Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog

Aug 272011
 
2010 Peter Lehmann Wines Layers Adelaide, White Wine, Australia, $16 (S) – Rating 87

A fun, fresh and slightly sweet “layered” blend of five grapes (Sémillon (37%), Muscat (20.5%), Gewürztraminer (19.5%), Pinot Gris (19%) and Chardonnay (4%) ) The flavors of  Sémillon and Muscat prevail with notes of citrus, peach, honeycomb and pear with hints of minerality creating a floral nose followed by a  creamy mouth-feel.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog

Aug 272011
 
2009 Sequana Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA $32 (S) – Rating 90

Rich and complex with deep silky flavors of red cherry, raspberry and spice with a touch of rich saddle leather. Well balanced fruit with supple tannins add to the depth, creating a Pinot Noir that stands beautifully on its own or as a compliment to your meal. Another excellent offering by winemaker James MacPhail.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog

Aug 272011
 
2009 Concannon Conservancy Chardonnay, Livermore Valley, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 89

An excellent value Chardonnay with full flavors of peach, red apple with hints of melon and lemon zest. Well balanced creaminess and acidity with oaky hints of vanilla and butter. While the wine shows gentle traits of oak aging, they are subtle enough to appeal to those who prefer stainless chardonnays. Check out this video from fourth generation winemaker John Concannon.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog

Aug 242011
 
2009 Charity Case Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA, $12 (S) – Rating 89

Charity Case Sauvignon Blanc is more lush and full-bodied than many Sauv. Blancs. A lovely round mouth-feel of creamy ripe pineapple, apricot, citrus and melon with hints of vanilla and soft oak. Looking for an alternative the grapefruity, grassy New Zealand style? Charity Case is a delicious choice, at an excellent price, that also supports Napa county charities serving children and families.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog

Aug 242011
 
2009 Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay, Carneros, CA, $31 – Rating 91

I’ll admit it, my guilty pleasure…butter and oak in a well-made Chardonnay. Rombauer has been the iconic standard bearer of this genre forever. Call it too big or overblown… I call it a delicious. The rich Carneros fruit produces well rounded flavors of tropical fruit, honeydew, ripe pear, peach and red apple that are enhanced by vanilla from toasty oak and decadent hints of creamy butter. A wine friend recently called Rombauer “Cougar Crack”… These cats obviously know a thing or two about good chardonnay! Rombauer Chardonnay paired wonderfully with grilled lemon-pepper chicken served with melons and berries topped with poppy seed dressing.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog