 3-pack of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling from a Tasmanian producer will be winging its way to you if your tasting note is chosen by the esteemed panel of judges (thats me).

Zinfandel

2002 De Loach Zinfandel
De Loach vineyards started in the mid 70's as direct shipping only, starting with their first wine a Zinfandel.

Wine Column: Try a zinfandel with your next barbecue
One of our favorite wine pairings with these strong-tasting foods is zinfandel. Nonvintage Rosenblum Cellars Vintners Cuvee XXVIII zinfandel.

Rosenblum Trilogy: Part IIIthe 2004 San Francisco Bay Zinfandel Appellation Series
Just like Wednesday’s featured Rosenblum North Coast Zinfandel, the San Francisco Bay is crafted from an interesting varietal blend of 96% Zinfandel and 4% Petite Sirah. The four vineyards that supply the specially selected Zinfandel and Petite Sirah varietals for the blend are located approximately 40 miles east of San Francisco, at the foot of Mt. Diablo.

Ridge Jimsomare Zinfandel (Santa Cruz Mts.) 1995
At age 11, this Zinfandel was on the downhill side but still hanging in there.

De La Montanya, Zinfandel, Sack Vineyard 2004
De La Montanya, Zinfandel, “Sack Vineyard”, Russian River Valley 2004 ($32/sample) - Dark purple in color with blackberry and plum aromas coming through quite a lot of cedar.

Grilling out? Sip a zinfandel
My favorite wine with summer foods like burgers, barbecued chicken and ribs is zinfandel. The zinfandel vine is tough and vigorous, outlasting diseases and Prohibition.

Christianity takes a walk down Madison Avenue
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles has sold its own line of cabernet, chardonnay and zinfandel wines.

Solaris Napa Zinfandel 2003
Solaris Napa Zinfandel 2003 is 99% Zin, from vineyards located between St Helena and Calistoga.

Bombay wines a good match for Indian fare
 in the Silicon Valley for the good grape, have expanded their Sula Vineyards production of chenin blanc, sauvignon blanc, shiraz and zinfandel (they make a zin ...

Love is a Rose
Yes, this is a pink wine, but it is not the hated and rightfully cursed white Zinfandel.

Fred Franzia irks industry by using cheaper grapes in Napa product
"In 1993," Pattison writes, "Franzia and Bronco were indicted for conspiracy to defraud for misrepresenting cheap grapes worth $100 to $200 per ton as zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon grapes worth five to 10 times as much.

Pittsburgh Wine Festival offers great wines and discussions
From an initial modest production of just over 300 cases, Peterson now pursues his mission in a very big way as California’s largest Zinfandel producer. Superb single vineyard wines such as the 2003 Ravenswood, Zinfandel Big River Vineyard (Specialty 14492, $28.99) are worth seeking out even with the limited supply in PLCB stores.

Schwarzeneggers Travels Lead to Criticism
The celebrity governor always promised to promote California, and he's traveled as far as China to pitch everything from avocados to zinfandel.

Bag the brie, and open the potato chips
Popcorn or potato chips with the 2003 Wild Horse Zinfandel Paso Robles: This peppery, smoky zin needed little help from the snacks.

Sixty-five Zins: my notes from ZAP

Rosenblum Trilogy: Part IIthe 2004 North Coast Zinfandel Appellation Series
Alright, so perhaps you’re not feeling like Monk, you rather listen to Bird--maybe put in another way, the idea of the 2004 Rosenblum Paso Robles Zinfandel was like skipping to dessert though you actually wanted dinner first. If this is so, the 2004 North Coast Appellation Zinfandel might just be your ticket to accompany that set of grilled lamb chops you’ve been craving.

The travels of two buck Chuck

2004 Frey Vineyards Redwood Valley Zinfandel (Mendocino County)
2000 Forchini Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel "Proprietor's Reserve"

2000 Forchini Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel "Proprietor's Reserve"
It was like drinking a cubist painting of a zinfandel.

Sokol Blosser Winery Meditrina (America) NV

02 Ridge, California Geyserville
The juice is more reminiscent of good overripe Cali cab and syrah than zinfandel, with long flavors of muddled blackberries, milk chocolate, and fleshy peppers.

The Sweet Spot
You've got a couple of friends who like nothing but white zinfandel in all its sweet simplicity.

Writer's Block
It's a Writer's Block zinfandel, sporting an illustration of the Bard himself. When I opened this '03 Lake County zinfandel I was immediately impressed by its ripe, forward fruit and spicy finish.

Sauvignon Blanc

2005 Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc – Sonoma County
But a quality Sauvignon Blanc for under $15 available year-round is something of note. The 2005 Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, a mouthful of lime and lemon, with just a touch of grassiness.

