Silken, gorgeous tannins with tempered red berries that don’t overwhelm; wine has further complexity with black Tellicherry pepper, underbrush, a slight hint of curry, and maitake mushroom.
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Syrah / Shiraz | 
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Posted by jamesthewineguy
Everyone raves about the Santa Rita Hills and Fiddlehead wines from this appellation. This is a focused Pinot Noir witih subtle and standing ovation characteristics: lovely damp earth, sliced pluot, a dusting of clove, seude, amazing terroir for an amazing wine. The closest thing to Burgundy withouh that Burgundy price point. A lovely wine; my favourite Pinot Noir in show.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
When it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon I expect more than just a now cliche Napa or Napa Valley; I want my Napa with a vineyard designation. Cabernet Sauvignon can vary greatly; I like focus and structure and boldness… some Cabernet Sauvignons are bland, un-interesting and worse you may not care where it is from–you just know that is not what you want.
This Erba Cabernet Sauvignon is well defined, confident but not an eye rolling wine either. This wine has some bold Sarawak black pepper, Acai, cherry, leather and smoke.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
Beckmen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Ynez Valley has an abundance of rich dark red berry, bramble, suede, smoke and Malabar pepper.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Cabernet Sauvignon | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
I talked with Greg Bjornstad this summer at the San Francisco Pinot Days; he was much sought after and so we exchanged a few pleasantries which was difficult to do. I also heard Greg speak at the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast tasting and he was a modest and articulate speaker. His wines are outstanding; you can try another vineyard designate wine same vintage and somehow they are not the same; hence enter stage right is the art and science of the winemaker. Yes, Virginia wines vary from winemaker to vineyard to non-vineyard designate selects to reserves versus year and the wine is different; sometimes markedly so. This Chardonnay is bold, crisp, focused; Winesap apple, a dusting of nutmeg and allspice, a flash of cumin (and yes this is a good thing; not an overwhelming amount just a mesmerizing dose that keeps you smelling your wine); and dried fig.
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Chardonnay, Russian River | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
This is a wonderful example of Russian River Valley fruit. The terroir gives it’s hand the wine makers its two pair of hands to make a polished and well heeled Chardonnay. This Chardonnay gives a balance between refined and bold; generous caramelized apple, cinnamon, quintessential nutmeg, and forest floor. A gorgeous Chardonnay.
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Chardonnay, Russian River | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
This is an elegant and well defined Merlot with supple and silky tannins; generous cassis, molten chocolate, and freshly picked blackberry. A sophisticated Merlot and I would liken this to an ideal for a mid-Summer’s evening dinner.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Merlot, Napa Valley | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
A lovingly wooded Chardonnay Stag’s Leap Cellar’s most certainly known for their red wines produce a delicious Chardonnay. This wine gives generous nutmeg, cedar, forest floor, Adriatic fig, and a kiss of lavender honey.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Chardonnay | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
It is hard for a great Pinot Noir to simply go by without some recognitions. This wine is simple, yet urban, smart and humble; sensible all at one time. I found this wine to have all of the essential components of a wondrous Russian River Valley wine. This wine has wondrous rose petal, cinnamon, cardamom, star fruit, and braised blackberry.
****
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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Pinot Noir, Russian River | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
Anglim Paso Robles Roussanne is a delightful Roussanne actually an amazing Roussanne. There are gorgeous notes that are exceedingly bold and intricate. This Roussanne gives kaffir lime, Seville orange peel, honeysuckle, a sprinkle of cardamom and Kadota fig. This is a sophisticated and luxuriant wine and somehow in this chaotic world brings soothing notes along with excitement.
****
Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com
© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez
No Comments » | Paso Robles, Roussanne | Permalink
Posted by jamesthewineguy
