2009 Seven Hills Viognier, Talcott Vineyard, Columbia Valley, WA, $20 – Rating 85
A pleasant Viognier but a bit delicate and thin on flavor for my palate. A nice patio sipper on a hot afternoon.
Apr 122011
Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog
Apr 092011
2008 Sequana Sarmento Vineyards Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA, $32 (S) – Rating 92
Sequana Vineyards is a joint venture between Pinot genius James MacPhail (MacPhail Family Wines) and the Hess Collection. Hess let’s James do his Pinot thing and the result is a delicious full bodied Pinot Noir with complex flavors of black cherry, smokiness, spice and plum with even a hint of bacon. Get your lips around anything James MacPhail puts in a bottle.
Apr 092011
2007 Calistoga Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $20 – Rating 90
A really great Napa Cabernet value. Very rich flavors and gentle tannins make this Cab a real winner. Not terribly complex but a wine that is a pleasure to sip and enjoy. Pair this with a slow cooked, well spiced Texas Brisket (hold the sauce) and you’ll be a happy camper!
Apr 092011
2008 Newton Red Label Chardonnay, Sonoma & Napa County, CA, $20 – Rating 89
A very enjoyable “Go To” Chardonnay. Crisp and not overblown. Great patio sipper but still enough acidity and depth to pair well with seafood or a lightly seasoned pork/chicken.
Solaro Estate Tempranillo
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Apr 092011
2009 Solaro Estate Tempranillo, Single Vineyard, Unfiltered, Dripping Srings, TX, $38 – Rating 90
I tasted this wine shortly after it was bottled and again recently. It has aged into an excellent example to Texas Tempranillo. Good dark fruit flavors with supple tannins but gentle enough to be very food friendly. Tempranillo is a great red grape for Texas and Solaro Estate does it very well.
