Wine tastings

Saint Cosme Cotes-du-Rhone 2007–Perhaps the hype about the 2007 Rhones is fact.This is my first 2007, and this purple-black, opaque beauty rivals all Cotes-du-Rhones I’ve tasted over the years with the possible exception of Coudoulet de Beaucastel from 1998 and less than a handful of others.  With this big, rich red, I’d go for anything from a [...]

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Byron Monument Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley 2006–Tasted from Riedel Sommelier glasses with my wife before (with Danish Havarti and Town House Original Light Buttery Crackers) and during dinner with a Wolfgang Puck chicken pizza.  A blend from the best barrels and from the paramount vineyard blocks at its Nielson estate.  The most expensive and [...]

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J Vineyards Pinot Gris Russian River Valley 2006–Aromas of honeysuckle and peach with cinamon and pear nuances on the palate.  Fresh and exciting taste if you’ve not experienced an excellent Pinot Gris.  The winery recommends a scallop cevice with grapefruit and avocado.  $20

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Mollydooker Merlot The Scooter Barossa Valley (Australia) 2006–Deep color.  Rich, plummy and jammy.  Incredible value from Sparky Marquis, one of Australia’s most successful winemakers.  Unique.  15.5% alcohol, but it is well integrated with the bold fruit flavors.  Try with roasted duck with cherry sauce.  $22

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Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands 2005—Served to friend and fellow wine writer Wes Marshall. We were both blown away. Voluptuous fruit. Seamless. A superbly, well-balanced beauty. $60

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Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2006—As usual, a huge winner. Small amouint of Semillon addes for extra dimensions of richness. Perfect with goat cheese or shellfish. $25

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