Berry fruit

• November 2009

  A Bootful of Wine – Tasting Notes from Italy A visit to Terrabianca Terrabianca is a medium sized winery in the heart of the Chianti region, in Radda, located just north of Sienna. It is owned by a German, Roberto Guldener, who now lives in Chianti, and who has strong historical... Read moreA Bootful of Wine - Tasting Notes from Italy A visit to Terrabianca Terrabianca is a medium sized winery in the heart of the Chianti region, in Radda, located just north of Sienna. It is owned by a German, Roberto Guldener, who now lives in Chianti, and who has strong historical ties to Italy. He also lists himself as the viticulturalist. The winemaker is Vittorio Fiore, a well-known and highly skilled oenologist from the region. The company produces 350,000 bottles annually. The property consists of over 120 ha of land, comprising about 15 ha under vine and a significant olive tree plantation, at a level over 250m above sea level, in both Chianti, and Maremma, further south in Tuscany and closer to the ocean. Its name (Terrabianca) is derived from the whitish soils of the area in Chianti, due to the combination of sand, clay and chalk. My visit there was organized by a friend who knows the current marketing manager of the establishment. As we drove towards the property, we passed busloads of most likely British, German and American tourists visiting large establishments in the area. Francesco, my friend and point of entrée into the tasting, lamented that many of the larger wineries made lakes, if not oceans, of mediocre wine, assisted by the “Chianti” name, and feeding off the resurgence of interest in Italian wine. Viticulturally, grapes of moderate quality are turned into half decent wine by paid consultants, producing Chianti with an unexciting sameness. Our arrival at Terrabianca coincided with the final stages of a tasting involving a visiting Brazilian importer. After they had left the full range of wines that Terrabianca produce was open and at our disposal. Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot are the major grape varieties grown, with smaller amounts of Canaiolo, Malvasia and Trebbiano. We focused on reds at the tasting. 1      La Fonte 2007 This is a 100% Sangiovese wine with 6 months of oak, from vineyards further south in Tuscany, outside the Chianti region, in Maremma, Grossetto. My notes say “This has cherries and some savoury characters, good length and structure.” I can understand why this is their “house wine” - is a ripper. It has 13.5% alcohol, and I gave it 16.5 pts. 2      Scassino 2007 (Chianti Classico) 97% Sangiovese with 3% Canaiolo, this has spent 8 months in oak, it is the quintessence of Chianti Classico, with cherries and some plum flavours. At 13% alcohol, it seemed a bigger wine than the La Fonte, but still an ideal match for spicy food and even fish. 17 pts 3      Croce 2005 (Chianti Classico) DOCG Riserva With the same grape combination as the Scassino, this has spent 15 months in oak, making it more mellow and softer. It was, however, a darker and denser wine with a greater dose of dark/stewed fruit. 17.5 pts 4      Campaccio 2005 A blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Cabernet component was immediately evident, with capsicum and cassis notes, but with a lovely meaty, savoury undertow. It has had 12 months of oak treatment, and needs time to allow the wonderful acid and structure to integrate. I loved this wine, and so did Robert Parker a few years ago. 18 pts 5      Campaccio “Selezione”  Riserva 2004 With a higher Cabernet component (50%) and 24 months of oak treatment, this was a wonderfully deep and unctuous wine with chewy tannins and again that savoury edge. It struck me that Italians do with Sangiovese what we in Australia do with Shiraz - fill the Cabernet ‘doughnut’ with dark fruit while clinging to the structure that Cabernet Sauvignon offers, to create their Supertuscans. This has a long life ahead of it - 18.5 pts. 6      Cipresso 2005 We moved on to an interesting set of wines. The first was another 100% Sangiovese wine but not labeled as Chianti Classico and therefore not a DOCG, but an IGT wine. Savoury notes were evident as were the plum, cherry and berry flavours. This time, some liquorice and fennel added to the spiciness. The mouthfeel was wonderful, and belied the commonly held belief that extraction is difficult with Sangiovese. This too has a long life ahead of it - if waiting is possible. 18.7 pts 7      Il Tesoro (Merlot) 2005 This 100% Merlot was like few Australian Merlots I have tasted (barring perhaps the Three Hills Merlot from Happs). From their southerly and more maritime vineyards, the differences between day and nighttime temperatures have added to the acid and structure. The nougat and almond flavours probably derive from the oak treatment, and though not off putting, will further integrate with time. 18 pts. 8      Ceppate 2005 This is a Cabernet dominant wine (90%) with the rest being Merlot. This wine was closed and fruit flavours had to be coaxed out of it with heavy swirling and time. A classic Bordeaux style, with the addition of more perfume on the nose than I have been used to, this too demands time. 17.5 pts We completed the tasting by sampling the extra virgin olive oil produced by Terrabianca - a classic Tuscan style - strong and peppery, with hints of citrus - to light up any salad or loaf of bread you would choose to have with it. What did I learn from the tasting? Firstly, Sangiovese, with its many (13 clones) is a versatile variety, and in the right hands, extraction to produce complex and powerful red wine is possible. (Sangiovese is known by many names - it is the Morellino from Scansano, the Brunello from Montepulciano, and even the Sagrantino from neighbouring Montefalco in Umbria is thought to be related. Secondly, if I were an importer, this is the kind of producer I would deal with. Expert viticulture, modern winemaking facilities, great quality fruit, and every wine in the stable exceptional at its price point. What is the cost of the wine? Well, in Italy, unlike Australia, wine is cheaper at the cantina or winery. So the wines ranged from 10 Euro for the La Croce, to 36 Euro for the Campaccio Riserva and the Ceppate. What did I buy? A dozen each of the Cipresso and the Campaccio - at 20 Euro a bottle. Until next time, ciao! Brendan Jansen    (hide)

