2008 C. Donatiello Floodgate Vineyard Block 15 Pinot Noir – Russian River Valley

Cranberry color, slightly opaque. (A thankful break from the ridiculously dark Pinot’s being produced today by many.) On the nose, cherry, cranberry, with a pleasant touch of earthiness. On the Palette: elegant. Despite the youth of this release, it’s a pleasure in the mouth, with velvet texture, wonderful balance and mouthfeel. Flavors of cherry and red fruit, with a nice finish, and lingering acidity. Read the full review on Simple Hedonisms.

Seeking to Define Natural Wine

Except for the absence of tie-dye, the second annual Natural Wine Week in San Francisco could have been an event right out of 1967.

2008 Schloss Saarstein Pinot Blanc – Mosel, Germany

Rich with baking aromas, floral and and fruit flavors, all strung together on a wire of clean defining acidity. It’s like a very thin puff pastry heaped with pears and starfruit, spiced with nutmeg, and dried key lime and tangerine peel, all sprinkled lightly with the juice of a Meyer Lemon. Drink with roast chicken.

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.

Palate Press Wine of the Week: 2008 Domaine Lecomte Quincy Vielle Vignes

Pale straw yellow and aromatic, with a salty, floral nose. On the palate it has brilliant acidity: citrusy, but with pear and basil, too. It tastes like jasmine in full bloom. It offers an herbaceous finish that’s spicy but languorous. It takes its time. Restrained and elegant, this wine poses an Old-world counterpoint to the explosively grassy, lemony Sauvignon blancs found in the New.

The Palate Press Wine of the Week, August 23 – 27

Please vote for the Palate Press Wine of the Week for August 23 – 27!

2008 Domaine Lecomte Quincy Vielle Vignes – Loire Valley, France

Pale straw yellow and aromatic, with a salty, floral nose. On the palate it has brilliant acidity: citrusy, but with pear and basil, too. It tastes like jasmine in full bloom. It offers an herbaceous finish that’s spicy but languorous. It takes its time. Restrained and elegant, this wine poses an Old-world counterpoint to the [...]

2008 Ranga Ranga Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand

Clear, medium intensity, golden yellow color. Clean nose, aromatic; grass, green vegetable, asparagus, pea shoots, citrus. Dry wine, medium intensity and body, alcohol is slightly off balance, long finish; lemon and lime, green vegetal. Read more on oe•no•phile.

Small Winery, Far Reach

SVB Financial reports that buyers will begin to spend slightly more for a bottle of wine into 2011. If this is the case, the question becomes: how does the small family owned winery with a lower operating budget market their wines to consumers and try to make the most of the improving economy?

2008 Denis Jamain Reuilly – France

Clear, medium-pale intensity, golden yellow color. Clean nose, aromatic; grass, grapefruit, unripe cherries, citrus, lime. Dry wine, medium-full body, medium-high acidity, long finish; fresh grapefruit and lemon. Read more on oe•no•phile.

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