Columbia Crest Sauvignon Blanc 2001
But in its price range, it shines: it's a fine, typical, nothing-to-complain-about-and-lots-to-like low-end Sauvignon Blanc.

2005 Oyster Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc ($12
The sauvignon blanc grape is the vehicle for the style that reflects the region's distinctive growing conditions -- conditions that work to amplify the already assertive characteristics of the grape, which is not always to everyone's liking. I remember about 10 years ago when I introduced Cloudy Bay, Marlborough's first superstar sauvignon blanc, to a tasting group.

Wines with Zing! for Spring - It's Time for Sauvignon Blanc
This is the season to start thinking about Sauvignon Blanc. Maybe it is the renewal of nature that signals my return to wines from the sauvignon blanc grape, or maybe the warm air prompts me to move from the deep reds of winter to a chilled white wine.

Matariki Stony Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2005
If you're looking for a middle-of-the-road Sauvignon Blanc, here's a well balanced wild white that's not too shrill, not too tropical, and not too expensive. Hawkes Bay, the source of the fruit for Stony Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2005, is located on the North Island, on the east coast (south of and on the opposite shore from Auckland).

Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
In Napa Valley, Sauvignon Blanc is to white wine what Cabernet Sauvignon is to red wine -- king. True, Napa Valley Chardonnays command higher prices and earn higher marks from influential critics than Sauvignon Blanc, yet our tastings regularly leave us with more recommended Napa Valley Sauvignon Blancs than we have space to publish.

NZ vs Aussie sauvignon blanc
GETTING SAVVY: Is NZ sauvignon blanc under threat from Australian producers? Is New Zealand really the sauvignon blanc queen of the southern hemisphere?

Rock Rabbit Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Benham, Proprietor and Cose, Winemaker, use all stainless steel to produce Rock Rabbit Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc. The blend is 91% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Gewurtztraminer.

Spring vegetable salad plays nicely with Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc's crisp citrus, melon, green herb and grass aromas and flavors combine with perky acidity to make it extremely food-friendly. A crumble of fresh goat or feta cheese is also great with Sauvignon Blanc.

Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2005 is varietal, estate grown in the Central Valley growing region.

Desert Island Wines
Len Evans is reported to have once said that he’d hate to be marooned on a desert island with nothing but goats' cheese to eat and sauvignon blanc to drink. ‘I hope you have good refrigeration on the island as I'll need to chill down the 2005 Grosset Semillon Sauvignon Blanc.

Chimney Creek Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Marlborough, New Zealand.
Spittoon - Chimney Creek Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Marlborough, New Zealand. Chimney Creek Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Marlborough, New Zealand.

Icons of Sauvignon Blanc
The article is fairly entertaining, definitely provocative and fightin’ words for hard core Sauvignon Blanc fans. Should Sauvignon Blanc then be thrown out of the “big six” pantheon of Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon?

An ostrich farmer makes wine
"The sauvignon blanc was made for me by Bartho Eksteen, who is very passionate about sauvignon blanc – he's a little eccentric about, and really loves it! The sauvignon blanc, meanwhile, is a strong first offering, and both wines are now available, with the sauvignon blanc receiving an early salute from the industry, selected by Wine of the Month club as its 'Best Value Sauvignon Blanc' early in 2006.

Potpourri of freshness
Yet, often the differences between a sauvignon blanc and a viognier from the same company can be extreme. In top form was the 2005 KENDALL-JACKSON SAUVIGNON BLANC ($11, 87 points).

Kim Crawford - 2005 Sauvignon Blanc
While there, I purchased a couple bottles - a 2003 Lyeth Meritage and a 2005 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc. So last night, I opened up the Sauvignon Blanc and paired it with some spicy shrimp sushi.

Why sauvignon blanc is overrated.
The restaurant's list was uninspired, to put it charitably, so I played it economical and went with a Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, from New Zealand. This wasn't a Kim Crawford problem, and it wasn't a New Zealand problem; it was a sauvignon blanc problem.

Wine: Get the most out of sauvignon blanc
Sauvignon blanc is just the wine to pull double duty this season. Following are results when our tasting group compared five sauvignon blanc wines.

30 Second Wine Advisor: Sincerest form of flattery
Sincerest form of flattery Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc has inspired a horde of imitators since it burst onto the world wine scene in 1985. As recently as the middle '80s, New Zealand was almost unknown as a wine region, and the Sauvignon Blanc grape wasn't much more of a contender, a variety so widely dismissed as lackluster that Robert Mondavi had re-named it "Fum Blanc" in hope of fooling people into thinking it something else entirely.

