2017 Bonterra Dry Muscat, USA, California, Lake County, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

This is made from organically grown grapes.  Very pale, silvery coppery gold in color.  The nose has a great orange peel quality.  Kind of like the spray that happens when one peels and orange.  Slightly viscous in texture.  It has a perception of sweetness but the wine is dry.  On the palate, this is very good.  Mild fruit, sort of like a tart strawberry.  The mid-palate returns to citrus with a tart (in a good way) grapefruit on the finish.  Good acidity, this worked quite well with summer foods.  Surprisingly more complex than it seems at first.  Refreshing.  This turned out to be a crow

2007 Clos des Brusquières Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2007
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

This is really in a nice place right now.  Mature but enough fresh fruit to keep it edgy.  Ruby in color, purple at the core.  The nose has opened up on this showing black cherries, cherries, and plums along with spice and slight dried floral notes.  On the palate, there is plenty of vibrant black cherry fruit.  Deep with layers that open up quickly.  Good acidity.  Nice balance.  No hurry but I think a few more years and it starts moving the other direction.  Works well with a wide variety of foods.  A great example of why cellaring top wines in ripe vintages might be a good strategy.  

2014 Bedrock Wine Co. Zinfandel Monte Rosso Vineyard, USA, California, Sonoma, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

This is one of the classic vineyards in California.  A whole host of wineries use this to make some very fine Zinfandels.  Carlisle's version tends to be middle of the road.  Interestingly, it also tends to be a pretty straightforward Zin the Carlisle lineup.  Of course, that is not a bad thing.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has black raspberries, black cherries, spice and a bit of anise.  Those qualities carry thru to the palate.  This is on the bigger side but far short of many and certainly not jammy.  A nice depth to it.  If you like more of a claret style, these have sho

2005 Jaffurs Syrah Upslope, USA, California, Santa Barbara, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2005
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

This is a special blend made from the best barrels of Jaffur's Thompson, Verna's and Bien Nacido Vineyards.  Deep purple in color.  The nose is very nice.  Black raspberries, grilled meat with a bit of burnt crust, and white pepper.  On the palate, this is seriously ripe.  It will not be for everyone.  Not so much powerful (although it is) bit ripe/sweet.  It took some time to get used to and then it was wonderful.  Sweet and jammy black raspberry fruit.  There is some depth here.  Still drinking quite young.  Nice finish.  This makes a great drink on the back deck but may prove to be a mor

2009 Saxum Syrah Booker Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
97
Grade: 
A+

Having had the 2006 just a few days prior to this, it was surprising how much younger and tighter this was.  It does seem like there was a bit of a style shift starting in 2007 and rather than the wines really opening up at age 5, it is now closer to 10.  This one took a few hours to really open and then was singing if still on the youthful side.  Inky purple in color.

2016 Sandlands Chenin Blanc Amador County, USA, California, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

Light golden in color.  The nose has minerals, oranges, slight apricot.  On the palate, this has a really interesting texture.  Dry but some heaviness to it.  Minerals and orange peel.  Enough if not great acidity, it drinks better with some food.  Actually would work with a wide range of foods.  Good finish.  Well priced at around $25.  Certainly one of the better and more interesting expressions of California Chenin Blanc.  

2016 Becklyn Cellars Sauvignon Blanc McGah Vineyard, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

Perfect on a hot day.  Light golden in color.  The nose is great.  Fresh with slight tropical fruit, melons, a bit of grass and minerals.  Really clean.  On the palate, the melons and minerals carry thru.  Also a tart note that is interesting.  Nice texture.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  Food friendly.  This is the kind of wine that is (too) easy to drink an entire bottle of.  Refreshing but also with some depth.  Fairly priced at $35.  

2009 Envy Wines Late Harvest, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

Golden/green in color.  The nose has honey and slight apricots.  Thick and viscous.  Slightly cloying.  Not a lot of acidity. This is a solid dessert wine, but it really was much more impressive with an assortment of cheeses.  A stinky blue worked quite well.  12% Alcohol.  A nice finish to a meal.  This is in a great place but should last for a long time. 

2006 Saxum Syrah Booker Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2006
Score: 
96
Grade: 
A

Great showing for this wine and in a great place.  Probably not yet at peak though.  Who says these wines won't age?  Inky purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, roasted meats, slight roasted herbs and char.  Not a super ripe wine, but certainly plenty of bold black raspberry fruit on the palate.  Deep and complex.  Tightly layered, it unwinds in the glass.  Fruit, char and grilled herbs.  Smooth.  Long finish.  Plenty of alcohol, the label lists 16.6%, but no heat.  It is noticeable in the lush texture and of course, standing up.  Just a gorgeous wine.  Not sure that this will g

2004 Fernando Remírez de Ganuza Rioja, Spain, Rioja, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2004
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

Great showing for this bottle.  Purple in color.  The nose is dusty with dark cherries and tobacco.  On the palate, black cherries and the tobacco continues thru.  Good balance.  Some tannins left.  Nice finish.  Blind I would have guessed right bank Bordeaux.  Still youthful, but not a baby.  Probably needs another five years until peak.  Nice complexity as it unwinds in the glass.  Great with some hearty food.  Maybe a point or tow of upside still.  

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