2004 Trentadue Petite Sirah North Coast

This wine is one I found to be of exceptional value and it's a pleasure to share my tasting notes. The wine is composed of 95% Petite Sirah and 5% Syrah and the greater part of the grapes used for this wine came from an old vineyard in Mendocino County’s Redwood Valley. The remainder is from the red soils and high elevation of Lake County and our Estate in Alexander Valley. It's important to note the barrel regiment as well - 14 months in 20% new and 80% older French,American and European Oak.

The wine as you might expect is very dark and almost black in color. The aromas start off with gorgeous notes of prunes, rich truffles, luscious blackberry, and brambly black fruits. The presence of oak is evident but adds to the body and depth of the wine creating and creamy and rich texture, which coats the palate. Flavors of rich prune, bramble berry, black currant, and rich dark chocolate truffle all come together and deliver a very ripe and almost sweet barrage of tastiness! Once again a lovely wine for the price point and a huge buy for the new world "fruit-bomb" lovers. 90 points - Lots of fruit, mmm good!

2005 Falanghina Dei Feudi Di San Gregorio

This wine is made from 100% Falanghina from mature vines planted between 1985 and 1990. Feudi di San Gregorio, a modern expression of a centuries-old tradition of passion and dedication to the land, is Campania’s premier winemaking estate. The wines of Feudi di San Gregorio have met time and again with stellar reviews and continue to garner international critical acclaim.

The aromas start off with beautiful notes of apple, banana, and pineapple and develop into seductive tropical fruit flavors. The bouquet is very appealing and is really the best part of this wine. The flavors are of citrus, apricot, nectarine, and mineral. The slight bitterness, almost like a bitter citrus peel, seems to throw this wine a little out of balance and makes it seem almost to intensely acidic. However, this may be strictly a food wine and could be a hit with the right dish. Grading it without food is almost an injustice, but then again I almost never have food when tasting for these reviews. 84-85 points

2006 Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio ~ Verduzzo

The Masi Masianco is a blend of 75% Pinot Grigio and 25% Verduzzo. This is a very pleasant and focused wine that shows good acidity and good overall complexity. The nose shows hints of lime, mineral, sea shell, and star fruit notes. The mineral complexities translate to the palate and with sharp acidity the wine shows flavors of citrus-lime, flint, stone fruit, and rambutan or lychee. There is also a touch of a bread yeast component which adds to the depth and body of the wine. This would just scream with the right seafood pairing! 89+ points

Resveratrol not what it's cracked up to be....?

Research and reports on the anti-aging effects of resveratrol have been quite frequently translated in recent times by many media sources. This so-called "fountain of youth" compound found in red wines and other natural plants and herbs has been hyped up to be something that (at least in mice), rejuvenates mitochondria and produces the same cell-level changes as longevity-enhancing calorically restricted diets. However, these tests also concluded that in order to recieve the amount of resveratrol used in these positive studies, one would have to consume around 750 bottles of red wine a day!

A liter of wine contains about three milligrams of resveratrol; the mid-range mouse dose in a recent study was 30 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

Scale that up to a 165-pound human, and you've got a daily dose of 2.25 grams. If you want to get this from wine, tell your friends and family first: you'll need to drink 750 bottles. - Wired Science


So before you go out to your local wine shop and pick up a bottle of red wine for it's anti-aging benefits, remember to drink it with a group of your most amusing friends. The release of endorphins from a good buzz and laugh may just give you a better chance of rejuvenating yourself.

2004 Laurel Glen Counterpoint Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

This Cabernet from Laurel Glen is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Sonoma Mountain appellation. Counterpoint was introduced in 1987 to accommodate those vineyard lots more suited to earlier drinking and demanding of less cellar time. However this wine is not short on power and packs a full bodied and concentrated punch. The bouquet shows all the nuances of a classic California Cabernet; dusty dark fruits accompanied by a good amount of raspberry and cherry lead into notes of peppercorn and spice. The flavors are brimming with black cherry, pepper, pencil lead, and finish with deep spicy black fruits. This is a solid bottle of Cabernet and one that is stylistically versatile and would likely do well on a restaurant wine list. 89+ points

The Latest on the Brunello di Montalcino Scandal

2001 Colosi Passito Di Pantelleria

A very unique and well made dessert wine that is produced from an obscure grape variety called Zibibbo and comes from a small island off the coast of Sicily. Although I haven't experimented with other wines from Pantelleria I will give my honest impressions on the flavors and nuances of this bottle and compare it to other dessert wines.

The wine is a pale golden color with auburn highlights and has a somewhat slimmer texture than other dessert wines. The nose starts off with aromas of sugared dates, white raisins, almonds, and a touch of pine nut. On the palate the flavors show of sweet dried apricots, golden raisins, dried orange peel, almonds, and an assortments of other nuts like cashews, Brazil nuts, and pine nuts. I like the fact that this wine differs from other stickies in that it isn't too sticky and has less honey and more nuttiness. The acid is perfect and helps the wine to finish clean and doesn't give you the overwhelming feeling that you're consuming too much sugar. Comparing it to other dessert wines I score it 90 points and recommend this as a new experience for the wine enthusiast.