  From the article A Bootful of Wine - A Visit to Terrabianca

  
  

• October 2009

  Pairing Roast Turkey and Syrah By Forming a Flavor Bridge ... a meaty core of ripe berry fruit, with tones that range from herbal to peppery, in a package that tends to be medium bodied with good acidity and moderate tannins. With age the wines can gain lovely... Read more Pairing Roast Turkey and Syrah By Forming a Flavor Bridge ... a meaty core of ripe berry fruit, with tones that range from herbal to peppery, in a package that tends to be medium bodied with good acidity and moderate tannins. With age the wines can gain lovely leathery and black olive notes that make them a great match for savory and gamy dishes. Find more Syrah perfect for this dish Bacon Fat and Black Olives: Classic Syrah descriptors Find Ogier's La Rosine Priced from $27.99 Ogier’s La Rosine is a mini Cote Rotie, of sorts.  Though the grapes  come from vineyards that lay between Cote Rotie and Condrieu, this 100% Syrah wine shares many traits with Ogier’s Cote Rotie. In it’s youth it exhibits typical Northern Rhone Syrah notes of grilled meats, red plum fruits and floral tones. With age the fruit melds into the background and  reveals layers of spice, earth, leather, and of course bacon fat and black olives. Roasted Turkey and Root Vegetables with the Essense of Syrah By: Gregory Dal Piaz This is a simple, one dish meal that combines roasted root vegetables with Turkey thighs. It's a recipe that would work well with gamy meats like Duck and Wild Boar as well, since it is formulated to work particularly well with Syrah. If you are not serving Syrah, fear not. This recipe works well with almost any dry wine, white or red. I have used virtually the same recipe, substituting Chicken and Pinot Gris for the Turkey and Syrah, with great results. To download a printable PDF file of this recipe please follow this link. Roasted Turkey Thighs with Aromatic Root Vegetables. Ingredients 3 pounds of Turkey Thighs, about 4 pieces in my case 1 lb Parsnips, sliced on the bias into ½ inch coins1 lb Carrots, sliced on the bias into ½ coins1 lb Rutabaga, quartered and sliced into ½ inch slices10 garlic cloves, peeled 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons Fresh Thyme leaves 1 tablespoon Minced fresh Rosemary 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ lb thick sliced bacon, cut into ¼ inch strips 1 cup wine (I used Syrah) 24 Moroccan cured black olives, halved Technique Preheat oven to 475 °F with rack in middle. Blend together the olive oil, fresh herbs, salt and pepper. In a roasted pan toss the vegetables with the oil mixture and spread the vegetables out into an even layer. Layer the Turkey thighs, skin side up, over the vegetables. Put the roasting pan into the oven. After 20 minutes remove the pan and add the bacon to the vegetable mixture tossing to combine., and keeping the Turkey thighs skin side up on top. Replace the pan in the oven and reduce heat to 350 °F. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, then remove pan from oven and add the wine and the olives to the vegetable mixture, tossing thoroughly to combine. Return to the oven and bake an additional 20 to 25 minutes. Once the turkey thighs are cooked through (165 on an instant read thermometer) remove the pan and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Plate each Turkey thigh than add some of the vegetables as an accompaniment and drizzle the juices over the thigh to complete the plate.    (hide)

