The color was a dark purple that turns crimson at the rim. Soft nose of blueberry and cassis and a little must. The flavors are currant, cherry and vanilla. The finish is medium length with the tannins lingering after. This wine is not bad for the price and has no flaws but it does leave you looking for something. It’s easy to drink and enjoyable for a weekday dinner.
2006 DuMOL Pinot Noir Russian River Valley
May 22, 2008
The nose is a little muted at this point because of the wines youth. It does give off hints of honeysuckle, red berry and mineral. The berry and flower scents hang on through the palate and pick up just a touch of tannins on the finish that lingers. Another great effort from this producer.
2006 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard
May 21, 2008
Nice dark garnet color. The nose does not give much away at this point. Flavors of strawberry and red cherry. The wine is a little tight with some tannins lingering on the finish. This wine needs more time in the bottle to reach it’s full potential. There are other Pinot Nior’s in this price range ($46.00) that are better.
2005 Concha y Toro Cabernet Sauvignon Don Melchor
May 14, 2008
The color is a very deep purple that fades a little toward the rim. Because this wine is so young the nose is a bit closed right now but it does give some hints of black fruit and spice box. The flavors are a harmonious mix of currant, tobacco, and plumb. The finish is tannic now and full of cedar but will soften over time. Overall this wine is very complex, very well put together and may be the best Don Melchor ever. It needs additional bottle time so resist the temptation and lay this one down for at least a year. Exceptional!
2006 Columbia Crest Chardonnay Grand Estates
May 14, 2008
2005 Concha y Toro Merlot Marqués de Casa Concha
May 10, 2008
Very dark purple that looks very extracted. The nose it still a bit closed but hints of mocha and black fruit are there. Blueberry, black cherry and plumb are the most forward flavors. The fruit are wrapped in a smokey package that gives a hint of tar on the long finish. Another very good vintage for this consistent producer of affordable wines. From Chile.
The color of this wine is very dark purple. The nose gives aromas of red fruit and spice box. The flavor profile is forward but not out of balance and consists of cherry, currant, and plumb that turns a little spicy at the end. The tannins are well integrated and round. This wine is well put together and complex. It will only improve in the cellar for the next few years.
2004 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard
April 27, 2008
This is a very powerful wine. The nose is full of grilled meats and dark berry. On the palate the wine shows its youth and it a little on the hot side but the complex layers of dark fruit and smoky flavors show through. Also has a burst of cherry in the middle. The finish is long and with the fine grained tannins lingering. It will be interesting to see how this wine ages. At $85 it’s an indulgence for most. Alban specializes in Rhone varietals and it sources fruit mainly from the Edna Valley region of Californians Central Coast.
2004 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Starmont Napa Valley
April 26, 2008
The color of this wine is dark purple all the way to the rim. After about two hours in the decanter not much to speak of other than an aroma of wet newspaper. The palate delivers an almost muted seam of dusty red berries with a firm tannic structure. The fruit is not very forward at all. If you prefer a more old world expression of the grape this is more your wine. Medium bodied and good, but not special. Good value at 18 dollars.
2005 Di Majo Norante Sangiovese Terre degli Osci IGT
April 19, 2008
Dark ruby/garnet in color. The nose was faint hints of floral tones and barnyard. Flavors were weak with not much complexity. Strawberry was not most forward of the fruit. Basic but not unpleasant. For around seven dollars it’s not a bad deal but there others in the same range that are better.


