Windy Oaks “Terra Narro”
Windy Oaks EstateSanta Cruz Mountains "Terra Narro" Pinot Noir2007 We love Windy Oaks. They make our favorite American Pinot, and we're even wine club…
California
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc – Viognier: Before and After
Pine RidgeChenin Blanc – Viognier2008 This wine is 81% Chenin Blanc, 19% Viognier. It's nearly colorless, with a lightly floral, almost peachy nose. At…
Treana: The Essence of Wine
When I was a kid, I knew what wine tasted like. I knew because I'd read the Narnia books, and The Hobbit, and The…
The First of the Whites
Ferrari-CaranoFumé Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc)2007 On this late March afternoon, it's sunny and 43º outside, sunny and 72º inside. As an aperitif, we open a…
Acorn Zin on a Friday Night
Acorn Alegría Vineyards Zinfandel "Heritage Vines"2005 This wine is deep ruby, with a very interesting nose. It starts light, like blueberry, or maybe just…
Bogleman
BoglePhantom2005 In Phantom, Bogle creates a monster. A blend of Petite Sirah, old vine Zinfandel, and old vine Mourvedre, this inky red packs a…
A Dark Wine for a November Night
Clay StationPetite Sirah Lodi2005 This inky, full-bodied Sirah has a surprisingly cedary, herbal nose, while the palate offers lots of chocolate and dark fruits,…
A Really Lush Zin
SeghesioSonoma County Zinfandel2006 Take small sips: this Zin is incredibly concentrated, lavish, and unrestrained. The nose bursts with the brightness of cherries, but is…
Halter Ranch “Ranch Cab,” Paso Robles
Halter Ranch VineyardsRanch Cab Paso Robles2004 Purple and highly extracted, this wine had lots of stuffing when we bought it in the spring, so…
Lyeth Meritage: Better the Next Day
LyethMeritage Sonoma County2005 This Bordeaux-style Californian is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 9% Malbec, and 2% Cabernet Franc. When we opened…
Summer in a Glass
Ferrari-CaranoFumé Blanc Sonoma County2007 This Fumé Blanc is at the low end of Ferrari-Carano's line, but that's still saying a lot. We've had some…
Flinty and Austere
Sterling VineyardsNapa County Sauvignon Blanc2006 Clean, dry, and serious, this Sauvignon Blanc from the reputable Sterling winery strikes us as intriguing if a bit…