If it smells like Sauvignon Blanc and tastes like Chardonnay it must be Viognier.
If it smells like Sauvignon Blanc and tastes like Chardonnay it must be Viognier.

Sauvignon Blanc at the Monterey Wine Festival
One of my favorite quaffing wines is Sauvignon blanc. The panel at the festival represented an international aspect of Sauvignon blanc.

Embrace Sauvignon Blanc South Africa 2005
Wine Blogging Wednesday No. 20--Anything But Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Riesling

Fairvalley South Africa Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Awie Adolf, Fairvalley's Winemaker, uses all stainless steel to vinify the Coastal Region fruit for Fairvalley Sauvignon Blanc 2005.

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2004
First Taste: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Wine Reports: Durbanville Hills 2005 Durbanville Sauvignon Blanc ($11.99)
FOOD MATCH: Depending on whether your perspective is that of a pessimist or an optimist, Sauvignon Blanc in this bold, forward style either goes well with lots of dishes or doesn't go ideally with much of anything.

First Taste: New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
So for our first First Taste, we’re going Down-Unda to discuss New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. New Zealand is one of the new and exciting wine growing regions in the world, and it has quickly claimed top accolades for their Sauvignon Blanc’s from the sunny region of Marlborough.

Cole Bailey Vineyards Sesquipedalian (Mendocino) 2004*
Classic sauvignon blanc flavors and aromas: gooseberries, new mown grass, and Meyer lemon.

Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fum Blanc 2004
Robert Mondavi Napa Valley Fumé Blanc 2004 is 91% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Semillon.

2003 Patient Cottat Sancerre "Vieilles Vignes"
Since good Sancerres (one of my favorite expressions of the Sauvignon Blanc grape) tend to cost between $15 - $30, this wine was a pretty good value at $14.88.

Today's post: "Sauvignon Blank"
This space is devoted to reaction to the recent claims of Mike Steinberger, who wrote that the Sauvignon Blanc "grape is a dud, producing chirpy little wines wholly devoid of complexity and depth ...

Merlot

Merlot's bad rap...
I can't help but think that the poor reputation Merlot has garnered in the last 10 years is due to the climate effects I spoke about in the last 2 posts. When Merlot really started to take off, many producers started to source the fruit from anywhere they could...with some of the massive producers really pulling all the stops out of California's San Joaquin valley.

Merlot Fights Back
To educate the trade about the complex uniqueness of Merlot, Swanson Vineyards is taking its elaborate Merlot seminar on the road this spring, visiting San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago, New York, New Jersey, Miami, Tampa and Orlando. “We’re looking at Merlot from a global perspective, tasting and talking about the realities of the varietal worldwide.

Even Miles might drink Merlot with this lamb pilaf
Merlot still has a legion of fans, despite the change in many people's preference after seeing the 2004 Merlot-bashing movie, "Sideways." There are good Merlots and values to be had, including several from Washington state that are priced at less than $20. We recommend several soft, juicy wines with ripe black-fruit aromas and flavors, which many nascent wine drinkers and Merlot lovers enjoy, though there are one or two wines with nice complexity for the price.

Anti-Sideways goes Down Under
There's even a Merlot Fights Back website (from a winery), "trying to rescue Merlot from being maligned, re-introducing Merlot as the marvelous and complicated grape fundamental to magnificent red wines made around the world".

A case for merlot
Paul Giamatti (left) and Thomas Haden Church sip wine in “Sideways.” A line in the film dealt merlot a stinging slap, which may have caused an uptick in sales of pinot noir. During the past two years, sales of premium merlot wines that cost more than $20 a bottle have taken a nose dive that would make the where-has-it-gone Atkins diet look like a permanent fixture.

Washington Merlot
When we tasted Washington state Merlots priced from $9 to $50, several stood out for delivering fine quality and true Merlot character for less than $20. TWO STARS 2002 Claar Cellars White Bluffs Vineyard Columbia Valley Merlot ($17) Direct, ripe pie cherry and raspberry flavors pick up complexity from notes of dried herb, cedar and cinnamon stick.

House cheers Merlot to Go law
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Peter L. Lewiss, D-Westerly, moves Rhode Island a step closer to joining 30 other states with so-called "merlot to go" laws, which allow open bottles of wine to be transported in a motor vehicle.

Link
The Raspberries add a unique flavor to the Merlot, the barrel aging really blended the flavors well and created a unique wine.

More April Reds (8): Canada Merlot, Spain Blend, Australia Blend, Italy Sangiov(2), Argentina Cab Sauv, France Blend, Australia Cab Sauv
A european style merlot, medium- to light-bodied with well balanced tannins and acid with a light red cherry flavour and light creaminess. 2005)" The label says "[a blend of] 80% tempranillo, 10% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot".

