chateau ste michelle: Temmuz 2012

Hot, humid and miserable has given way to breezy, cool andwonderful, at least for this morning anyway. Hey, I’ll take whatevercomfortable weather I can get. Forecast temps of 104 degrees by the end of thisweek has me questioning, “What happened to our beautiful, cool mountain air?”The heat and humidity in the afternoon are like Florida temps. Can’t complain too much, wedeal with it for about two and a half months while they deal with it for ninemonths.

I will tell you this; the heat has me opening more crisp andrefreshing wines than I can shake a corkscrew at. My latest, Toad Hollow’s 2011 Sonoma County DryRosÃ© of Pinot Noir “Eye of the Toad” provided much needed relief from the heatbut has the ability to warm my heart as well.
Floral, strawberry and peach aromas. Flavors of acidicunripe white peach and strawberry with a long and pleasing finish.
Varietal: 100% Pinot NoirAlcohol: 11%
TA: 0.74 g/100ml
pH: 3.61
RS: .117%
SRP - $11.99

The Pinot Noir grapes for Eye of the Toad are sourced from Sonoma Countywhere cool evenings and mornings give way to warm sun filled days. The grapesare able to ripen slowly allowing for the full flavors to develop.

I’ve written a lot about Toad Hollow (click here) and the passion and drivetwo friends shared. Dr. Toad aka Robert Todd Williams and The Dancing Badgeraka Rodney Strong started the winery in 1993 after retiring. The premise was tomake fine wines at affordable prices.
It’s said Dr. Toad’s larger than life personality overshadowed his famous brother Robin Williams. Maybe that’s why Robin is so zany,just trying to get his share of the attention.
Dr. Toad aka Robert Todd Williams passed away in 2007.According to his obit, his goal was to discount wine snobbery and make wineinteresting. Hmm, I hope that’s what I accomplish with my posts to all of youeach week too.
The Dancing Badger aka Rodney Strong, was an early pioneerof Sonoma County’s wine industry. Strong was a successful dancer beforeretiring and taking on the title, winemaker. In 1959 he established Sonoma County’s13th bonded winery in 1959.
Toad Hollow not only speaks to the kid in me with theirwonderful illustrations and story but also speaksto me as a wine lover. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, wine is forsharing. Whether it’s a glass celebrating friendship, a wine to share over ameal with family or just a way to end your day; wine makes everything special.
Speaking of special, I’m so excited about my upcoming tripto the Wine Blogger’s Conference in Portland, OR, I can hardly contain myself.I’ve booked my hotel for an extended stay at McMenamins Crystal Hotel and will be stayingat The Grand Lodge in Forest Grove, another McMenamins hotel.
Not a plug forMcMenamins, just love staying at off the wall, boutiques versus the corporatemainstream names and these both look like places I’ll have a really good timeat. After those two, I will be heading to a corporate national chain generichotel for the conference but at least there will be wine!
As always, cheers to Toad and Badger!
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Almansa La Huella de AdarasRed Blend 08'

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Naked Wine Review 96Wine: Almansa La Huella de Adaras-Red Blend of 60%Garnache Tintorera, 30% Monastrell, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon Producer: Bodegas AlmansenasVintage: 08'Region: Spain>AlmansaPrice: 13.00Date tasted: 3/19/12>Vernal EquinoxPlace tasted: I was hiding out in a parallel universe as another version of me moved through her day. Same car; different bumper stickers. You put those there, didn't you? I, however, am NOT my bumper stickers. I agreed with myself to pay them no heed, keep the car on the road, and continue to drive and observe. After my identity perception shifted into a more comfortable and seemingly honest zone, I sat down with myself and we both took great comfort in a large glass of wine. I know who I am.... and so do I. I'm sure you all can relate to this, right? So have a glass of wine and try to lighten up and relax. It's only life.Served with: A great steak wine, have it with a nice grilled ribeye; also would work well with red sauced pasta dishes, strong cheeses, and bold appetizers. Appearance: Deep ruby with a glowing purple aura.On the snoot: Earth, mineral, herb, and spice combine with a sort of sour cherry candy scent; inspired and eccentric.Taste: Very dry with heavy spice and basil-forward herbaceousness. Fruit hides around corners and lingers only in the background like a whispered rumor. Sour cherry with licorice shadows dance around the mid-palate before moving into a perfectly dry finish riddled with tiny triangular tannins. Her fully integrated ghost lingers to haunt the back of your throat before ascending into the light. Balance: A beautiful naked body with lovely svelte luscious legs. Comments: She's a bright young lady with plenty of talent and intelligence, but very little life experience. I think she'll show more warmth and depth of character in a few years. I'd say buy a bottle and hang on to it for a little while or at least let her breath at least an hour before imbibing.Rating: 3.6 tipsys

