Okay, a couple of quick impressions for you from the Live Blogging segment.
2008 Fish Eye Pinot Grigio NV: a bit astringent on the nose, described as “light, fruity wine”, Central Valley. $6.99 for 750 ml, also comes in a 3 L box. This is recommended by the winery representative for newer wine drinkers, for fun, mass appeal. RS .70%
Pinot Evil Pinot Noir (France): promoted as quality, value and eco-friendly. Decanted but still tannic, light in style IMO. Premium wine cask category grew by 30% in 2008. Good for entertaining, put in carafes for guests.
2007 Cupcake Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon: 100% malolactic fermentation, aged in American Oak for 12 mos. This is marketed as an adult treat (cupcake). Dark cherry in color, toasty on the nose, smooth rounded flavors. $13.99 or on special for $9.99. This is a good value wine to seek out.
Snows Lake Two Blend: 250 cases each of 2 varietals. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon 28% Cab Franc. French Oak and New French Oak. Dark, dark in color smooth and supple for young fruit. Retail $45. Available in NY/NJ as well as many other states.
2007 Line County Petite Sirah Lake County: Oak on the nose, described as afull-bodied Petit Sirah, but I found it to be more medium-bodied. Would pair well with many dishes similar to pairing ability of Pinot Noir. Nice value at $10.
2007 Cline Ancient Vines Mouvedre: little oak (25% new French Oak) so as not to mute the fruit. Mostly Mouvedre. Mouvedre was very popular in the ’30s but has almost disappeared. $16.00. Peel back label. This is my first Mouvedre and I will explore more of them.
2007 Tandem Manchester Ridge Chardonnay: family operation, Manchester Ridge. Paired with Old Wente. Skin contacting for 32 hours. I got lemon on the palate.
2007 Foggy Bridge Chardonnay: Australian winemaker formerly with Penfolds. Very light straw in color. 190 cases. Single label.
2006 Clif Gary’s Improv Syrah: dark cherry color, toasted oak nose. Tasting a bit young though should round out with age or decanting.
2007 Benovia Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir: Pinot Noir focus, Russian River AVA, 370 cases, $55. Minimal intervention, cold soaked. Unfined, unfiltered.
2007 Lion’s Pride El Molino High School Russian River valley Pinot Noir: high school students have a winery permit . 100% of proceeds go back to the high school Ag program. A labor of love. Celebrity winemakers donate time and materials to make the wine.
2005 Rockaway Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon: Rodney Strong. Sugary cherry on the nose like a cherry tart, hillside fruit.
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