December 1, 2020
Bright, ethereal and snappy, the Olivia Brion Pinot Noir “Sunny Mountain” captures the classic light and intense Pinot Noir style that made Willamette Valley famous. Get bay leaf, raspberries, tarragon, cranberry pastry, ruby grapefruit and a savory, salty finish. This is a Pinot Noir I drink happily on its own – and with a mouthful of fatty fish (salmon typically) I drink it with great joy. A la Burgundy, this is a “food wine” first and foremost. More Information Best known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their Estate “Heron Lake Vineyard” in Napa & Solano’s Wild Horse Valley, Olivia […]
December 11, 2018
The Analemma Tinto, a blend of Tempranillo and Syrah, reminds me of a chewy Napa Valley Cabernet in its concentration of dark berry/cherry fruits, firm tannins, licorice and earthy spices and tobacco accents. It’s a mouthful of wine for sure as it brings together sweet and savory, a full body and layers of flavor. Youthful and chewy, a one hour decant does the wine a lot of good. If you cellar it, best drinking I estimate to be 2022-2030. More Information Analemma Winery launched in 2010 when two guys leased “Atavus Vineyard” in the Columbia Gorge (75 miles east of […]
December 4, 2018
I really like the combination of ripe cherry fruit, silky texture and rosy/earthy spice aroma of the Ancien Pinot Noir Shea. I’m not sure what sensation I like more, the ripe red berry/cherry flavor or the red rose/violet floral aroma. Good thing I get both. Polished by French oak, part new, giving the wine the slightest whiff of cinnamon toast and vanilla bean. Smooth and generous in flavor start to finish. I loved drinking this wine. Enjoy now through 2025 (probably longer). 203 cases made. More Information Based in Napa, Pinot Noir-specialist Ancien acquires prime Pinot grapes from near (Carneros) […]