Porcupine Ridge Syrah 10'

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Naked Wine Review 97Wine: Porcupine Ridge SyrahProducer: BoekenhoutskloofVintage: 10'Region: South Africa>Coastal RegionPrice: 8.00Date tasted: 05/20/12Place tasted: I was on a big red sailboat; a rolling deep blue ocean, my only view. The psychic detox of water and an enhanced sensitivity to the flavors swirling around my glass of red, brought a profound sense of serenity to my being. I was so happy at that moment. I remember wearing Ian Mouldings blue hat and thinking about cheese. Now isn't that just too perfect?Serve with: things that use lots of black pepper. Red meats, or strong cheeses would be a good complement. I had it with a dark chocolate raspberry torte. Decadent, just decadent. Appearance: I say garnet and purple, though the wine maker and other reviewers say ruby. I respectfully disagree; you can decide for yourself. Whichever 'hue' you chose, she's still dark, muted, and opaque. A very glamourous lady of a wine.On the snoot: is an earthy, aromatic stroll through dense blackberry perfumed woods. The snoot makes a good first impression, I like that. Taste: Concentrated dark fruit cascading over oak and wood. Cracked peppercorn yodels that echo through a rich black current & berry canyon command your full attention. Tannins are soft and plentiful as tribbles on the Enterprise. Finish lingers in a delightful embrace, cuddling and spooning the satisfied palate. Balance: Beautifully balanced with lots of body yet not too heavy or sweet; just many layers of harmonizing character. Well adjusted, educated, and charming. Comments: If you like South African wines, and particularly pinotage, you will like this syrah as well. She is exotic, unique, and will give your palate something to ponder. If you are looking for a cliche', beauty pageant winning, yawn they all taste alike but aren't they pretty? kinda wine, then look somewhere else. This wine would find you boring; and YOU would be completely unable to comprehend the truth and beauty in her complexities. Come on, go get some Porcupine Syrah and let the whole world be your comfort zone. Don't bore the wine.Rating: 3.8 tipsys; excellent value

Santa Julia Malbec 10'

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Naked Wine Review 98Wine: MalbecProducer: Bodega Santa JuliaVintage: 10'Region: Argentina>MendozaPrice: 9.00Date tasted: 6/3/11Place tasted: I was leaping naked through a field of lavender when I remembered I had a bottle of Malbec waiting patiently in my picnic basket down by the lake. As I settled into a gentle stillness of body and spirit I sipped at the wine and thought about all the many times I had not done this before. Served with: Mendoza Style Empanadas from the Olivia-Quiroz family. The bottle says good with steaks, burgers, firm cheeses, and pastas with red sauces. Sounds right to me. Appearance: Silky muted ruby with amber edges. He's a sexy, masculine man of a wine. On the snoot: Aromas of bright red Argentine paint berries and spring wildflowers growing near a bramble patch. It's so pretty and pheromonal, I was in love before the first taste. Taste: Dry & juicy; a very promising beginning. Big plum and blackberry tempered with old leather and pipe tobacco fill the mouth with most satisfying extension and girth. Velvety tannins stroke the palate through a long echoing finish that goes on and on, never turning to sour or losing its 'juiciness'. Enjoy right up to the moment you move on to the next sip of divine ecstasy. Balance: Well balanced, toned and lean. More on the acid side, very food friendly. Comments: Be careful who you drink this with as the aphrodisiac qualities are quite overwhelming. I'm just sayin'......Rating: 3.8 hard tipsys

