Red Wine

Oct 042011
 
2006 S. C. Pannell Shiraz Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia, $40 (S) – Rating 91

This beautiful blend of 55% Shiraz and 45% Granache, available from WineChateau.com , is a rich mouth-full of dark berries, black cherry and blackberry enhanced with pepper and spicebox with wisps of gentle smoke. The supple tannins add backbone without bite.

Sep 052011
 
2009 St Rose 777 Pinot Noir, Nunes Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 91

This is a unique offering of  777 Pinot Noir clone from Fred Nunes of Nunes Vineyards under their own wine label St. Rose Pinot Noir. Often considered a blending clone, this 777 Pinot offers up an rustic yet artistic flare. Rich well-balanced flavors of dark cherry and spice layered with plum with hints of smoke and saddle leather. A complex medium-bodied Pinot with supple tannins that will reward your attention.

Sep 052011
 
2007 Cooper-Garrod Finley Vineyard Syrah, Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 88

An imminently drinkable medium-bodied Syrah. This offering from Cooper-Garrod sports black fruits, blackberry, plum and spicebox with supple tannins and hints of black pepper. Enjoy this wine with grilled or BBQ meats.

Sep 052011
 
2007 Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, CA, $34 (S) – Rating 89

This multiple award winner from Elkhorn Peak Cellars is certainly one of the better Napa Valley Pinots. Lots of dark cherry flavor enhanced by blackberry, raspberry, vanilla, spice and earthiness in this fruit-foward wine. The blend of seven Pinot clones adds to the layered complexity.

Sep 052011
 
2009 Stoneleigh Vineyards Marlborough Pinot Noir, New Zealand, $15 (S) – Rating 88

A medium bodied Pinot Noir that offers a good value. Well balanced flavors of dark cherry, plum, spice, raspberry, red berry fruit with soft tannins combined with hints of smoke and cola. An easy drinker and very approachable.