90 + Very Good Wine

Jun 032012
 
2007 August Ridge Vineyards Ingenious, Estate Grown, Paso Robles, CA, $44 (S) – Rating 90

Aptly named, Ingenious is a red blend of 72% Nebbiolo, 19% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon with a nose of blackberry pie and hints of cinnamon. Rich on the palate,  flavors of blackberry, blueberry, ripe plum, cola, oaky vanilla and dark baking spices combine with supple tannins to create a very enjoyable and versatile wine. Buy This Wine

Jun 032012
 
2011 Carol Shelton Rendezvous Rosé, Dry Rose Wine, Cox Vineyard, North Coast, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 91

A fun and expressive rosé with a full nose of ripe strawberry and baking spice. The wine offers a deep rich ruby color. The blend of 70% Carignane and 30% field blend of mixed red grapes creates flavors of ripe strawberry, raspberry, bright cherry and watermelon with a touch toasty vanilla. I hope to rendezvous with the beautiful rosé again….all puns intended. Buy This Wine

May 162012
 
2009 Firesteed Riesling, Oregon, $15 (S) – Rating 90

A rich nose of lemon custard is followed by a palate full of ripe pineapple, citrus and minerality. Notes of lemon cream pie and bright acidity are balanced by a touch of residual sugar creating round mouth-feel. Paired beautifully with spicy Thai food.

May 162012
 
2009 Firesteed Pinot Gris, Oregon, $14 (S) – Rating 4.1

A very enjoyable Pinot Gris with a soft round mouth-feel and about as full-bodied as a Pinot Gris can be. A rich nose of Meyer lemon, melon and a hint of honeycomb. Flavors of citrus cream, cantaloupe, Meyer lemon and wet stone are complimented by mild yet present acidity and a note of sweetness.

May 012012
 
2009 Prix Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Moskowite Ranch, Block 53, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 90

Yummy…Prix by Hagafen Cellars, this Sauvignon Blanc opens with a nose of herbal citrus and notes of vanilla. Soft and round on the palate with flavors of Meyer lemon creme, orange zest and minerality with enough zippy acid to pair well with light and bright dishes.