Belle Glos
Dairyman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2012
Earthy allspice/cumin on the nose. Bright, tart red cherry, rounded by spice, giving way to cedar smoke. Mezzaluna, Fargo, 12/26/13 with coq au vin & maple glazed salmon. — 11 years ago
Ridge Vineyards
East Bench Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2011
Cherry pie on the nose with a little spice, but tastes like blueberry pie (more purple/blue fruit). Good tartness for a fruity wine, with soft edges. Really good: jam and spice in right proportions, not Jam & Spice all the way down like some Zins.
9/22/13: with tri-tip grilled at home on Sunday pm — 11 years ago
Bodegas Numanthia
Numanthia Toro Tempranillo 2009
Raspberry and eucalyptus nose; big flavor--raspberry, cherry and eucalyptus/herbal edge. Velvety with a good, not-too-strong tannin finish. Really long finish. Really good. — 10 years ago
Rutherford Grove
Estate Pestoni Family Sangiovese 2011
Smoky wood, sweet vanilla, and cherry nose. Tasty, round cherry flavor with clove and pepper. Medium body, lush, delicious. — 11 years ago
Jacob Franklin
Chavez-Leeds Vineyard Petite Sirah
Really good. Cherries and cola on the nose. Really balanced: enough acidity to cut through stuff tannins. Soft cherry and vanilla fruit; a little cedar; richly flavored. — 11 years ago
Dumas
Oakville Cuvée Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Soft, round and rich. Tart red fruit with pepper. (Hal's blend from Porthos) "Totally mellow."-JD — 11 years ago
Department 66
D 66 Côtes Catalanes Grenache Blend
Slightly overripe red sweet cherry, vanilla, a kick of pepper and eucalyptus. — 11 years ago
Tamber Bey
Rabicano Deux Chevaux Vineyard Petit Verdot Blend 2010
Bright, peppery citrus rind smell. Jon says cotton candy and citrus. Savory/umami taste, with dark red fruit and sturdy tannin. — 11 years ago
Sarah Dahl
Really tasty and balanced: rich, with fruit and spice and a long tasty finish. — 10 years ago