  From the article An Autumn dish of Turkey and Root Vegetables with Syrah

  
  

• October 2009

  Guys we did a small tasting this weekend and showed the 07 A-Mano Primitivo - ... hit - delicious!! Loads of berry fruit less spice than a zin, earthiness touch of vanilla complemented with pepper. Stunning !! http://shop.melangewines.com/2007-A-MANO-PRIMITIVO-ED2204.htm?categoryId=- Read moreGuys we did a small tasting this weekend and showed the 07 A-Mano Primitivo - ... hit - delicious!! Loads of berry fruit less spice than a zin, earthiness touch of vanilla complemented with pepper. Stunning !! http://shop.melangewines.com/2007-A-MANO-PRIMITIVO-ED2204.htm?categoryId=-    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Preferred Primitivo by neale1

  
  

• October 2009

  2007 Sauvignon Blanc – Buy online in $12 only. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the classic wines of Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France. California Sauvignon Blanc was first popularized by Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi Winery in the late 1960s. A crisp refreshing wine with hints of... Read more2007 Sauvignon Blanc - Buy online in $12 only. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the classic wines of Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France. California Sauvignon Blanc was first popularized by Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi Winery in the late 1960s. A crisp refreshing wine with hints of green apple and pear. Recommended pairings include seafood, shellfish, and light pastas. http://www2.ibgcheckout.com/ancientpeaks/catalog/view_product.jsp?product_id=1001&cat_id=1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 Merlot - Purchase online in $16 only. High-toned aromas of black cherry and blueberry with hints of cola. A smooth, silky texture brings flavors of black currant, blueberry, mocha, and vanilla cream. The finish is cool and velvety, with hints of blackberry and clove spice. "Youthful and juicy up front with cherry and licorice notes…finishing with red currant, spice, and roasted sage tannins..88pts" Wine Spectator. http://www2.ibgcheckout.com/ancientpeaks/catalog/view_product.jsp?product_id=1002&cat_id=1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon in $16 only. "This is the best value Cab in this price category that I've tasted in a long while.." Kathy Marcks Hardesty . Our 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon and other wines reflect our commitment to crafting fine wines from our estate Margarita Vineyard in the Paso Robles wine country. We endeavor to craft the best California wine possible from each vintage, showcasing the flavors of Margarita Vineyard and the larger excellence of Paso Robles wine. http://www2.ibgcheckout.com/ancientpeaks/catalog/view_product.jsp?product_id=1005&cat_id=1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 Syrah in $16 only. "Sleek and trim, this is medium-weight, with spice, mineral and ripe berry flavors that are long and lingering..87 pts" Wine Spectator . Warm plum and spice aromas with smoky-earthy nuances. The palate bursts forth with bright rounded flavors of black cherry, plum, cola, and mocha. The finish lingers with long fruit and supple tannins. http://www2.ibgcheckout.com/ancientpeaks/catalog/view_product.jsp?product_id=1003&cat_id=1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2007 Zinfandel in $16 only The 2007 Zinfandel opens with bright aromas of cherry, plum, and vanilla spice. Juicy flavors of raspberry, brambleberry, and black cherry unfold along a broad, seamless texture. Accents of black pepper add to a lively finish. http://www2.ibgcheckout.com/ancientpeaks/catalog/view_product.jsp?product_id=1010&cat_id=1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 Malbec in $35 only Margarita Vineyard offers excellent growing conditions for our 36 acres of Malbec. At under 100 cases, this wine is available only in our tasting room and online store. http://www2.ibgcheckout.com/ancientpeaks/catalog/view_product.jsp?product_id=1006&cat_id=1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 Petit Verdot in $35 only The 2006 Petit Verdot showcases Margarita Vineyard's ability to nuture the varietals signature color, racy flavors, and fresh natural acidity. At under 100 cases produced, this wine is only available in our tasting room and online store. http://www2.ibgcheckout.com/ancientpeaks/catalog/view_product.jsp?product_id=1007&cat_id=1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 Petite Sirah in $35 only The 2006 Petite Sirah is loaded with exotic aromas of blueberry, cigar box, anise, white pepper and pomegranate. Luscious flavors of blackberry, black cherry, vanilla bean and cinnamon spice unfold along a big, chewy texture. Dusty tannins add structure to a long, juicy finish. http://www2.ibgcheckout.com/ancientpeaks/catalog/view_product.jsp?product_id=1008&cat_id=1 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2006 Oyster Ridge in $35 only This limited edition cuvee was crafted to honor the dramatic soils and distintive qualaties of the Margarita vineyard. 326 cases produced. http://www2.ibgcheckout.com/ancientpeaks/catalog/view_product.jsp?product_id=1009&cat_id=1    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Best Quality Red Wine, White... by ancientpeak