14 Hands Hot to Trot Red Blend 09'

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Naked Wine Review 100Wine: Hot to Trot Red BlendProducer: 14 Hands WineryVintage: 09'Region: Washington StatePrice: 11.00Date tasted: 6/25/12Place tasted: I was with my family years ago on a camping trip to Flathead Lake's Yellow Bay. We played charades and laughed until our sides ached. My little brother and I used to race empty pop cans down a little stream leading to the lake, each having our own special design to make our can the fastest. The swimming was great, once the ice cold water numbed your body. My older brother and sister would play pinochle with Mom and Dad and as I observed them I wondered if I would ever comprehend the complexities of that game. Shoot the moon? What? At the end of each day we gathered to share the same sunset; the same earth and sky; and the same wonderfully insane family. May your memories be blessed; past, present, and future. Cheers!Served with: I enjoyed it with Italian Sausage/Apple Meatballs on Pasta w/Pine nuts. It would go well with any herby, red sauce pasta dish; grilled meats; medium to strong cheeses; or dark chocolate sauce on a naked friend....but never, ever with lemon cake! That is just a murder/suicide combination, so please don't do that.Appearance: Garnet so dense and opaque that if you gaze into it and really focus, you can see the present!On the snoot: Complex and pungent bouquet of rich dark fruits wrapped in pastry accented with etherial spirits of oak, soft moss on wet rock, and vanilla tobacco. I think the snoot is her most lovely feature. Taste: Black current and dark berry fruit combine with baking spice, cocoa, and damp earth. Subtle oak and enlightened tannins from Zenland were added to inspire a calming, velvety smooth finish. She is mantra to the palate.Balance: Acids, sugars, tannins, and alcohol blend together in a beautifully choreographed dance of perfect unity & balance.Comments: Celebrate the love of family, as well as the strength of your independence and freedom with a bottle of 14 Hands Hot to Trot. A hearty thanks to my sister, Molly, for this tasty gift of wine. Rating: 3.8 tipsys

8 Temmuz 2012 Pazar

Villa Pozzi Nero D'Avola 2010 Sicily

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The Sicilian Nero D'Avola, truly a hearty grape that makes for a full bodied red, is grown at the Villa Pozzi vineyards located in the hills surrounding Marsala, Salemi and Mazzara del Vallo, in the western part of the island. The high altitudes of between 1000 to 1300 feet are where mountain vineyards make for hard working grapes.

Fermented in stainless steel and aged briefly in oak giving up aromas of black cherry, spices, tobacco and anise, while on the palate are a nice complexity of licorice, glycerine, a fruity lushness, with a ripe, chewy texture, spice, again cassis.

This is a very good food wine for between $8 & $11, comes in a screw top bottle, works well with pizza, pasta red sauce or red meats.

Feudi del Pisciotto Versace Nero d'Avola IGT 2009

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Made from 100% Nero d'Avola grapes fermented in stainless steel, aged in barriques (50% new, 50% used) for 10 months with another 6 months in bottle.

Expressively intense and fruit forward, with pretty aromas of blackberry pie, fruit compote and baked strawberry, while flavors are on the sweet side of dry with bing cherry and hints of blue fruits. Mild tannins are balance by fresh acidity and finish is long. Average $14/ bottle, good price for this gem.

Deinhard Green Label Riesling 2008 Mosel Germany

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Here is a great summertime white from the Mosel region of Germany where they produce wines from the wonderful Riesling grape. Rieslings can traditionally range from extremely dry to very sweet, and this one is somewhere in the middle of that scale (on the sweet side of dry).

High in acidity with aromas that suggest cranberry, yeast/dough, and grapefuit while the palate shows signs of citrus, apple, ripe watermelon, hints of banana and marzipan. A very refreshing wine and under $9 a bottle.

Koutsoyianopolous Santorini Assyrtiko 2011

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Made in Santorini, Greece from 100% Assyrtiko grapes fermented and aged for 5 months.

Almost clear with slight yellow/golden colors, floral aromas merge into cantelope and watermelon rind, later revealing grape bubblegum, then woven into a palate rife with a boatload of flavors from cream to honey, from ginger ale bubbles to green pepper skins.

This very complex, refreshing wine is intriguing in that some of its characteristics are unfamiliar. I did some online searches that described the flavors as that of a Quince, which tastes like a cross between an apple and a pear. In hindsight, I'll agree with that description.

Macari Estate Bottled Chardonnay 2009

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From the North Fork of Long Island, The Macari family produces this 100% steel fermented Chardonnay.

Pale clear and golden colors, with floral notes on the nose, further colored by honeysuckle, pear and jasmine. An aggressive palate of citrus, tree bark, green sap, and grapefruit complete the picture, with noticeable minerality and body, 13.1% alcohol and retails for $19.

