Continued from Part I. After our whirlwind tour of Tain, we decided to stay close to home that evening, dining in the tiny restaurant in our hotel in Condrieu, La Réclusière. We chose the five-course tasting menu, awkwardly translated into-read more-
Clocking in at 14% ABV, this wine is a deep ruby red, with just a hint of purple. Floral notes and red fruit mingle on the nose, while more red fruit—especially juicy cherries—well-integrated tannins and an earthiness find their way-read more-
Flor is a fragrant and refreshing sparkler full of citrus and stone fruit flavors. The bubbles are fine and the mousse is creamy, with a nutty undertone. Most of the grapes are from Valdobbiadene, but because not all the grapes-read more-
A wonderfully rich and balanced Chardonnay, this offers up complex flavors of pink lady apples, honeydew melon and toasted english muffins with butter. Tart lemony acids balance the sweet fruit. Pair this with greek sea bass. WHO Grgich Hills Cellar-read more-
A delicious, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc in the Sancerre style, clean grassiness, green melon and white grapefruit, bright acid backbone and a lingering finish. There are no New Zealand cats or gooseberry bushes to be found in this Santa Ynez jewel.-read more-
A big alcohol, big fruit Zinfandel, "medium ruby color, day bright, medium concentration with a nose of ripe 'craizins,' red berry compote, and drunken cherries. It is full bodied with ripe moderate tannins." Pair this with beef ribs smothered in-read more-
A big, fruity Zinfandel with a great nose, the kind you can get lost in and forget to drink. On the palate, one professional reviewer found burnt fruit, but another wrote "loved it. Big & fruity. Still, mantains a spicy-read more-
2007 Sean Minor Four Bears Pinot Noir was awarded 16 points. It was full-bodied, showing dark cherries and sage with a good finish. Howard noted it had a nice nose and "you get the terroir." WHO Sean Minor WHAT Pinot Noir-read more-