Gold/silver/copper in color. The nose has lemon and minerals with a bit of a metallic quality to it. On the palate, this has good acidity. Full bodied. Green apples especially on the finish. Slightly oily texture. This is a very nice, relatively inexpensive white Bordeaux that is drinking fine right now. I doubt it makes old bones, but that is fine. Food friendly as well.
This is an interesting wine from Spain. Made from the Palomino Fino grape that is used for Sherry. This is not fortified nor oxidized though. It is inexpensive and provide an interesting change of pace. Light copper gold in color. The nose has almonds and chalk with slight lemon notes. Those qualities continue thru to the palate. A bit bitter on the finish. This works better with salty foods than on its own.
Compared to the 2010 Verna's, this seems to be a bit more elegant with more depth. Both are great though. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, leather, grilled meats and white pepper. On the palate, this has lots of energy. Unwinds into layers in the glass of fruit and earth. Good acidity. Long finish. This will continue to improve for a while. If drinking now, give it some air.
This is an under $20 easy drinking wine from the south of France. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, some leather and slight violets. On the palate, this is medium bodied. Nice acidity. Works well with food. Nice black raspberry fruit. Not a lot of fruit nor complexity, but works nicely as a package. Drink sooner than later.
This is a big Chardonnay that is not for everyone. For those who like buttery, oaked Chardonnay, they will love this. Light golden in color. The nose has lemon curd, fresh cut lumber, butter and spice. On the palate, there are some searing oak tannins to deal with. Also some nice lemon fruit. Good acidity. This is probably not a great food match, but lots of people would love this on its own. For my tastes, the oak is a bit too pronounced. That said, a small glass was enjoyable.
This is an inexpensive white wine from New Zealand. A great choice for casual drinking at parties. Light gold in color. The nose has tropical fruits, gooseberry although not over the top. On the palate, this is slightly sweet. Still nice tropical fruit. Easy drinking on its own. Works with lighter foods.
Biased review as this is our own winery. I post this as guidance for anyone thinking of opening a bottle. Purple in color. The nose has boysenberries, grilled meat, black pepper, slight iodine. On the palate, this is still young. It needs air or cellar time. Medium tannins. Juicy boysenberry fruit. An underlying char. Good finish. Very food friendly but works on its own. Still should see some upside.
This is a nice, easy Pinot Gris. $20 is a fair price. Consumed over three nights, it was pretty much the same each night. Screw capped. Light golden/green in color. The nose has slight peach but mostly minerals. On the palate, there is a nice backbone of acidity. Slightly oily texture. minerals. Slight peach. Food friendly or on its own.
Mondeuse is a bit of a different grape typically found in the French Alps region of Jura. This is a version grown in the mountain sunshine of the Napa Valley of California which gives it a bit more ripeness while retaining the depth. At 9 years from vintage, this is still youthful but in a good drinking window. Purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, tart cherries, slight floral notes and lots of minerality. On the palate, this is more about tart cherries and minerality. With air, it gains weight but the profile is the same. No tannins to speak of. Good with food. Nice fin
Purple in color. The nose has cherries, black cherries, slight chocolate and cedar. On the palate, this is still not at peak but drinking very well. Layers of black cherries, cherries, earth and spice. Nice texture. Good finish. This is a nice value for top (not the very top) Bordeaux. Still some upside for this wine as well as it matures. Better with food. There is plenty of fruit though.