WebWineMan: Merlot gets up off the mat!
In contrast with The Wall Street Journal's recent Merlot review, which dismissed most of the under-$20 Merlots, we found quite a few good values among the affordably priced wines. Merlot is a food-friendly red, and we paired it with olives, hummus and pats along with an assortment of cheeses (Brie, a hard blue cheese, Asiago and an aged Gouda).

Event picture gallery
I've just posted pictures from our last three events on our photo gallery: the Shiraz tasting in February, the Spring Cleaning in March, and last week's Merlot tasting.

Merlot magic
The Merlot is softer, lusher and less austere than the CS, and like the senior partner takes well to oak, but has less tannin and acidity. The first Merlot available in India was a Chilean wine, imported in bulk and bottled under the Satori (“Sudden Enlightenment”) brand name by Sula Vineyards in the year 2000 as the quality and quantity of black wine grapes available was inadequate.

GNGNB Ep29: Merlot Madness
Chris Phelps and Stu Harrison of Swanson vineyards present their case on merlot and why this wine deserves more respect. For more information on Merlot, visit www.merlotfightsback.com.

LEcole No.41 with Marty Clubb

Eddie Merlot’s
Fawn Bauer, left, and Gena DeArmond team up to serve a party at Eddie Merlots. (At the very least, youll be sure to tip 20 percent from then on.) But you dont have to be an ex-waiter or waitress to behave yourself around the servers at Eddie Merlots at Jefferson Pointe.

LIMA Uncorks Merliance in Manhattan
In addition to the collaborative production of Merliance every year, the group plans to hold educational programs and sponsor research into exactly why Long Island is so well suited to growing merlot and growing it well year in and year out. To make 2004 Merliance, which is merlot, each member winery selected the two barrels from their own cellars that they felt best represented their own individual style as well as Long Island’s unique terroir.

Revenge of the Merlot
Swanson is the largest single producer of estate-grown Merlot in the Napa Valley. You better hook me up with that merlot tasting that you do, cause i'm still not drinking any fucking merlot.

2003 Cape Mentelle Cabernet Merlot, "Trinders" 14.5%

Crooked River Cabernet Merlot 2002
Admitedly I liked this Cabernet Merlot blend when I made the purchase.

2003 Fetzer Valley Oaks Merlot

Tyrrells Old Winery Cabernet Merlot 2003

MERLOT FIGHTS BACK - 2006
They are touring the country holding seminars on what may be the most misunderstood red grape in America: Merlot. This past Wednesday, I drove to the Ryland Inn in New Jersey to get my education, to taste some intriguing Merlot, and to see first hand what all the fuss was about.

30 Second Wine Advisor: Marilyn Merlot and the Naked Grape
Marilyn Merlot and the Naked Grape An old friend's book about wacky wine labels is a hilarious read, and it contains more than a grain of learning among the chuckles. This week on WineLoversPage.com A tasting rehabs Merlot's reputation, and forum discussions take on Austrian wine education, 10 gross foods and the loss of a historic Napa Chenin Blanc vineyard.

2006 Chateau Palmer bud break!
According to the official blog of Chateau Palmer, The Daily Palmer, the first Merlot buds are opening!

2004 "Carro" (Southeast Spain)
This wine is 50% Monastrell (Mourvedre), with Syrah, Tempranillo, and Merlot blended in.

Norma Jeane (California) 2005*
On the palate, the flavor associations are more reminiscent of a mediocre Beaujolais than a California Merlot.

03 Chateau Davril, Bordeaux
I would rather drink this red blend of non-cru merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc out of two stryofoam cups.

Thorn Clarke Shotfire Ridge Quartage 2004
A blend of Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.

Fonterutoli Foggio alla Badiola 2003
This wine is a blend of 75% Sangiovese and 25% Merlot.

WTN: Shinn Estate Vineyards "Red" ($14)
Shinn Estate Vineyard's non-vintage Red ($14) is a blend of 75% merlot and 25% cabernet sauvignon, isn't the most complex local merlot. I can only assume the same is true with the name -- at 75% merlot, they could legally label it merlot.

The Periwinkle Virtuoso

Chardonnay

Devil's Lair Chardonnay 2000
Top flight example of a Margaret River chardonnay, albeit with a touch more acidity than most wines from this region.

Pinot Grigio closes in on Chardonnay
By year's end, association president Mark Friszowlowski predicted, Pinot Grigio will outpace white zin and rise to the No. 2 white behind Chardonnay. What's more, Friszowlowski said, Pinot Grigio might one day supplant Chardonnay, just as Chardonnay overwhelmed Chenin Blanc about 40 years ago.