2005 La Crema Anderson Valley Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir is a massive, full flavored effort with mounds of youth and expression that almost needs time in the bottle to tame the vigorous and powerful flavors. The bouquet is best summed up by the oak, cherry, rhubarb, and ripe strawberry preserves that it forcefully exudes. There is a medicinal hint to the nose that I found a bit obnoxious(like a Robitussin) but it only supports my opinion that this wine is a bit to young to drink at the moment. The only thing that overpowers the aromas of this wine are the flavors which are very exaggerated and somewhat untamed at the moment. Kind of reminds me of a Paul Hobbs Pinot I reviewed awhile back because of it's high octane nature and it's similarity to many over the top Russian River Pinot's I've come across. Flavors of raw young strawberry, oak, red cherry, and pencil lead. Seems a bit high in alcohol and would offend most classic Burgundy aficionados. The subtlety is lacking in this wine and doesn't fully express what I think the essence of Pinot Noir really should reveal. I score this wine 86 points.

1999 Mastrojanni San Pio Toscana Rosso

San Pio is beautiful "Super Tuscan" made with 75% Sangiovese Grosso and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Sangiovese Grosso is very obvious to those of us who love Brunello di Montalcino and if I would have tasted this wine blind I would have thought it was a Brunello. The bouquet is very expressive of Tuscany but the earthy tones are very enticing and seductive and not musky or dirty. Plum, cherry, chocolate, tobacco leaf, and a touch of leather are a few of the aromas that define this complex and exquisite nose. Very soft and integrated tannins grace the palate in seductive fashion while nuances of black cherry, coco, leather, and ripe plum reveal themselves in a seamless and elegant deportment. This wine shows fabulous purity and justly represents the best of Tuscan terroir. I score this wine 92 points.

2005 Amon-Ra Shiraz

This wine is well regarded as one of Australia's best and highest rated Shiraz's. In fact Robert Parker scored it 98 points. I thought it was quite delicious as well but seat belts definitely need to be fastened before attempting to drink a glass of this big boy. The aromas burst out of the glass with huge black fruits and a lovely Aussie terroir that shows creamy mint and eucalyptus. Gobs of black raspberry jam, blackberry, and a creamy tactile sensation from the new oak which is probably toasted. A touch of the same typical Australian mint makes this wine sing true to it's origin and also helps clean up the syrup-like and over the top mesh of fruit. An ultra extracted, deeply ripe, Australian super fruit crazy machine!!! Finished a bit off balance but perhaps with a bit more bottle age or a few extra decanting hours you could make this wine far more accessible. 92 points

2002 Farella-Park Cabernet Sauvignon

This small production winery is located on the southeastern corner of Napa Valley known locally as "Coombsville." The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful expression of Napa Valley terroir and brilliant wine making technique. The aromas display the perfect blend of red fruit and oak, black cherry, vanilla bean, and a touch of anis and underlining bell pepper. The flavors combine this delicious vanilla bean character with raspberry, ripe black cherry, and creamy oak. This is a wine of great balance, complexity, and power. In my notes I gave this wine 94 Points and wrote next to it in parenthesis (Don't be bashful!) It's hard to score a Napa Cabernet 94 points and not feel like I've overdone it, but this wine is worthy of praise and I won't be bashful.

2004 Tinto Pesquera

I've always enjoyed the wines from Pesquera and this Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero is made in typical fashion with loads of Spanish character. The color is surprisingly very dark and extracted and almost looks like it could be Syrah. The aromas show a good amount of leather and brett but are accompanied by hints of dark plum fruit and blackberry. This wine is chalk full of terroir and speaks to the Spanish wine aficionado. The flavors are rustic and leathery but also show a good amount of dark plum, blackberry, and hints of cedar box and black currant. This wine screams for Spanish sausage, manchego cheese, and a full array of tapas. Great intensity and Spanish tipicity are the strong points of this wine. Complexity is a slight issue but this could improve with cellar time. I beg the winemakers in Spain to keep this style of wine around so we can all enjoy the essence of true Spanish terroir. 90 points

2004 Pico Madama

This beauty from the Jumilla DO in Spain is a 50-50 blend of Monastrell and Petit Verdot. Produced by Bodegas y Vinedos Murcia by winemaker Marcial Martinez Cruz, this wine has all the beauty and structure of a classic bottle. The exotic and enticing fruit aromas with hints of blueberry, tamarillo, and vanilla make this a wine of intense difference and complexity. Ripe and rich flavors of candied blackberry, licorice, and inky blueberry, melt over the palate in a luscious and polished seduction. I really love the exotic and tropical fruit aroma and flavor profile. This is a really seamless wine that leaves little to be desired. Jumilla is spot on these days with their premium wines and especially their Monastrell. 91-92 points

2002 Provenance Beckstoffer Las Amigas Vineyard Merlot

This is a beautiful example of why Merlot should be taken just as serious as Cabernet and I challenge anyone to try this wine and say it's lacking body, style, or complexity. It comes as no surprise that Tom Rinaldi is behind such a great effort and that this 100% Merlot shows such class and breathtaking beauty.

