A Few Wines to Try, in Order of Loved to Liked

Whites

2009 Nuggucciet Cellars Riesling

McMinnville

12.3% alcohol

Color of the white part of a lemon, I now learned is known as the pith.  Aromas of sandalwood, new suede, cold cling peaches, honey, candied ginger, maraschino cherry and…OMG minty Neosporin – in a pleasant way!  The generous acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc, followed by fruit cocktail, white pepper and citrus fruit.  http://www.nugguccietcellars.com/product/riesling-2009

2011 Barrel Sample Morello Sauvignon Blanc

Santa Barbara County

Vogelzang Vineyard

Color of golden hay.  Aromas of crisp lemon, cantaloupe melon, sweetened pink grapefruit, unsalted butter, freshly moved lawn, rainwater.  On the mouth I got full mouthfeel, white peach, cut green kiwi, honeydew melon, lime, lemon zest, wet gravel and a nice balanced acidity.

2012 Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Chardonnay

A color of pale breaking morning sunlight.  A heady bouquet that included pears in syrup, white peach, plump apricots, creamy butter and mango.  While tasting I got juicy pears again, lemon-lime soda, a nice round mouthfeel with medium acid through to a long finish.

2011 Kendall Jackson Chardonnay Vintner’s Reserve

(Courtesy review for www.WineChateau.com)

100% Jackson Estates Grown

13.5% alcohol

Golden sunlight stretches out to a deeper gold satin ribbon edge.  Aromas of pineapple, crisp pear, kiwi, oak, spices, toasted hay, unsalted butter and Brie on toasted French bread.  On the mouth I could detect lemon, green apple, tangerine on the mid palate, with both butter and acidity on the finish.

Reds

2010 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars “Artemis” Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

13.5% alcohol

(Courtesy review for www.WineChateau.com)

Garnet in color, aromas of blackberries, black licorice, anise and the palest number of pomegranate seeds….then a mouthful of plums, blackberries, good dark fruits covered in a fine layer of dusty tannins, good structure and balance.  Pretty darn good.

2008 Masi Brolo di Campofiorin Veronese IGT

(Courtesy review for www.WineChateau.com)

Color of deep garnet, opaque.  On the nose there was spiced plums, beef stew, wet earth, cigar and the darkest of chocolate.  Tasted of dried cherries, a Bolognese mushroom and meat spaghetti sauce, malt, tannins and black pepper.  Need pizza.

2011 Joseph Drouhin Laforet Bourgogne Pinot Noir

12.5% alcohol

Raspberry in color, with a satiny darker ribbon colored edge.  Aromas of raspberries, red cherries, red currant, mushroom, wet shoe leather and reminiscent of a just-opened tin of white pepper.  Vibrant young red fruits and acidic palate on the first taste, on the second I got thin-skinned unripened red plums, very light on the palate.

Full disclosure:  All of the wines were sent to me to review at no cost.