Domaine Zind Humbrecht
Alsace Gewürztraminer
Typical gardenia on the nose, intensely aromatic, even perfumey. Like eating green apples soaked in elderflower liqueur. — 8 years ago
Azienda Agricola Brovia
Valmaggione Nebbiolo d'Alba 2012
Not terribly complex, but very pleasant. Like a rose potpourri. Balanced acidity, drying tannins. — 8 years ago
Domaine Serene
Evenstad Reserve Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2013
Baked plum, anise, and earth predominate this standard bearer of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir. — 8 years ago
Littorai
Vin Gris Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Rosé 2016
Damn fine rosé. Pretty much the best out there. Juicy acidity, watermelon, strawberries, red flowers. Focused and to the point. — 8 years ago
Black Sheep Finds
Holus Bolus Blanc Santa Maria Valley Roussanne
Weighty richness on the palette with just the right amount of acidity. Quince and ripe red apple dominate with candied lemon zest, and a touch of wet stone minerality. — 8 years ago
Turley
Fredericks Vineyard Zinfandel 2014
Lighter extraction than your average Zin, and maintains a nice acidity while coming in hot at 15.8% ABV. Cranberry and stewed red fruits, finishing earthy with coffee and cassis. — 8 years ago
Château Magdelaine
St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2005
2005 vintage. 95% Merlot, 5% Cab Franc. Strongly tannic but well balanced with currant, blackberry, and violet. Impressively long finish of licorice and spice. — 8 years ago
Palmina
Honea Vineyard Nebbiolo
Soooo much better than the non-vineyard designate Nebbiolo from Palmina. Fresher fruit quality than your average Italian Nebbiolo, but maintaining strong concentration with abundant tannins and acidity. Best California Nebbiolo I've ever had (I've had two). — 8 years ago
Maranet
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2013
Maranet is the second label for Dumol, who flat out refused to allow me to book an appointment to taste at the winery--even though I noted that I work at a restaurant that sells their wines, and that I love and recommend them--which struck me as somewhat discourteous, BUT you can't argue with the wines themselves, which is why I've still lobbied to keep them on the list. It's a lush, round Pinot, silken in texture, brimming with blackberry jam, with a hint of cola and eucalyptus on the persistent finish. Tastes like they use less French oak on this than their first label, which makes sense. — 8 years ago
Tai Krueger
Lavender and vanilla on the nose referrals crushed raspberry and roses petals on the palette. Concentrated but well balanced. — 8 years ago