Four Graces Willamette Pinot Noir is a lovely example of Oregon Pinot. Not as brash and busty and those from California, the wine has full red and black fruit with subtle earthiness and silky tannins. Ten months in French oak adds to the complexity and balance.
A Napa Valley winemaker once told me that winemakers on Howell Mountain winemakers are “in their own world up there.” If that’s true, then Randy Dunn’s Howell Mountain Cabernets are out of this world. The 2002 is no exception. Big Chewy Fruit, Big Tannins and Big Oak without big alcohol are beautifully balanced into a wine that commands your attention and contemplation. Be patient, this big cab need some time to breathe for maximum pleasure.
Can Miles stop his life from sliding “Sideways” so that for once, he can stand “Vertical”?
Vertical, by Rex Pickett, takes place seven years after Sideways. Miles and Jack have had a complete reversal of fortunes. Miles’s bestselling book, Shameless, which is no doubt Sideways, became a hit movie while romanticizing Pinot Noir and bashing Merlot. His new found Hollywood and wine-world fame and riches has devolved Miles into a shameless caricature of his Shameless character. Jack is now a divorced parent, the result of his continued philandering. Continue reading »
Artesa could be our new go-to California Pinot. Rich flavors of dark cherry, currant, chocolate with a hint of tobacco leaf. Soft tannins added to the silkyness on the palate. Another Artesa wine that will impress your friends without breaking the bank.
A fantastic Chardonnay from our favorite Chardonnay AVA. 65% barrel fermentation adds structure and 50% secondary fermentation creates a lush creamy mouth-feel. Too elegant to be called a butter-bomb, Artesa has a wonderful balance of oak and butter (butterscotch). Tastes more like a $30 wine.