  
  

• October 2009

  The Brilliance of Burlotto I recently had the chance to spend dinner with 4 ... of olives, flowers, red raspberry fruit and an undertone of dried strawberry. With air notes of tar and tobacco emerge and add complexity. In the mouth this is somewhat small scaled but with great focus... Read moreThe Brilliance of Burlotto I recently had the chance to spend dinner with 4 ... of olives, flowers, red raspberry fruit and an undertone of dried strawberry. With air notes of tar and tobacco emerge and add complexity. In the mouth this is somewhat small scaled but with great focus in a smooth, medium full bodies style with supple wild cherry fruit and light spice tones on the mid-palate that yield to notes of citron and strawberry on the finish. A very fine bottle at maturity with a balanced yet fleshy feel 91pts 1996 Burlotto Barolo Neirane The bright aromatic of this wine are full of heather, licorice, smoke, olive brine and menthol notes but the fruit is still a bit reticent. In the mouth one finds superbly fine-grained tannins that are powerful but balanced by notes of white clay, leather and incipient dark raspberry fruits. This offers beautiful precision but remains a bit tight and coy on the palate. I like where this is going though and the aromatics hint that we are almost there.. 92pts 1996 Burlotto Barolo Cannubi Simply wonderful aromatics that ranged from lilacs, to seared cherry, hot rocks, to roses, orange peel, earth and spice all around a core of sweet red fruit. In the mouth there is superb balance with succulent mineral notes and clear, if fairly rich and quite tannic, faceted fruit. The fruit grows in the glass revealing exceptional intensity and purity with significant upside potential. 93pts   1995 Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero Intense notes of incense and candlewax immediately emerge from the glass joined by dark, smoky, slightly jammy fruits with complicating notes of fish sauce, underbrush, tapenade, thyme and olive oil. In the mouth he tannins are delicate and light if abundant giving the wine a velvety texture. The rosehip and wild cherry fruit is framed by vitamin like mineral notes and a wonderful inner mouth perfume of roses and tapenade. Still youthful this is emerging from its shell and has a very promising future. 93pts.   Below are notes on wines I tasted with winemaker Fabio Alessandria  this past May. Many are just now arriving in the marketplace. 2008 Burlotto Pelaverga Aromatics are intense and deep with penetrating, minerally focus that carries over to the palate. Cranberry fruit on the palate is paired with the intense minerality giving this a downright steely quality but it does lack some of the intensity of the 2007. 86pts 2007 Burlotto Barbera d’Alba Huge, soaring aromatics are captured here with note of cold earth, pollen, wild animale notes and slightly spicy notes of black-fruited hard candy. In the mouth this is perfectly proportioned with deep, lively fruit a hint of round tannin and snappy acids. The finish is dominated by the acids but with excellent length and reverb. Super Barbera. 90pts 2007 Burlotto Freisa Lightly smoky on the nose with an exotic boysenberry coulis note that is countered by dark aromatic spice roots and a hint of leafy geranium. The mouthfeel is both transparent and mouthcoating with a hint of bitterness on the mid-palate. The tannins are pretty big but ripe enough that they already begin to melt away on the finish, which is tarry and spiced with floral tones that compliment the dark plummy red fruits. This is better on the nose at this point. 86pts 2007 Burlotto Nebbiolo Fresh and herbal on the nose with a sandy underlay and suggestions of briary wood and wildflowers adding detail. Huge acidity in the mouth is followed by a wave of fruit and perfectly ripe tannins. The midpalate is laced with minerality that adds cut and definition to the wild cherry and watermelon fruit that gains some pomegranate depth on the back end. This finishes strongly with excellent length and an almost salty, mineral finale. 90pts 2005 Burlotto Barolo Aclivi Balsamic on the nose with complex aromas of church candle, bay leaf, chalk and wild berry fruits. Nervous with fine-grained tannins in the mouth that frame slightly spice sweet red fruit notes. The feel is wonderfully fresh in the mouth and strikingly transparent though one could wish for a bit more richness to the fruit.  89pts 2005 Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero Leathery and slightly bretty on the nose with a deep gamy element that contrasts against the sweet dark fruits of the nose Notes of olive brine, mortadella and carnations emerge from the glass with air. Soft and suave in the mouth with a rich core of spiced fruit supported by great acids that keep this taut and tense. Great camphor tinged cherry fruit in the mouth conceals a bed of ripe tannins. A very well balanced 2005. 93pts 2005 Burlotto Barolo Cannubi Deep and dark on the nose with fruit, heather, dried grass and hints of grilled meats, cinnamon and green anise seed adding great detail. In the mouth this is very classic Barolo with clear acids and assertive if polished tannins supporting the slightly leathery, bright amarena cherry tinged fruit. Fine balance and great length but this is really a bit tight at this point 91pts 2006 Burlotto Barolo Aclivi A lovely nose of floral tones with savory hints of oregano, olive oil and sundried tomato. In the mouth his is sapid and round with soft tannins and sweet fruit on the palate with hints of fresh green herbs adding detail. The wine is still very tight but well balanced with strawberry fruits and fine, well proportioned structure.  88-90pts 2006 Burlotto Barolo Cannubi Wonderfully aromatic already with precise raspberry fruit framed by hints of campfire, saffron, baked clay and a slight underbrush tone. In the mouth thios is crystal clear with a lean yet very precise feel to the candied red raspberry flavors. The structure is very finely balanced and the tannins are perfectly ripe leading to a fine, long taut finish. An excellent wine in the making 91-94pts      (hide)

