In cooler winegrowing areas, one could easily think that the appearance of a warm, dry, sunny vintage would always be greeted with enthusiasm and happiness by winegrowers and winemakers. The reality, however, is more nuanced: very hot years can be as much of a challenge as cool, wet ones. It
The nose has light florals, mostly violet, and aromas of cedar. Black fruits lead, with a light background of red currants. From mid-palate to finish florals shine through. A great balance of acids and fine tannins make a nice food wine. Like many of the 2003 Bordeaux, this seems to
Sweet and fruity is the feel of this wine. Very fruity, with caramelized fruit in aroma and flavors and finish. On the palate, there’s also some unripe plum along with its light woody tannins. Fairly uncomplicated and easy to drink as an aperitif. Serve cool. Recommended with reservations. BSE WHO:
The color is very pretty and bright, ruby with a fizz of bubbles. The nose is rose petals and sweet strawberries. This is definitely a sweet sparkler, a fizzy blend of raspberry and strawberry sherbert, with a little rosewater making a floral appearance on the mid-palate. There is a surprising
The months toward the end of winter and beginning of spring are Amarone della Valpolicella time. In this period, in fact, two important events are hosted in Verona, Italy -- two different series of tastings of this renowned Italian red wine. “Amarone in Villa” (“Amarone in the Manor”) is organized
Another lovely offering from the folks at White Rose in Oregon. They offer a wide range of wines from different vineyards. This one opens with a classic pinot nose of smoked cherries and plums. Tannins are soft and fruit is silken as it lingers on the palate after you first
Honeyed aromas, very fruity, with honeyed, peachy flavors, and honey even in the finish. Fruit and citrus overwhelm the crispness you’d expect to find in a wine made from pinot grigio grapes. It’s a nice example of a modern sweet wine, probably a crowd-pleaser, but not really a pinot grigio.
If you think pinot noir from South America is inevitably too rich, too extracted and too ripe, you really need to get yourself a bottle of this subtle, balanced gem from Bodega Chacra, founded by Piero Incisa, scion of the family who brought you a little Tuscan wine called… Sassicaia.