A rich, oaky, meaty, buttery nose. Plenty of vanilla in aroma and flavor. Some wild herbs and a bit of lemon and apricot skin in the flavor, too. A medium-heavy body though the label says its only 13.5% alcohol. Peppery, medium-length finish. Without food vanilla dominates but with food this is
The nose has rich dark fruits and with a light floral background of violet. The palate has dark plums, elderberry, pencil lead, and violets. Tobacco leaf shows up on the mid-palate. Tannins are very fine. The overall impression is of smooth layers of dark depth. The finish is sweet and
The nose has rich dark fruits and with a light floral background of violet. The palate has dark plums, elderberry, pencil lead, and violets. Tobacco leaf shows up on the mid-palate. Tannins are very fine. The overall impression is of smooth layers of dark depth. The finish is sweet and
I believe in the Tolstoy theory of history: great men don't really influence nations, but surf a tidal wave of societal change that was coming anyway. Thus it is with Robert Parker. Wine lovers spend a fair amount of time complaining about his malign influence. We want things he ignores,
An aroma reminiscent of the cherry juice that leaks out of a pie while baking, and caramelizes on the edge of the pan. A touch of florals, too. In the mouth the flavors become more intense, appearing sweeter on the end palate. But the wine finishes fairly dry with integrated tannins and acidity. There's
Combining the pleasantly mineral and grippy character of Carignane with rounder notes from five other grape varieties, this inexpensive offering from Bonny Doon is rather easy-going, despite the contrarian attitude implied in the name (which also refers to Contra Costa County, where most of the grapes come from). That contradictory
Silky red fruits, cranberry, wild strawberry, and redcurrant, are the highlights of this wine. Some basil and tarragon show on the mid-palate, along with sweeter cherries and strawberries. The curious aspect is on the nose, where the red fruits show clearly, but there is a curious underlying hint of darkness,
In the nose, a touch of green pepper and eucalyptus, then nice spice appears. Also, a touch of sweetness, cotton candy surrounding the light fruit on the palate. Tannins open up a bit over the course of a half-hour or so, but the wine remains restrained and so light as