  From the article A dinner with the wines of Burlotto

  
  

• October 2009

  Man, this is such a hard question and I get it ALL THE TIME! I'd have to agree ... I LOVE LOVE LOVE the earthy berry fruit on Oregon pinots, the musty oak aromas, the silky tongue texture, thoughts of strawberry jam and raspberries off the farm and how cozy it makes me feel any time... Read moreMan, this is such a hard question and I get it ALL THE TIME! I'd have to agree ... I LOVE LOVE LOVE the earthy berry fruit on Oregon pinots, the musty oak aromas, the silky tongue texture, thoughts of strawberry jam and raspberries off the farm and how cozy it makes me feel any time of year!    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Your favorite wine? by Natalie Kronick

  
  

• September 2009

  Felton Road reaches new heights with their latest releases ... cherry and dried raspberry fruit against delicate notes of stem, moss, dried floral tones and a whisper of cinnamony spice. Rich and soft in the mouth, bordering on lush, but again with great balance.... Read more Felton Road reaches new heights with their latest releases ... cherry and dried raspberry fruit against delicate notes of stem, moss, dried floral tones and a whisper of cinnamony spice. Rich and soft in the mouth, bordering on lush, but again with great balance. The fruit is a touch dark, veering off towards black cherry, but the soil, mineral and woodsy tones keep this fresh and offer good complexity and length. Other Felton Road wines recently tasted and due in the market soon. Felton Road Central Otago Block 2 Chardonnay 2007 Tight on the nose with notes of seashells and dusty white flowers edged with smoky nuances of butterscotch and herb. Taut in the mouth as well with good volume yet very restrained, focused flavors of green fruits. The finish is huge and really shows the richness of the wine and the fine mineral notes that offer contrast to the slow to open core of orchard fruits. Give this another few months in the bottle. 92pts Felton Road Pinot Noir Central Otago 2008 Lightly smoky and earthy on the nose with watermelon and spicy cherry fruit that has a light candied cranberry tone. Fairly lightly bodied though juicy and transparent in the mouth with spicy mineral tones giving the wine an almost salty tinge that adds to the subtle stemmy and floral complexity of the wine. 92pts Felton Road Pinot Noir Cornish Point 2008 Smoky and autumnal on the nose with a touch of green spice and moist soil tones. Very richly fruited in the mouth with fine grained tannins and balanced acids framing the sweet, dark cherry fruit. Herbal and forest floor notes emerge with some air as well as hints of juniper and an earthy vein that leads to the crisp finish. Rather round in the mouth and decidedly fruity but transparent. 92pts Felton Road Pinot Noir Block 3 2008 This smells rich and dense and sacrifices some of the transparency of the other Felton Road Pinots for that extra bit of richness. There are hints of cola and juniper on the nose with a touch of licorice accenting the plummy, dark berry fruits. The texture is soft and voluptuous with a nice spicy accent on the backend leading to rich finish with good sweet/sour tension and an earthy finale. 91pts Each of these wines was bottled under screwcap in an effort to help preserve the freshness of the wines. Don't allow that to sway your view of these wines. They are world class wines and few producers are able to offer a range of wines that perform at this high level. I was impressed by the wines freshness, depth and balance and hope you will be as well. To read more about Felton Road click here.    (hide)