7 Temmuz 2012 Cumartesi

Summer Wine Jaunt to Italy, Spain and Argentina

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In case you hadn’t noticed, Mother Nature is going out ofher way to make sure you know summer is now in full swing. Watermelon, swimmingpools or swimming holes in my case, popsicles and air conditioning are a few ofmy favorite things this season.
The mornings are still cool and wonderful. Walking my dogRooster past the towering trees, the occasional horse, groups of cows, rows ofcorn and soaring sunflowers puts a smile on my face. On our way back home, thetemps begin to climb and humidity surrounds like a shroud. We stagger up thedriveway and up the stairs and collapse under the cool breeze of the ceilingfan.
The evenings have been so warm and stifling we haven’t beenable to sip wine comfortably on the porch but instead retreat inside. Amongstthe cool air conditioning we’ve been enjoying a tour of international wines.
Rocca de Monte MassiSangiovese 2008 Sicily, ItalyAromas of black cherry and toasty vanilla give way toastringent dark fruits. Very cheek puckering. Fruits are overshadowed by thedry tannins with a tart and tight finish. This was a little too dry for me. Wepaired with tapas consisting of stuffed tomato nests (a failed dish), chorizoand tomato salad.
Grapes are 100% Sangiovese from the District of Roccastrada,Maremma Toscana

El Prado TempranilloCabernet 2007 Valencia, SpainEnticing black cherry, plum and oak aromas draw me into thewine. First sip, front of the palate to the back, all I pick up is tannic fruitbut no one fruit shines through. I bought the wine several years ago, perhapsit was cellared a little too long or maybe the time spent in Florida took its toll. Was very disappointedin the flavors, especially after the wonderful and inviting aromas.
Made from 70% Tempranillo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Santa Julia TorrentÃ©s2010 Mendoza, ArgentinaFloral, citrus and a hint of almond in the aroma. Flavors offresh peaches and pears give way to an acidic finish. This was the one winethat did not disappoint.
100% TorrentÃ©s grapes, alcohol 13.8%, SRP $10.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Fourth of July. We loadedRooster’s back pack with snacks and water and headed into the small town of Dahlonega for an oldfashioned celebration. Rooster was a hit and caught the attention of both youngand old.
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Robert Mondavi Sauvignon Blanc 2011 "Private Selection" wine review by (PB)

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Light straw hue with classic "grassy" S. Blanc aromas with guava paste, citrus and light melon.

Palate--Light honey with sharp acidity that will cut your tongue, lemon rind.

Pleasant lightly fruity/grassy finish that lingers.

This is a food wine that will cut through the heaviest grease or butter you can throw at it.

My wife paid $8 for it so try it with a nice Maine lobster with dripping butter and say, "Raise a glass!"

--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut Champagne NV Wine Review (NW)

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Tasting notes:

Lively, bubbly nose of green apple and lemon

Medium bodied on the palate

Good acidity and tartness on the finish with fresh fruit and floral notes

Summary:

Here's one of the classic non-vintage Champagnes. The bubbles are intense and persistent on opening, and the flavors are fresh and inviting. Enjoy as an aperitif, with appetizers, or as a late night toast as I did with Billy of The Wine Cask Blog and our wives. Thanks for the treat, Billy!

Expect to pay around $40, which is right in the range for good non-vintage Champagne from the classic Champagne houses. And raise a glass!

--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Masi Bonacosta Valpolicella 2010 Sponsored Wine Review by Billy

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Nose: Leather and blackberry
Palate: Nice feel of rich tobacco and plum Very soft acids and tannin that only hint they are there.
Finish: Too quick and short..
Overall: We were sent this bottle free of charge to review. Special thanks to Megan Carroll of Allison+Partners for providing the samples to The Wine Cask Blog. This is a very accessible wine with a nice nose and a rich mouth feel. It is an easy entry into more complex wines for the casual drinker. Raise a Glass!--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Santa Cristina 2009 wine review by (PB)

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Gripping dark black cherry hue with intense Sangiovese bouquet of rich cherry, a touch of cocoa, daffodil and spice.

Palate--Artisinally made with rich varietal fruit, slightly sour pie cherry, and Tuscan all the way. Cabernet/Merlot lends a bit of the intense color I suspect.

One swallow and this wine continues to a nice finish.

This is a great wine for the price made by the master Antinori. I paid $9 and it is well worth half again as much.