Howard Park Chardonnay 2001

04 Abeja -Chardonnay - Washington State - Watch out California

2006 Woolworths Wine Awards celebrate The Difference
"The 2006 White Wine of the Year is the Woolworths/Haute Cabriere Chardonnay Pinot Noir 2005"! A unique blend of the classic Champagne cultivars, the Chardonnay grapes contribute citrus and light peach flavours, while the Pinot Noir grapes provide structure and a hint of strawberry.

Tyrrells Vat 47 Chardonnay 2005
A very delicious example of Hunter chardonnay that should develop more complexity over the medium term.

Naked chardonnay a delight
If you automatically associate chardonnay with blowzy flavors that resemble movie-popcorn butter or vanilla taffy, youre tasting the winemaking rather than the grape. Sipping them can give you a whole new perspective on chardonnay, the worlds most popular white wine.

J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay
On the days I’ve been home, I've kept with old favorites -- inexpensive reliable wines such as Yellow Tail Chardonnay, Rosenblum Vinters Cuvee Red Zin, Colossi and Wolfblass Cabernet/Shiraz. Last night, I broke the string of repeats with something new – Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay 2004.

White Lie Always Hurts
We joked that it reminded us of Fruit(2)0 - water with just a hint of chardonnay flavor. The back of the bottle claims that the wine was made with grapes harvested at their earliest ripeness, making it low on sugar and alcohol (only 9.8% versus the typical 13.5-14.5% for chardonnay).

Trefethen May Change Some Minds About Chardonnay: John Mariani
In fact, it has become the smart, if snarky, thing to proclaim that you are a member of the ABC Club -- ``Anything But Chardonnay. This doesnt stop those same enophiles from paying ridiculously high prices for the best white Burgundies, all made from chardonnay grapes.

2004 Wild Horse Chardonnay
While the winery is known for its reds, the chardonnay continues to impress with its dependable, well-integrated flavors, good price and wide availability. The 2004 Wild Horse Chardonnay — * * * * — is the last one made under Volk's tutelage, before he sold the winery to Peak Wines International, owner of Geyser Peak and Canyon Road wineries.

Rock Rabbit Central Coast Sauvignon Blanc 2005

Daniel: Australian winemaker charts new territories after decades ...
The high elevation results in a cool climate, so the area is particularly good for chardonnay and a cool-climate style of shiraz. Grapes from Shaw's Koomooloo Vineyard used to go to Rosemount, which won accolades for its Orange chardonnay.

Scarborough White Label Selection Chardonnay 2004
This is the second release of the White Label Chardonnay and Im pretty sure it is still only available via the mailing list and cellar door itself. A poerful style of chardonnay on the palate with fig, lemon and grapefruit up front with hints of nectarine.

Great cross-country tasting spree
Hayes Ranch "Winemaker Selection" Chardonnay, California ($5 for a split, not pictured) - The color is, well, yellow. Chardonnay was served with one of the star dishes, ahi tuna poke with crispy sushi rice cake and watercress tosaka salad, and the "mmmm, tasty" miso-marinated butterfish.

Eldridge Estate Chardonnay 2004
So this is our Davids chardonnay and I am happy to report that it is a beautiful wine. Vintage caused me to forget winorama and when I responded to Gary I mentioned that I was a bit down in the dumps because someone who I have great respect for gave the Chardonnay a score that suggested it ranked with the complexity I saw in the $11 Viognier.

Dunne on Wine: Whats a chardonnay without oak? Not bad
Lifestyle/Scene - Dunne on Wine: What's a chardonnay without oak? Chardonnay is so popular that it accounts for one of every five glasses of wine poured in the United States.

Biz Buzz; Chardonnay lovers may soon toast own wine fest
Soon, it could become one of the few places in the world to host a chardonnay festival. Hundreds of wineries from Edna Valley to South Africa may be represented at the festival, which is being patterned after the annual Chardonnay du Monde festival in France.

Coastal Chardonnays
The Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot noir and Chardonnay grapes are winning awards no matter where you look. So if you get a bottle of Pinot noir or Chardonnay using grapes from this region, it's worth a try.

Tyrrell's Vat 47 Chardonnay 2003

Toasting a year of blogging with Painter Bridge Chardonnay
Interestingly enough, the Chardonnay is cut with a bit of Muscat Canelli (7.1%) and Viognier (2.4%).

Solaris Monterey County Chardonnay 2004
Solaris Monterey Chardonnay 2004 is varietal.

Tawse Beamsville Bench Reserve Chardonnay
If pushed, this is probably an 88 pointer in the world of Chardonnay, but amongst the Ontario peer group it's probably worthy of another point or two.

