2009 Banfi Centine Rosé – Tuscany, Italy

An Italian blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet sauvignon, and Merlot would suggest a big bold rosé that might be too strong for some palates. The Centine is surprisingly fresh, balanced and delightful for rosé lovers. And, you can’t beat a nice light summer rosé for just $11. This wine was surprisingly light and enjoyable.

A Glimpse of Suisun Valley’s Diversity

For my 40th birthday I took a much-needed get away to Napa. We visited my friend Jeff Miller and his wife Beryl. Jeff lives in Napa and grows and makes wines in the Suisun Valley AVA under several labels: Seven Artisans, Sly Dog Cellars, and Red Côte.

D.O. Madrid: A New Old Region Explored

When I went to a dinner featuring D.O. Madrid wines about two years ago, the wines were a mix: from overly fruity to international style to more sophisticated; some were old-fashioned and some seemed young and carelessly made. ut I saved a bottle of Tempranillo-based wine from that night and opened it a few months ago…

2004 Carmen Winemaker’s Reserve Red – Maipo Valley, Chile

Slightly vegetal green hints are clear tell-tales of wine from Chile, but they do not overwhelm the nose. It also has loads of menthol, black fruit, and a touch of coconut. Blackberries, menthol, tobacco and green pepper are bound by tight tannins. The second night, it still shows telltale Chile-green. Tannins are smoother but the additional time brought the wood, rather than the fruit, to come to the fore. Vanilla and brown sugar overwhelm blackberries and blueberries in a green pepper cup. Not recommended.

Palate Press Wine of the Week – 2007 DeLille Cellars Harrison Hill

The Harrison Hill was the top of the heap for me in our DeLille tasting (with the Doyenne and Chaleur Blanc close behind). Big and dark and tannic and complex, with a finish that lasted well into each next taste. A bit pricey at $75 a bottle, but this one I think is worth it. Read more on RJ’s Wine Blog.

2007 DeLille Cellars Chaleur Estate – Red Mountain, WA

Like the 2007 Harrison Hill, the tannins are huge on this wine. Black fruit, herb, and vanilla notes, it’s definitely a mouthful, but still incredibly well balanced. The finish on this thing goes on forever. I would suggest decanting for 1-2 hours before drinking. Read more on RJ’s Wine Blog.

2007 DeLille Cellars Harrison Hill – Yakima Valley, WA

The Harrison Hill was the top of the heap for me in our DeLille tasting (with the Doyenne and Chaleur Blanc close behind). Big and dark and tannic and complex, with a finish that lasted well into each next taste. A bit pricey at $75 a bottle, but this one I think is worth it. Read more on RJ’s Wine Blog.

The Palate Press Wine of the Week, June 27 – July 1

The Palate Press Wine of the Week, June 27 – July 1 is …

2007 Tinhorn Creek Merlot – Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

I served Tinhorn Creek’s ’07 South Okanagan Valley Merlot with our grilled hamburgers, homemade rosemary-and-olive-oil tossed chips and coleslaw. On the nose the wine was floral and fruity, with a dusty undertone. On the palate, flavors of berries, dark cherries, and a little cocoa worked well with the smoky goodness of the burgers and savory potatoes. While not terribly complex, this wine is juicy, bright and well balanced. To read more about the wines Kathleen drinks, visit her blog Between the Vines

Indigenous American Grape Varieties, A Primer

Can American Vitis species produce wines that compare with those made from vinifera on a global stage? If so, will the wine traditionalists ever accept them? While continued research and experimentation with these varieties will hopefully answer these questions, perhaps an educational introduction will get the ball rolling.

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