Raise a glass to this classic Italian!--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

5 Temmuz 2012 Perşembe

Almansa La Huella de AdarasRed Blend 08'

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Porcupine Ridge Syrah 10'

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Santa Julia Malbec 10'

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Waterbrook Melange Noir 08'

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Naked Wine Review 99Wine: Melange Noir (Red Blend)Producer: WaterbrookVintage: 08'Region: Washington>Columbia ValleyPrice: 11.00Date tasted: 6/16/12Place tasted: I was thinking about how I was going to be chanting and dancing with twelve naked friends around a bonfire at the upcoming Summer Solstice celebration. I'm so excited, aren't you? Lets just all be careful not to burn our tender feet, or any other bits we may value or hold dear....so to speak :) A glass of wine and some pure and focused visualization will surely bring praise to the pony. Served with: Nez Perce Indian Cusine featuring steak, fry bread, and rainbow chard. In general, pair with red meats, bold herby sauces, strong cheese, and dark chocolate. Avoid with foods more subtle in flavor such as fish, mild cheeses, or cream sauces. Appearance: Dense clear garnet with a glowing purple aura.On the snoot: Aromas of black cherries and wild flowers growing near a mountain stream; powerful and transportive. The scent alone is enough to send you straight to your 'happy place'....it did me.Taste: She's hot, offering up a mouthful of rich dark cherry, licorice spice and cracked pepper. Finish is graced with thick chewy tannins, a breath of soft cedar, and mocha that lingers long and leaves you basking in the afterglow of her glory. I'm totally smitten with this one.Balance: Acid over sweet, with lots of tannin. Very sane and well balanced. Comments: Waterbrook Winery, one of Walla Walla's founding wineries draws its name from the Nez Perce Indian dialect for Walla Walla, meaning 'Running Water.' (from the back of the bottle)I dedicate this review to my parents, two of Chief Joseph's greatest admirers; a sentiment shared. Cin Cin Rating: 4 tipsys, excellent value

14 Hands Hot to Trot Red Blend 09'

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4 Temmuz 2012 Çarşamba

Turnbull Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Napa Valley wine review by (PB)

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Nice blood to cherry red hue with vibrant aromas of deep blackberry with lighter notes of licorice and a touch of chocolate and tar. On the end is an unexpected earthiness with herbal nuances.

Hot presence a ripe black cherry and ripe tomato front with bold tannins and a smoky oak finish.

This wine is bold but rather course and full of heat. I decanted it for several hours but is just too immature to fully appreciate. Lay it down for another 5 years at least!

I paid $30 for this and now am sorry I opened it but I am sure will pair well with my grilled prime rib so raise a glass--of something more economical.

--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Acre Chardonnay (Russian River) 2011 wine review by (PB)

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Pale golden hue with a buttery lemon and tropical fruit bouquet with accents of melon, and vanilla cream.

Palate--Nice structure with a crisp, mouth cleansing acidic back bone full of Chardonnay flavors that are ridiculous when I tell you the price of this Trader Joe's exclusive wine.

Try $8 and then grab a case! Russian River is one of the premier AVA's (American Viticultural Association)and Chards from this region tend to start in the mid-teens and head up from there. TJ's has a couple of Russian River Chards in this price range and each one is true Chardonnay and a great value so raise a glass!--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Domaine Galevan l"Esprit Devin Cotes du Rhone Village 2009 Wine Review (NW)

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Tasting notes:

Big, spicy cherry and raspberry on the nose

Full bodied and richly textured on the palate

Long, dense finish with spicy dark fruit, fig, and spice

Summary:

This wine is an excellent Cotes du Rhone Village, possibly the best I've ever had. It tastes like a Chateauneuf du Pape with dense fruit and spice layers that deliver intensity and a depth of flavor. I paid $20, which is a good price.

Serve with hearty food, like roasted meat with rich sauces. Raise a glass!
--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Gris 2010 Wine Review (NW)

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Tasting notes:

Pear and tropical fruit notes on the nose

Full bodied on the palate

Rich finish of stone fruit and spice with a touch of vanilla

Summary:

This wine packs in lots of flavor, with ripe fruit notes accented by spice and vanilla. If you like New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, you should give this wine a try. It's a bit less acidic and has rounder edges than a Sauvignon Blanc, but it still has the bright fruit character. Expect to pay around $15 and raise a glass!
--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies

Trimbach Gewurztraminer 2006 wine review by (PB)

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Pretty gentle to stronger lemon yellow Hue

Vibrant bouquet of cantaloupe, melon with solid mandarin orange and a touch of stone fruit with a hint of pineapple Lifesavers!

Palate – awesome structure with vibrant acidity carrying wonderfully ripe mandarin orange. A beam of oh-so slight citrus and prominent apricot with a ripe apricot finish that lingers.

I have had several bottles of this wine finding it on closeout for $10 when it runs twice that or more.

This is now at absolute peak perfection from all the ones that I judged it against of the same year. Worth seeking out but drink it NOW and raise a glass!--A Review from The Wine Cask Blog. Creative Commons: Attribution - ShareAlike 2.5 applies