Old Rowley – The Islander Estate Vineyard – Non Vintage
Cost: $20/Bottle
This is an old vines Grenache wine, which reveals complex aromas that sing Dr. Pepper and Cherry Cola like scents. In the mouth, it is light and with tight acids that overwhelm the fruit. A bit abrasive on the palate and mouth puckering finish. Too bad, I enjoyed the nose, but the lack of flavor — or shall I say understated, inconsistent flavor — did not appeal to me. Did I catch this wine on an off day? Maybe… but for now, not showing too well.
Rating: 77
Rivers Marie – Occidental Ridge Vineyard – Pinot Noir 2006 – Sonoma, California
Cost: $65/Bottle
Dark garnet red, moderately full bodied, richly textured with an exotic aroma of cherry and strawberry fruit intermixed with cloves, iris flowers, herbal tea, and sandalwood. A sexy nose reminding me of ripe juicy Burgundian style aromatics but with the new world freshness of fruit and ripeness. In the mouth, the midpalate and back palate is impressive with red ripe fruit balanced by fair glycerine levels, unnoticeable alcohol, and a grippy feel from the acidity and tannins. This is outstanding pinot, a perfect match with some nice gamey dishes.
Rating: 91
Tags: CELLAR NOTES, GRENACHE, PINOT NOIR, WINE
= "personne extraordinaire"