  From the article The view from Felton Road

  
  

• September 2009

  From the article Mature California Cabernet 9/2009

  
  

• September 2009

  Wine Guerrilla: Defender of Old Vine Zinfandel Wine ... in the mouth, bright wild berry fruits are nicely red and have that slight vegetal/floral edge adding complexity and snap to the cranberry fruit on the backend that leads to a refreshing, transparent finish.... Read more Wine Guerrilla: Defender of Old Vine Zinfandel Wine ... in the mouth, bright wild berry fruits are nicely red and have that slight vegetal/floral edge adding complexity and snap to the cranberry fruit on the backend that leads to a refreshing, transparent finish. This is delicious. The Dry Creek Valley is Famous for Zinfandel One of the greatest sources for old vine Zinfandel in California,  Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel is famous for its distinct black fruits and gentle spice tones. 2007 Goat Trek Vineyards Block 6 Dry Creek Valley Zinfadnel 15.5% $25.00 Almost seamless with the acid and tannins just poking through the tobacco tinged black plum and blackberry toned fruit. There’s a nice richness to the wine with it’s slightly chewy texture and a slightly creamy, mocha tinged quality on the back end that leads to a dark, muscular feeling finish. The Russian River Valley, not just great Pinot With it's extended growing season, the Russian river valley is well known for rich, plush boysenberry fruited Zinfandels. A dollop of Petite Sirah can add some spice and structure helping to support all of that fruit. 2007 Forchini Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel 15.4% $35.00 Bright and chewy in the mouth with a slinky, silky feel. Lovely balance and texture to this wine with an earthy core of boysenberry and wild blackberry fruit that leads to a spicy, earthy, slightly licorice tinged finish that features a return of the sweet/sour elements of the fruit, yet with a peppery finale. Other Wine Guerrilla wines that I recently reviewed. Forchini Vineyards 'Old Vine' Dry Creek Valley 2007 Deep, earthy, brownie, a touch malty with dusty earth and rosebush accents to the liquory, orange oil accented raspberry fruit. There’s even a small floral element at play here. Seamless, a touch soft perhaps but this really has a bit of elegance in the mouth with those same orange oil and floral nuances contributing some depth to the black raspberry fruit in the mouth. Really hold its alcohol well though the finish is a bit short. 89pts Wine Guerilla Two Vineyards Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel 2006 Red fruit, tar and licorice on the nose, with an underlying sweet raspberry tone and nice earthy spiciness are well balanced. Soft tannins and good acidity in a relatively medium weight frame help support nice wild raspberry and wild cherry fruit. This is definitely red fruited and quite fresh in the mouth if a touch simple though the fruit and spice follow through well on the decent length finish that offers up a touch of candied apple. 87pts These are wines that are intended to be enjoyed and shared among friends. All of the wines are finished in screwtops, insuring easy access to the juice in the bottle, whether at home or away The labels are sure to catch the eye, which might be a story in and of itself. In fact they were. There were news storied written about the labels before the wines had even been released!    (hide)

  From the article Wine Guerrilla

  
  

• September 2009

  My wife and I stopped at Monticello during our week-long trip to Napa this ... , with a little spice and berry fruits. Good tannic finish. Corley Proprietor's Red (CF 58%, with Merlot and CS) Inky port-like nose, sweet flavors. blackberries, tar-like, tannic finish. Noticeably... Read moreMy wife and I stopped at Monticello during our week-long trip to Napa this ... , with a little spice and berry fruits. Good tannic finish. Corley Proprietor's Red (CF 58%, with Merlot and CS) Inky port-like nose, sweet flavors. blackberries, tar-like, tannic finish. Noticeably lacking the ripe olives of many CF. These seem to be well made wines with rather subdued fruit made in a very soft style. I prefer wines with a little more acid and maybe a little more fruit. They do not seem to have the excessive oak and vanilla so prevalent in CA Chardonnays, but still not my preferred style. These are probably good with a lot of foods. I did not buy any as they didn't knock my socks off, and there were so many wines we tried, most of them new to us.    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Puzzled at the responce? by schellbe

  
  

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