Iron Horse - 2002 Chardonnay
A bottle of the 2002 Iron Horse Chardonnay, which hails from the Green Valley region in Sonoma County. The Green Valley lies within the better-known Russian River Valley, and is home to some of Californias best pinot noir and chardonnay wines.

Will the glut force the price of oil down
If you think South Africa is suffering from a wine glut, spare a thought for Australians, who, it appears, are thinking of using excess Chardonnay or Pinot to lace petrol.

A revolution ferments in Mexico: Winemaking
The staggering number of varietals in this microclimate include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Petite Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Syrah, Barbera, Grenache, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Colombard. Cetto's lively, unoaked Chardonnay, meanwhile, is just right for lobster.

2004 Coron Pere Fils St. Veran "Domaine de Montagny"
This wine is usually a good value in a soft, flavorful, unoaked white burgundy (i.e., French Chardonnay). Coron's style -- at least for the Maconais wines I've tried from this producer -- seem to play up the soft, ripe (even peachy) fruit that ripe Chardonnay can produce.

On Your Next Trip to Bali
As you would expect their specialty is fresh local seafood and chardonnay from around the world.

WBW 20 Reminder

Allen Holstein's Chunk of Willamette
Most of the 450 some-odd acres he maintains are Pinot Noir and various clones of Chardonnay, both of which adore the cool climate and sun.

On the tasting table this Thursday: Calera

On the tasting table this Saturday: Chasseur

Submit a Tasting Note and WIN Tasmanian Wine
A 3-pack of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling from a Tasmanian producer will be winging its way to you if your tasting note is chosen by the esteemed panel of judges (thats me).

Acacia Vineyard, Chardonnay, Sangiacomo Vineyard 2003

Virgin Vines California Chardonnay 2004

Pinot Noir

No need to break the bank for these pinot noir finds
The Willamette Valley in Oregon has become famous for its pinot noir grapes. Pinot noir is off the charts in terms of sales in this country, and I wish I could devote an entire column to singing the praises of the many fine, inexpensive choices that are out there. Pinot noir unlike cabernet, merlot or syrah is rarely offered at a budget price. Pinot noir, following the Burgundian model, is usually not blended from different grapes.

Final Four Pinot Noir
Silky from start to finish, this wine reminds us why we love Pinot Noir at just about any price.

The Lessons of Pinot Noir for the Energy Market: Kevin Hassett
For most of my adult life, I have been a big fan of wines made from the pinot noir grape. We dont need new subsidies for pinot noir growers, or tax-free savings accounts from which one can fund pinot noir purchases. We shouldnt subsidize scientific research into alternative grape varietals and we surely dont need to study how to make a pinot noir substitute from corn. The sharp increases in energy prices, like the pinot noir prices before them, have had a significant negative impact on me.

Kenwood Vineyards Russian River Pinot Noir 2004
Kenwood's 2004 RRV Pinot Noir is varietal, and 95% Russian River Valley fruit.

Belle Valle Willamette Whole Cluster Pinot Noir 2005
The first USA 2005 Pinot Noir spotted is apparently a hot item at Total Wine in Raleigh. Belle Vallée* Whole Cluster Pinot Noir is varietal.

Discover good pinot noir at less than lofty price
Pinot noir is off the sales charts in this country. Pinot noir, unlike cabernet, merlot or syrah, is rarely offered at a budget price. Pinot noir, following the Burgundian model, is usually not blended from different grapes. As in Burgundy, the show-stoppers are single vineyard, 100 percent pinot noir wines.

Coldstream Hills Pinot Noir 2005

Prahova Valley Pinot Noir 2000
Another not-entirely-successful experiment for us, this Romanian Pinot Noir from Prahova Valley was very brown--"garnet" would be the polite term for the colour, we guess.

Klein Optenhorst Pinot Noir 2003
Having said that, there is typicity, which makes for a pleasant, albeit simple glass of Pinot Noir.

Link
The Camelot Pinot Noir looked interesting, and it was not bad. The wine is 76% Pinot Noir, 21% Syrah and 3% Sangiovese. The Syrah and the Sangiovese help calm the natural exuberance of the Pinot Noir grape. It is still a bold wine, with the distinct flavors of a Pinot Noir, but it is smooth and a good value.

Andrew Lane Wines Ushers in Renaissance for Napa Valley Gamay Noir
Available today at $19 MSRP, Andrew Lane Gamay Noir promises to turn Pinot Noir fans sideways over this incredibly fruit-forward, vibrant, anytime, anywhere wine. According to Greg Cole, Chef/Owner of Napa-based Celadon and Cole's Chop House, "While I love Pinot Noir, I hadn't yet tried a Gamay Noir. Often described as a California Rhone, Gamay Noir a'Jus Blanc is closely related to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is the primary black grape of France's Beaujolais region.

