This is a well priced and typical expression of Californian cabernet sauvignon from Sterling Vineyards. It has a fruity aroma of ripe red berries. The palate has plump tannins, reminders of ripe blackcurrants and pleasant length on the finish. Rating: Good. Abv: 13.5%. Price: $18. Website: www.sterlingvineyards.com.
This is a good value Oregon pinot noir from Duck Pond. The aroma speaks only of pinot noir, and is Burgundian in character, with its notes of rhubarb, beetroot, cherry and cedar. The palate is slightly more full bodied, with good length and balance. Ready to drink now. Rating: Good to Very Good. Abv: 13.8%. Price: $30. Website: www.duckpondcellars.com
I’ve had some very good Australian pinot noirs, but it does seem that there are a series of foreign regions that are gifted easier climatic building blocks that result in more Burgundian styling. To my palate, Oregon is one such region and this pinot noir from the Willamette Valley south of Portland in Oregon in the United States is very good. Baden is another. This wine resembles a Nuits-Saint-Georges with its aromatics of rhubarb and raspberry. The palate is medium bodied with a fresh, minerally streak on the finish. Great drinking for circa $60. (Alc: 13%, Region: Willamette Valley, Oregon, United States, Rating: Good to Very Good, Drink: now to 2022, Tasted: August, 2017)
Read more:
www.cristomvineyards.com
Other vintages reviewed:
Nil
This is the second vintage I’ve tasted of Ravenswood’s zinfandel, and there’s an evenness to this wine. I found myself quite enjoying the 2014 vintage’s expression of blackberry, bramble fruit and full bodied style. (Region: Lodi, California, Rating: Good, Would I buy it based on this tasting? The wine has its place: I’d suggest it as a shiraz substitute at a BBQ, Drink: now, Tasted: Jan, 2017)
Read more:
www.ravenswoodwinery.com
Other vintages reviewed:
| Vintage | Rating | Review |
|
2011
|
Acceptable
|
You don’t see too much Californian pinot noir in Australia. Here’s an excuse to have a closer look. This wine is from the Santa Maria Valley north of Los Angeles, a region that is open to the prevailing sea fogs. In the glass, it is Burgundian in style overlayed with good fruit. On the nose, there are stem, stalk and cherry aromatics. The palate has good length and balance, with a chalky texture and fresh acidity. Lovely drinking. (Region: Santa Maria, California, Rating: Good to Very Good, Drink: now)
Read more:
www.aubonclimat.com
Other vintages reviewed:
Nil
