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2007 Joseph Swan Vineyards Carignane Cotes du Rosa - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (10/13/2009)
13.5% alcohol. I know this is early for this wine, but I wanted to check on it. Somewhat tight, but still gorgeously aromatic and tasty. Dark red color. Lovely nose of wild strawberry, flowers, and minerals. It’s aromatically compelling in spite of being so obviously tight. In the mouth, surprisingly rich and dark in palate feel, although the fruit profile maintains that bright, refreshing strawberry. Lots of acidity and minerality. Long finish showing some tannins. This is just plain fantastic. A memorable Cotes du Rosa. A- -
2007 Carlisle Zinfandel Montafi Ranch - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (10/11/2009)
15.9% alcohol. This is just superb. Purple-tinged color. Beautiful, spicy nose of black fruit and earth. Plush and mouth-watering on the palate, with gobs of fruit, a touch of creaminess, loads of minerals and spice, good acidity, and a long finish. An archetype of the style. Really well put together, balanced, and powerful without being plodding. A-/A -
2006 Rhys Alesia Pinot Noir San Mateo County - USA, California, San Francisco Bay, San Mateo County (10/9/2009)
13.8% alcohol. A striking and fun contrast to the Louis Latour Bourgogne. You really get to see the differences between Old World and New. This is light and elegant for California, but it is still richer and more voluptuous than the Latour. A serious wine, with a terrific red-fruited bouquet. Plenty of spice, earth, and minerals on the nose, too. In the mouth, delicious, with layers of flavors that cascade across the palate. Bright acidity and a long finish. A- -
2007 Louis Latour Pinot Noir Bourgogne - France, Burgundy, Bourgogne (10/9/2009)
13.0% alcohol. Solid wine, particularly at the price. Light red color, nearly clear at the rim of the glass. Nice bouquet of cranberry and red cherry, with a hint of minerals. In the mouth, light and rather simple, but refreshing and tasty. Sour cherry, cranberry, a hint of pomegranate hit the tongue quite sharply, with bright acidity. Clipped on the finish but a terrific candidate for a house wine as a result of the delightful fruit. B/B+ -
2005 Scherrer Winery Zinfandel Old and Mature Vines Alexander Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Alexander Valley (10/7/2009)
14.5% alcohol. Shame this is the last bottle; it’s such a terrific wine. Dusty nose of spicy black fruit, with a racy palate presence. Good weight in the mouth, driven by the beautiful fruit and spice. Bright acidity. Solid finish. A-
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