This is a more straightforward expression of Sonoma chardonnay. From the 2015 vintage, it has aromas of cashews and yoghurt. The palate is full bodied, loose knit and viscous. Sound drinking. Rating: Good. Website: https://www.simiwinery.com; wine-searcher.com. Reviewed: September 2020.Continue readingSimi Chardonnay Sonoma County 2015
I am seeing a few more North American wines make their way to Australia. From the Sonoma Coast in California, this pinot noir has aromas of spice and red cherries. It is not a Burgundian style, but more in the style of high quality fuller bodied pinot noir from the Yarra Valley. The palate is…Continue readingPeay Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2017
Sonoma Coast is a large, cool climate viticultural region north of San Francisco. Few of these wines make their way to Australia. In the glass, this wine is very obviously pinot noir and, for Australian readers, resembles the Yarra Valley fruity pinot noir style. It has aromas of cherry and spice. The body is full…Continue readingRaen Royal St Robert Sonoma Coast 2016
Patricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge Oregon 2017 Wine ReviewContinue readingPatricia Green Cellars Pinot Noir Ribbon Ridge Oregon 2017
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: http://www.sterlingvineyards.com.Continue readingSterling Vintner’s Collection California Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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%.…Continue readingDuck Pond Pinot Noir Oregon 2016
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…Continue readingCristom Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Mt. Jefferson Cuvée 2013
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…Continue readingRavenswood Old Vine Zinfandel 2014
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,…Continue readingAu Bon Climat La Bauge Au-dessus Pinot Noir 2009