PINS DES DUNES Rosé, BORDEAUX 2015

Summer Reviews, Wine Reviews
The wine is one-third Cabernet, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. I tried this new vintage with Bear Dalton when we tasted through the 2015 vintage in Bordeaux. We were astounded at the pleasure this wine gave us all! I am an avid fan of dry Rosé and this wine is guaranteed to be at my table on a regular basis during the summer. Flavors of bubblegum dust, strawberry and juicy fruit sing through the palate with a core of medium, plus acidity on the backbone. The mid-palate offers hints of crushed ro... Read More

CASTELLARGO ALBUS WHITE BLEND

Summer Reviews, Wine Reviews
In an area best known for Pinot Grigio, Castellargo is producing one of the best quality white blends in the region without the use of its most popular grape. Albus is a blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Friulano that is not aged in oak to preserve the freshness and acidity. This wine is refreshingly juicy from the first sip. Exotic flavors of elderflower, guava and lychee zing into medium-plus acidity. Notes of honeysuckle and jasmine quaff through the mid-palate with a backbone of we... Read More
Roblet Monnot St. Francois Volnay 2011

Roblet-Monnot St. Francois Pinot Noir, Volnay 2011

Wine Reviews
The St. Francois is blended from several vineyards with some coming from the premier cru sites of Robardelle and Mitans. I tried this particular wine early this year and it inspired me to expand my Burgundy portfolio tenfold. It was THAT GOOD! Monnot’s 100% Pinot Noir is destemmed prior to fermentation and aged for 24 months in French oak. Vibrant flavors of ripe red cherries and cranberry flow through soft, silky tannins and vivacious acids. The mid-palate offers a core of creamy vanilla bean... Read More
Ampelos Pinot Noir

Ampelos Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills 2013

Wine Reviews
One of my favorite California producers for many years, Ampelos is about as “green” as they come, which puts them in the upper echelon of quality wines and a quiet gem to be sought out. The grapes were hand harvested and allowed to start a natural fermentation. The wine is unfined, unfiltered and 100% Pinot Noir. Flavors of dark cherries and raspberry sing into a rich cola and brown molasses core. Notes of wild red berries meld with medium acids and minimal tannins. The finish offers hints o... Read More