After my one night stand with Gary Farrell’s Pinot Noir from McDonald Mountain Vineyard, I was ready to settle down by the time I got to Martaella Vineyard. And it is a more settled type of wine, with more body and gravitas. This is pinot noir with many of the
Drink up, and move on. Have you ever fallen in love with someone’s beauty and vitality, enjoyed them to the hilt all evening – only to find the attraction had dissipated by morning? That’s the experience I had with this Pinot Noir by Gary Farrell Winery, wonderful as an aperitif;
With streaks of buttery vanilla and a lip-smacking citric finish, this is not your everyday California Chardonnay. Part was fermented in oak and part in stainless steel, which gives the wine a little more restraint. It’s not overblown with fruit and the acidity begs for food, so serve it with
Do you know what tesserae are? I didn’t before my recent visit to Garden Creek Vineyards in Geyserville, California. (For the record, tesserae are small blocks of stone, tile, glass, or other material used in the construction of a mosaic). Picking up ancient Greek lingo isn’t standard practice at wineries,
Blackberries, wood smoke, and black pepper roll across the palate in this polished, accessible wine. Some red currant shows on the mid-palate, adding a little zing. This is well- made and well-priced. Drink with short ribs. Recommended. 89 points. DBH WHO: Dry Creek Vineyards WHAT: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Primitivo WHEN: 2016
Chocolate-covered cherries and a light herbal touch roil up from the nose. Cherries dominate on the palate, with dark chocolate and raspberries joining on the mid-palate. Tannins are dusty, acids well-balanced. Drink with a great burger. Recommended. 89 points. DBH WHO: Rodney Strong WHAT: Merlot WHEN: 2014 DESIGNATION: Reserve WHERE:
Blueberries, cherries, and vanilla waft up from the glass. Tart cherries and sweet blueberries, with blackberry and oak in the background, make up the palate. A touch of raspberry adds a little zing to the finish. Muscular tannins and a meaty body make a vigorous mouthful, that would pair well