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chapspot's Review:

Ideal summer quaff. Vinfied dry but lovely fruit/acid balance. Unpretentious and priced fairly. One glass is not enough.

chapspot's Review:

Wonderfully made at a fair price. All the things we like about Aussie Shiraz: fruit, heft, extract. Had at dinner with charcoal roasted lamb chop/beef mixed grill. Companion wine was Shingleback 2004 McLaren Vale Shiraz which we four slightly preferred.

chapspot's Review:

Tempranillos need time. This hefty fellow is still a bit prickly with acid. Advice to decant and wait a day is exact. Works with rib steak or cream cheeses. Beautiful color and legs. Plan is to try to live longer that it does. Will rate higher in a few years.

chapspot's Review:

Chandon did well with this "sur lie" bottling. Dry, fruity, satisfying. Grapes from ours were from the 2001 harvest (opened 2009). American buyers may have been mystified by the crown "bottle-cap" seal (in lieu of cork). The label was dark and difficult to read. It was a slow mover - - we got 5 bottles posted off at $17.88 each.

chapspot's Review:

All brut roses should be so wondrous. This house delivers a consistent NV winner year after year. Perfect fruit/acid balance. Persistent fine bubbles. Integrated. Harmonious. Joyful juice.

chapspot's Review:

Very pleasant. Holding back release has helped. Integrated and balanced - - French would say, "harmonious". Works with meat dishes and cheese. With such nice fruit, acid, tannin balance, should age for a couple years.

chapspot's Review:

Fruit comes at you with tannic backbone. Another year or two in the cellar will smooth it out. Good with big food now but should only improve. Aging will rate this lovely effort higher.

chapspot's Review:

Although the note here says drink now, our wine gathering thought Fete 2005 would benefit from more ageing. Tried after 2006 Zinfandels from Navarro and Dutton-Goldfield. A Claret combo that tasted of Cabernet and Merlot - - the label gives nothing more than 14.5% alcohol, Columbia Valley grapes from 2005. We wine freaks would have appreciated knowing the grape varieties. Whatever is in the bottle is pleasing and should only get better.

chapspot's Review:

Tannic. pH and alcohol seem high for long term cellaring but should be better in 2011. Patience required. Interesting blend of grapes. Fred Cline has rolled back prices - - suggested list now $20. Sold in carton of 6 - - bottle bottom resembles Doric column. Should work well with steak, cheese or chocolate.

chapspot's Review:

(Then Concannon) Wine Maker Tom Lane described the 1996 as "brutish" on release. It is finally coming around and is rewarding patience. The 99 may be more forward and accessible but this is one of their finer efforts.