Merry Edwards
Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2009
This review is for the 2009 Merry Edwards RRV Sauvignon Blanc -- Light golden yellow (straw) color that is a bit darker than most Sauvignon Blancs. The nose gives aromas of light floral, lemon grass, honeysuckle, and a light background sweetness (that almost resembles a yellow cake batter, but this faded as the wine opened). Flavors contain herbal, lemon, grapefruit, and mineral notes. There is good weight from an oily consistency that also adds complexity. The wine drank pretty consistently over three days when stored in the refrigerator with a VacuVin. Way to go Merry, another nice wine. — 10 years ago
Hirsch Vineyards
San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir 2007
2007 Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir -- Red with slight orange hue. This is a bit lighter in color than expected based on previous Hirsch vintages.
Aromas of dark cherry and red fruits, blood orange, spice, and cedar.
Flavors of dark cherry and dark strawberry (definitely red fruits), light tannin (lighter than the average Hirsch), oak, and spice box. Great balance and moderate length on the finish.
Drinking great right now. Beautiful wine!! But when has Hirsch disappointed? Never. — 10 years ago
Delas Frères
Marquise de la Tourette Hermitage Marsanne Roussanne 2009
2009 Delas Freres Marquise de la Tourette Hermitage Blanc ( 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne)
Golden yellow color is pleasing. The nose is full of lemon, apple, pear, white peach, and apricot with some very mild spice, and perhaps some very light dried green herbs.
The palate is rather full and round with decent depth...with lemon, pear, white peach, and a floral component. The palate finishes with a light oily consistency , some light smoky minerality, and light mouth coating dryness/tannin. Decent length.
— 9 years ago
Marimar Estate (Marimar Torres)
Mas Cavalls Doña Margarita Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007
This review is for the 2007 Marimar Estate Dona Margarita Vineyard Mas Cavalls Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Medium to dark garnet in color. Nice nose of dark cherry, spice, and earth.
Good flavors of black cherry, spice, and forest floor. Complex, well integrated flavors; very steady and persistent across the pallet, without being overpowering. Good body and smooth integrated tannins. Paired well with Sockeye Salmon with Cherry Vidalia Chipotle marmalade and sautéed Dinosaur Kale with Crispy Bacon. Drank well for three days. This wine is in its prime.
— 10 years ago
Mer Soleil
Silver Unoaked Santa Lucia Highlands Monterey Co. Chardonnay 2009
2009 Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay --- this wine never sees any wood as it is fermented and aged in cement vessels. Light straw yellow color.
Aromas of lemon, grapefruit, tropical fruits, pear, honey and light floral. Flavors of lemon, white peach, pear, and a light Creme brûlée sweetness. Paired really nicely with Atlantic salmon and asparagus risotto. — 10 years ago
Dehlinger Winery
Reserve Estate Bottled Pinot Noir 2006
Cherry red garnet color. Beautiful aromas of cherry pie, strawberry, rhubarb, vanilla cinnamon, and sandal wood.
The palate follows the nose to some extent but is predominantly cherry and spice. The tannins are light and smooth but quite prevalent. The fruit is not as forward as it once was. I am left wanting more. It is still a very nice wine but I am sure it was better two to three years ago. I love Dehlinger Pinots but wish I would have opened this a few years ago with sockeye or Thanksgiving dinner to enjoy it at its peak. — 10 years ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
Compagni Portis Vineyard Heirloom White Blend 2010
Bedrock 2010 Compagni Portis Vineyard Heirloom Sonoma Valley White Wine
Clear medium straw yellow color. Nose of floral, apple, lemon, and stone. Super crisp palate filled with lemon, lemon, and more lemon. Lemon meringue, lemon zest, Meyer lemon, grapefruit, green melon, and very forward sweet floral citrus zest. There is also a mild oily consistency and mouth feel. This is a great unique wine. I wish I had more. Way to go Morgan ! — 9 years ago
Dehlinger Winery
Estate Bottled Goldridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007
Dehlinger 2007 Goldridge Vineyard 33 year old vines RRV Pinot Noir
There is a "lightness" that defines everything about this wine; nothing concentrated or over-extracted, and the acidity provides a lively freshness.
It has a lighter garnet color with a faint tinge of orange. The nose mimics the palate. This epitomizes typical Russian River Valley fruit in experienced hands. A hint of strawberry compliments luscious cherry and cherry vanilla, supported by a light minerality, pencil shavings and forest. Extra smooth with everything in balance. This is a beautiful wine. It paired very nicely with traditional Midwestern Thanksgiving dinner, and might be even better with a simply prepared sockeye salmon. — 9 years ago
Chappellet
Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2001
2001 Chappellet Pritchard Hill Estate Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (86%), Petit Verdot (9%), Merlot (5%) --- Medium dark red color. The nose is full of fresh cassis, oak, with a hint of eucalyptus in the background; really sings Napa valley.
Flavors of cassis and dark fruits, vanilla, oak, and hints of tobacco. A very well-balanced wine. Still has pleasant fruit for its age. The smooth tannins help provide good structure. A really nice wine. If you like good fruit in your wine, now is the time to drink before it loses any more. — 10 years ago
Kenneth Dembny
2008 Betz La Serenne Syrah
Deep dark purple color that is quite opaque.
Nose is reasonably complex and filled with blackberries and a hint of sweet dark cherry, layered with smoke, cured meat, leather, a trace of tar, anise, licorice, vanilla, and oak.
Flavors of dense black berry, fairly strong pepper, stone, and otherwise follows the nose. Upon opening the palate is not as open and complex as the nose, but given some air it opens nicely and rather quickly. It ends with mild-plus mouth coating tannins and moderate length. Always a lovely wine. — 9 years ago