Tasting 2001 Oregon Pinot Noir
My tasting group met recently to go through a number of 2001 Oregon Pinot Noir.

Mr Frog Pinot noir 2003
Lovely menu with a variety of interesting interpretations of French classics, but only one pinot noir on the wine list and an Australian one with a silly name at that.

The growing taste for wine
His family first brought Pinot Noir to California, he said. A: I'd go with Pinot Noir, because it's soft and silky. My favorite white is Chardonnay, and my favorite red is Pinot Noir.

Sokol Blosser Winery Meditrina (America) NV

Blue Pyrenees Estate 2002 Pinot Noir
This wine is made from 100 % Pinot Noir, harvested at full ripeness from two of the highest elevated blocks on Blue Pyrenees Estate.

Niagara County vineyards help wine trail grow
VonHeckler: We grow exclusively pinot noir, and we grow it because the Niagara Escarpment is perfect for pinot noir. In our case, it’s pretty simple — our customers are looking for great pinot noir. VonHeckler: We picked pinot noir to grow when we started back in 1999, so it was a bit before “Sideways” just happened to put it on the map as an alternative wine ...

SANFORD SANTA RITA HILLS PINOT NOIR - 2001
From Santa Barbara wine country in California, this Pinot Noir has gained prestige since it was featured in the movie Sideways. Santa Rita Hills was made a certified AVA (American Vinticulture Area) in 2001 and its unique climate and soil continues to yield some terrific Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Boisset America announces the introduction
Boisset America announces the introduction of IDÔL Vodka, the only ultra-premium vodka distilled from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from Burgundy, France. Small lots of noble, rare Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from low-yield vineyards in Burgundy’s esteemed Côte-de-Nuits and Côte-de-Beaune regions are hand- picked and hand-sorted, then fermented using the same methods applied to the fine wines of Burgundy. Distilling fermented Pinot Noir and Chardonnay yields an extraordinarily smooth alcohol with an elegant, soft mouthfeel. An innovative new tower- shaped bottle with a unique etching of Pinot Noir grapes conveys the message of quality, purity, and style.

Marin Agricultural Land Trust Pinot Noir Wine Tasting
The Marin Land Trust is having a two day Pinot Noir tasting to benefit the organization.

Pinot Noir Uncorked
For dinner tonight, I uncorked a bottle of Robert Mondavi Private Selection Pinot Noir.

Here's one for all you Pinot Lovers
It's a typical Sonoma Pinot Noir with lots of Cherry fruit but it has a complexity that puts it above the rest. Some Pinot Noir producers mistake the varietal for Zinfandel pump out 15% alcohol Pinots that are flabby and taste like cherry cough syrup. 2004, Maison Grand Cru, Russian River Valley, Pinot Noir. By the time harvest came in California I was ready for another production experience and helped make beautiful Pinot Noir and Zinfandel for Williams Selyem Winery in Sonoma.

Peay Vineyards 2002 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
There is no cheap Pinot Noir that compares to the real deal. The Peay '02 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is a testament to the the belief that wine enjoyment is 90% smell and 10% taste.

PEE'ing Pinot Noir
Winemaker Annette Hoff of Montereys Cima Colinais theauthor of a fine blogand offerssome very insightful comments concerning the over manipulation of pinot noir and wines in general these days. Cellar Rap Blog Archive Pinot Noir for Everyone Else.

2003 Pipers Brook Pinot Noir 13.5%
Another example of why Tasmania is now considered as one of Australia's best Pinot Noir regions.

2004 Fess Parker Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

98 Yamhill Valley Vineyards, Tall Poppy Pinot Noir

The genetic code of Pinot Noir established
A group Italian researchers at the agricultural research institute Michele all’Adige have identified the genome (the genetic code) of Pinot Noir.

Walter Hansel Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) 2002
I have about 250 bottles in my cellar, mostly zinfandel and pinot noir, with a smattering of chardonnay. An Anderson Valley Pinot Noir was good, but with a very faint inorganic chemical flavor on the tongue that was detected by only two of us. The only star of the evening (besides my grilled chicken) was a Martinelli 3 Colts Pinot Noir that was absolutely lovely.

2004 Siduri Pinot Noir Gary's Vineyard
Since Pinot Noir is one of the big grapes and most if not all know the story on this thin skinned temperamental varietal I am going to focus on the Vineyard where this grapes came from before delving into the wine itself. The Vineyard: Garys' Vineyard...a name synonymouss with great Pinot Noir grapes. Mr Franscioni operates the great Pinot Noir specific ROAR wines, and Mr. Pisoni runs the Pisoni Vineyards and Lucia Vineyards. The Vineyard it self is located in Santa Lucia Highlands an area that is getting better known for producing great Pinot Noir and Syrah.

