March 4, 2018
A pleasantly ripe core of red wild cherries and red currants, combined with classic Willamette Valley “femininity” and bright acidity, make this Pinot a real standout at $25. Nose of fresh, ripe cherry, orange tea and watermelon continues on to the taste, adding coriander and currants. All is well and good at this point, then on the back palate (in other words just before you swallow the wine) a delicious deep red cherry flavor emerges. A little surprising, frankly, for a sub-$30 Willamette Pinot. But then look at the winery’s overall quality and the attention they put into this wine, […]
February 13, 2018
A straightforward citrus, stone fruit and light toast nose introduces you to the Alma de Cattleya Chardonnay. A marriage of lemon oil, fresh pears & green apples, lightly buttered wheat toast and apple butter make a delicious union in the mouth. Medium-full bodied, low oak, lovely fresh fruit and wisps of butter make this a high-quality Chardonnay that everyone will enjoy. About Alma de Cattleya Cattleya Winery is owned & made by the talented and energetic Bibiana Gonzalez Rave. Alma (Soul) de Cattleya (a type of orchid and the national flower of Columbia, Bibiana’s native country) is her “2nd […]
December 9, 2017
This is an outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon that has consistently over-delivered for the price since its beginning 20 some years ago. Estate vineyard in Lake County’s Red Hills District. High (half mile) elevation, volcanic soils (thus the name Obsidian Ridge). Deep core of blackberry, black currant and black cherry. The 2015 vintage has a more savory and earthy edge to it, which I like. Notes of bittersweet chocolate, cigar box and a musk/mineral/truffle quality that makes it an ideal dinner companion. It’s difficult for 10,000 case production wines to have soul. This has it.
October 26, 2017
Malvasia Istriana (one of the many grapes in the Malvasia family) is originally from Croatia, which is less than 100 miles southeast from the vineyards of Conte Romano in the northeast corner of Italy. An ancient grape of style and substance, Malvasia makes a wine I can fairly call a “wine geek’s delight” because it does take many forms. This young pup from Conte Romano sports a rich, round mouthfeel, gently floral and mineral-y aromas, a bit of crushed rock earthiness and a core of pear and stone fruit earthiness. For body and texture it compares favorably to a more earthy-style […]