Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog

May 012012
 
2009 Raptor Ridge Winery – Meredith Mitchell Vineyard Pinot Noir, McMinnville, Oregon, $38 (S) – Rating 89

Garnet colored, this Pinot from Raptor Ridge offers a rich nose of cherry with leather undertones. Medium-bodied with a palate of cherry, plum and light spice. Soft to the mouth with good acidity and supple tannins but a short finish. Opens over time. All in all – pretty darn nice

May 012012
 
2011 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier, California, $14 (S) – Rating 90

Each year a favorite go-to summer sipper at a great price. 79% Chenin Blanc provides crisp acidity while 21% Viognier adds structure and depth. Opens with a nose of lemon creme pie combined with flavors of pineapple, tropicals, Meyer lemon, stone fruit, light spice, floral herbal notes and a hint of flintiness with a touch of sweetness. Try with spicy Thai food.

May 012012
 
2011 Pedroncelli Winery Sauvignon Blanc, East Side Vineyards, Sonoma County, CA, $13 (S) – Rating 88

Pull up a chair on the sun drenched patio for this Pedroncelli Winery Sauv. Blanc. A bright citrusy nose of lemon-lime. Soft in the mouth offering flavors of tangy lemon, honeysuckle, tropicals and Meyer lemon combined with a little minerality and zippy acidity. Should pair well with lighter summer fare.

May 012012
 
2009 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, CA, $44 (S) – Rating 92

A rich, intense and complex Pinot that will grab your attention. The nose is full of plum and cinnamon with notes of tobacco box. The palate is rewarded with round flavors of plum, raspberry, dark cherry, cooking spice, cinnamon, nutmeg with hints of oaky vanilla and underpinned by balanced acidity and soft tannins.