2006 Domaine Tempier Rose – Bandol: The REAL DEAL folks! I recently bought a few bottles of this for my house based on a solid recommendation, so I was glad to see it on a wine list in San Francisco. Summer berries brought on such great flavor - pale pink in color that totally packs a punch. Handley Cellars Brut Rose - Anderson Valley California: This bottle of bubbles christened the first night of vacation. As always, this sparkling is so elegantly done. Tiny silky bubbles, with a hint of cherry and brownie dough on the finish. You can only buy this from the winery. : (
Syncline Viognier - Washington: Ahh, a choice that was made over a lovely sunny lunch outside in Mendocino (pictured above). This viognier gave me exactly what I was looking for – crisp stone fruits with a hint of minerality, honeysuckle and an incredibly long and delicious finish. I had the server bring out the bottle so I could see the label. Not sold in Texas .
2006 Handley Cellars Rose of Pinot Noir - Anderson Valley California: WOW! I did a double take after the first sip. I was sitting on a cool deck overlooking the most famous Sonoma Merlot vineyard of all time – but the Handley Rose made all of us stand to attention. The aromas and flavors reflect its breathtaking coral hue: strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, with a hint of orange peel. No wonder this bottle has won a couple of Gold Medals this year!
2006 Robert Sinskey Pinot Blanc – Caneros, California: I’ve always loved this Pinot Blanc. It was a perfect pairing at the Albion River Inn along with heirloom tomatoes stuffed with fresh crab and avocado.
1997 Rene Engel Vosne Romanee 1er Cru “Les Brulees”: After a few minute
s of indecision, I went for it. Very pleasing flavors of soft, ripe red fruit on the nose with delicious smoky overtones. The red fruit characteristics are mirrored on the palate with fine balancing acidity and a very pretty finish. I saved enough to try a glass the following night – OH YEAH I’m glad I did!
2005 St Innocent Pinot Noir – Oregon: I walked into an old favorite wine bar of mine in San Francisco up on Hyde St., tiny place, I think it seats 12 people max. First time I’ve had this wine in years, and now totally remember why I LOVE ST INNOCENT!! This pinot has an unusual flavor of cherry cheesecake and I LOVE IT. Slutty little wine, I must get some for the house!
2006 Acorn Rosato – Dry Creek Valley, California: Picked this one up from “The Cheese Shop” in Healdsburg one day to sip by the pool later on during vacation. Glad I did – this was a wonderful dry Italian rose made up of a handful of varietals grown by the sweet folks at Acorn. It was a perfect pairing under the sunshine and during a competitive game of rummy.
2005 Ulysses Valdez Sauvignon Blanc: Dang this is good. I first had the 2005 a year ago during the release up at Rockpile Vineyard above Lake Sonoma. Super acidity and very strong grapefruit flavors hit as soon as I sipped! This was a perfect pairing with Sonoma goat cheese and rosemary crackers. Paul Hobbs made this for Ulysses.
2006 Medlock Ames Merlot – Alexander Valley California: The rumor is true, Medlock Ames is making OUTSTANDING wines. I’ve been sipping their 2003 Merlot and Cabernet that is now available in Texas for a few months now - truly well made and beautiful wine. But I got a sneak sip from the 2006 Merlot harvest that is now in barrel – Supercalifragilisticexpeialidocious!!!! Cheers - Ali
2006 Domaine Tempier Rose – Bandol: The REAL DEAL folks! I recently bought a few bottles of this for my house based on a solid recommendation, so I was glad to see it on a wine list in 
s of indecision, I went for it. Very pleasing flavors of soft, ripe red fruit on the nose with delicious smoky overtones. The red fruit characteristics are mirrored on the palate with fine balancing acidity and a very pretty finish. I saved enough to try a glass the following night – OH YEAH I’m glad I did! 
1 comment:
If you liked Acorn's rose, you should seek out their Sangiovese. Just had it last weekend in Sonoma at the family-owned winery and it's fantastic and really food-friendly. It may sound like a backhanded compliment, but it's the best American Sangiovese I've ever found.
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