The aromas of this wine are what really do it for me and show off the purity of this single vineyard/single varietal effort. Big black cherry, sweet tobacco, tea leaf, coco butter, and some spice round out the powerful and expressive nose, while the flavors carry unto the palate showing dominant and ripe cherries, soft cedar, and firm but well balanced tannins. This wine has a very long finish and will only improve with extra bottle age and perhaps an hour or two in a decanter. I believe this to be the best Merlot I've tasted from California year to date and perhaps in the top five I have ever tasted. I score this wine 95 points.

2004 Turley "Juvenile" Zinfandel

Perhaps the most famous and sought after Zins in all of California, Turley produces rich and full bodied Zinfandel's that appeal to the new world wine drinker and the Robert Parker Jr. fans. The Juvenile is one of the less powerful effort from Turley but delivers a better price-value ratio. The aromas of this wine show hints of 70% plus cacao dark chocolate, welch's grape jelly, pencil lead, and blackberry. The fruit flavors burst onto the palate and show awesome notes of grape Popsicle, milk chocolate, and a slight cedar on the finish. This wine has developed in the glass quite nicely and really is delicious stuff. The alcohol percentage is 16.1% but the wine masks any heat, which really impresses me. Overall I think this wine is a solid, delicious effort. 90 Points

2003 David Girard Viognier-Roussanne

A small 160 case production made at the David Girard El Dorado County winery, located 1300 feet in the Sierra Foothills. The winery produces mainly Rhone style wines and focuses on producing finely balanced wines reminiscent of those found in Southern France. The 2003 Viognier Roussanne is a blend of 70% Viognier and 30% Rousanne and was fermented in french oak barrels and aged sur lies for 9 months. The result is a wine with a beautiful bouquet of Crème fraîche, peaches and cream, and toasted coconut. Those of us who just adore Viognier for it's aromatic qualities will all be very pleased with this wines aromas. The texture of this wine is very round and waxy which is normal for Rhone style whites and common for wines containing Roussanne. Peaches, honey, and lemon curd unfold on the palate and create a long and pleasant finish of key lime pie and kiwi flavors. Good acidity and alcohol levels in this wine have helped this wine to remain fresh and alive and I find the 03' vintage still in tact. 89-90 points

2006 Three Winds Syrah

This little Syrah from the south of France in the Languedoc region is a generous little quaffer that delivers aromas of black currant, lead, rusty metal notes, and a underlining raspberry character. The flavors continue in the dark fruit theme showing notes of blackberry, cassis, and rustic metallic notes. Overall a decent effort and I assume this is a relatively inexpensive wine, which would make it a good buy in the ten dollar range. 85 points

2006 Four Vines "The Peasant"

This traditional Rhone blend is composed of 33% Syrah, 37% Mourvedre, 21% Grenache, and 9% Counnoise. I was extremely pleased by the very layered and complex nose which showcased aromas of bramble berry, sarsaparilla, ripe blackberry jam, and hints of mulberry. Immediately when tasting this wine I noted that the texture was extremely polished. (This is a huge plus for me!) I just love when a wine has a silky and weighty texture and this wine is very round and polished. The flavors are full and intense showing notes of sweet cassis, bramble berry, and touches of anise and vanilla. This wine is full bodied and has quite firm tannins and is one of the most seamless and richly textured wines I've personally every tasted from Paso Robles. Excellent! 94 points

2006 Marchetti Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico

This Verdicchio is from the Marche just outside of Ancona, in the Verdicchio Classico zone. It's a very small 900 case production that is stainless steel fermented and produced from very low yielding vines. This wine is also pressed using a "flower press" which is extremely soft on the grapes and makes this wine essentially all free-run juice. The aromas of this wine are simple with citrus and mineral characteristics. The flavors are of lime peel, mineral, and wet stone. This wine has a real striking acidity which makes it a perfect pairing for all types of seafood. I actually had some colby jack cheese which it went really nice with, but I think this wine would flourish with fish. Easy, simple, fresh, and good for food. 86 points

2004 Bonny Doon Syrah Le ousseur

Let me start out by saying that this wine is an astonishing steel at the price point where it sits. I reviewed this wine with no prior knowledge of the winery or the wines Bonny Doon produces. I also had no idea this wine was under $20 and when I found out I was very surprised. This wine drinks better than many forty to fifty dollar bottles of California Syrah.

Now that I have your attention! This wine is deep and dark in color and only contains around 13.5% alcohol. Amazing when you think about the current trend of making high octane Syrah. The nose boasts wonderful aromas of cassis, bacon fat, blackberry, a touch of black cherry, and subtle hints of pencil led and tar. My wife also gave me a suggestion of what she smelt on the nose and said it smells like orange peel, which tends to be common in Syrah if you really pay attention. The flavors are rich but not over the top, subtle but full of character. Pure blackberry jam, black cherry, and that hint of pencil led. This wine reminds me of Cote Rotie without the funky terroir and sharp acidity. The only thing this wine lacks is a bit of depth on the finish but other than that, this wine is marvelous. Stunned by the purity and delineated flavors.

One of the most interesting and well balanced Syrah's I've tasted in awhile. 91-92 points