Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog

Feb 182012
 
2009 MacPhail Family Wines Wightman House Vineyard Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 93

A rich and somewhat unique Pinot, still in the winning James MacPhail style. Flavors of ripe dark cherry, plum, toasty oak vanilla and plenty of spice with very well integrated tannins adding complexity. Definitely a big-boy Pinot and a real joy to drink.

Feb 182012
 
NV J Brut Rose, Russian River Valley Sparkling Wine, CA $32 (S) – Rating 90

A full-bodied pinkish colored dry Pinot sparkler. Delicious flavors of juicy strawberry, ripe raspberry, citrus with hints of rhubarb and blood orange. A touch of toasty yeast and honey notes add to the complexity. Don’t wait for a celebration to pour this lovely. Paired beautifully with salmon, grilled rare .

Feb 182012
 
2010 Francis Coppola Sofia Rosé , Monterrey County, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 90

A beautiful dry Rosé of 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache. Flavors of strawberry, raspberry, bright cherry and spice with a hint of rhubarb. We paired with grilled salmon and strawberry laced salad  for a delicious meal . Can’t wait to sip and share on the patio during a warm summer afternoon.

Feb 182012
 
2010 Passaggio Chardonnay, New Generation, Unoaked, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 90

Clean, crisp without a hint of oak. Winemaker Cindy Cosco’s Passaggio Chardonnay is pure chard with lean flavors of Meyer lemon, pineapple, minerality and citrus. The zippy acid component makes it great foodie wine. Pair with white sauces and seafood. We paired it with herb roasted chicken… yummy!

Feb 172012
 
2009 Masut Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir. Mendocino, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

Third generation winemakers Ben and Jake Fetzer’s inaugural effort under the Masut Vineyard label is a winner!  Long on finesse and bright fruit with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, ripe cranberry, spice with hints of oaky vanilla. All estate fruit from a 23-acre vineyard, only 800 cases. Ranked #50 on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 list for 2011.