My favourite examples of Australian Pinot noir
Firesteed Pinot Noir Believe the Pinot Hype?

Felton Road Block 3 Pinot Noir 2003
Elevating A Wine Region and its Pinot Noir

Firesteed Pinot Noir Believe the Pinot Hype?
Grape Thoughts: Firesteed Pinot Noir – Believe the Pinot Hype? Rather, what RV makers are hoping for is that Robin William, Jeff Daniels, Kristin Chenoweth, et all, will make RV vacation’s look and sound as funny as Pinot Noir looked after the movie Sideways. Before Miles, the wine hero of Sideways, ever proclaimed the importance of Pinot Noir the top selling wine in the US was Merlot, but oh how a movie can change the collective consciousness of Americans. (Especially anything grown in Sonoma, California) However, the truth was few had any interest in Pinot Noir prior to seeing the movie.

Siduri Keefer Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2002
Edwards in Laguna Beach, California, and together we drank Aubert Chardonnay, Roar Pinot Noir, and a wine from (as I recall) Kentucky. It represents the top of west coast Pinot Noir, from which we can compare other wines we may have the good fortune to drink.

Elevating A Wine Region and its Pinot Noir
Marin County, one county south of Sonoma, is attempting to build a reputation for its wines and primarily for it's Pinot Noir. A Celebration of Marin County Pinot Noir will take place on Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10 in Larkspur, California. And it turns out that the upcoming Celebration of Marin County Pinot Noir will benefit the Marin Agricultural Land Trust.

Koves-Newlan Napa Valley Pinot Noir 2002
Impressively, the source of the fruit for Pinot Noir 2002 was the 30-acre Koves-Newlan estate in the Oak Knoll District.

Ashton Hills Piccadilly Valley Pinot Noir 2000
Good Pinot Noir and the Adelaide Hills does not exist at the same time. The Barrett Reserve 02 that Halliday raved about (something like 96 or 97 points) was dismal as a Pinot Noir (though an ok dry red). Has anyone ever had oustanding varietal Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills? In my opinion intense eucalypt and menthol flavours are not desirable traits in Pinot Noir.

Dalwhinnie Pinot Noir 2002
Seriously, how can you compare red Burgundy to Pinot Noir grown in the Adelaide Hills or Pyrennes?

May Reds (3): Italy Blend(2), Australia Pinot Noir,
Score - 88 (Robert Parker Jr., www.erobertparker.com, Oct. 2005)." The label says "The cool and beautiful Adelaide Hills produce pinot noir that is fragrant, intense and generous with abundant fresh fruit characters.

Wine Marketing (and Bottle) Trends
Moreover, Pinot Noir continues to be the fastest-growing wine varietal (84 percent growth for the 12 months from 10/04 to 10/05).

Mission Accomplished
So I managed to talk a customer seeking American Pinot Noir into buying a Dolcetto, a Barbera, and a Pinot Nero.

California Wine Sales Soar in 2005

My precious little wine secret
In no small part this is a reflection of my preference for Pinot Noir and Syrah over Cabs and Merlot.

Getting Your Pinot Fix
It is becoming more and more difficult to keep track of the number of Pinot Noir Festivals that take place each year. While this year's batch of Pinot Producers has not been announced, based on last year's list it looks like this will be an opportunity to taste the wines of the State's best Pinot Noir producers.

Submit a Tasting Note and WIN Tasmanian Wine
A 3-pack of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling from a Tasmanian producer will be winging its way to you if your tasting note is chosen by the esteemed panel of judges (thats me).

Pinot envy, riesling lust and a ratings rant
My precious little wine secret

Because I was up to my ears in Ginjo Sake
"Fort Ross Vineyard Symposium Red Wine 2002 ($29.99) – This one contains 96 percent pinot noir, with the rest pinotage.

Allen Holstein's Chunk of Willamette
Most of the 450 some-odd acres he maintains are Pinot Noir and various clones of Chardonnay, both of which adore the cool climate and sun.

Let's Review (4/24-4/29)

Sixty-five Zins: my notes from ZAP
At least with Pinot Noir, you'll get some variation in style, terroir and extraction; but California Zin is all so big and bold, it gets hard to differentiate between them.

Holy cow! Oregon pinot noir breaks $200 barrier
Salem Statesman Journal,OR- Apr 20, 2006A $200 bottle of Oregon pinot noir? I picked myself up and read the press release again. Yup, $200 a bottle. A highly regarded winery ...