This sherry has a golden-yellow tint and a forceful nose. That wonderful resinous sherry smell is there in spades, along with walnuts and anise. The sip offers similar wonders, with a completely savory approach. It's as dry as a bone, provided the bone was lying in the desert sun for a while. There's not a lick of sweetness, so it's not Grandma’s sherry. The chalky vineyard soil seems to speak through what these Palomino Fino grapes have wrought. There are notes of hazelnut, lemon and the all-important yeast layer - flor - that sits atop the wine in the barrel for five years. The acidity is decent, but not too forceful, and afterward, the finish lingers with anise lasting the longest. Wow, is all. — 7 years ago
Greenish tint in glass. Lime, citrus, yellow apple. Savory notes that lean vegetal / plant-like rather than herbal. Juicy mouthfeel with perfectly strident acid. — 8 years ago
Pale with faint green tint. Apple and melon aromas. Initial sweet honey that turns into mineral with an abrupt acid finish.
Great with comté cheese. — 8 years ago
The 2017 Aatto has a medium-dark garnet color with a slight brownish tint. It pours up looking older than its four years. The nose carries a strongly perfumed floral note as its banner - lilacs and oleanders come to mind. Beneath that, dark fruit - currant, blackberry, plum - rise above the flowerbed. Sweet spice - vanilla and cinnamon - play a minor role. On the palate, it is a youthful show of the fruit that demands attention. Tannins are firm and finely honed, and the acidity provides a lip-smacking delight. This is a wine I would like to have with a pork chop or rosemary ham, but it could also handle beefy dishes. — 4 years ago
Deep dark berry port on the nose, brown tint implying age, pretty delicious and elegant, but maybe a bit too much alcohol. — 6 years ago
Light straw in color with a golden tint.
Strong nose of grapefruits, boysenberry, citrus, honey, white flowers, minerals and white pepper.
Medium-bodied with medium acidity, crisp and refreshing.
Dry to off dry on the palate with citrus, grapefruits, lemons, honey and spices.
Long finish with lemons.
This is a great Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley. Well balanced with a nice long finish.
Has high alcohol, but it's not noticeable, which I liked.
Fruity, rich and not bitter, with nice complexity, and I loved the finish. This is very tasty. Probably the best Sauvignon Blanc I've had in a while.
14.3% alcohol by volume.
93 points.
$34. — 7 years ago
Dark yellow in color with a yellow tint.
Fruity nose of flowers, citrus, lemons, light grapefruits and green apples.
Medium bodied with medium acidity, crisp and refreshing.
Dry to off dry on the palate with citrus, tangerines, minerals, red apples, light tropical fruits, white peaches, pears and white pepper.
Medium plus in finish with tangy red grapefruit.
This is great Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. Well-balanced and easy drinking with a little bit of sweetness to cut the acidity.
Not very complex, but so enjoyable by itself or with food. A great party wine, or just to sip on by the porch.
I loved the tangy finish without any bitterness. Really delicious.
11.5% alcohol by volume.
89 points.
$14. — 7 years ago
Its Italian night! This is Brunelli2010 Brunello di Montalcino imported by my favorite importers, Small Vineyards in Seattle WA. It is 14% and feels like 13%. Nevertheless, the bouquet is nothing like a California cab - yes I know its not comparable, but this is my base. It is almost like a plumb pie. Don't let this discourage you. On second smell, Its almost like a rubber fishing worm. Still, not what Im used to so maybe I don't know what the heck Im smelling! The color does have that slightly brown tint to the beautiful Oregon pinot color. The initial palate is crisp and fruity like cherries and cranberries. Nevertheless, the mid palate is just like a fresh sip of 100% cranberry juice. The finish comes with that lingering tartness of cranberry juice with a drying of the upper palate and a splash of spice. It is dry. It is good. It is one of my favorites! — 8 years ago
Inaugural vintage, 2009. Menthol, eucalyptus upon immediate opening. I expected more of a brick rimmed tint, but still holding color. On the nose: light fruits, dusty minerality. On the tongue: vanilla, smoke, oak, slight cherry, some blueberry and sweet plum. Really evolves after being open for +1-2 hours. — 5 years ago
Pretty golden color with a yellow tint.
Great nose of grapefruits, spices, carmel and white pepper.
Light-bodied and engaging.
Dry on the palate with grapefruits, spices, honey, butterscotch and caramel.
Long and tangy finish, without any bitterness. So delicious.
Complex and interesting, with a touch of a young Sauvignon Blanc taste.
Needs 30 minutes to open up properly and needs to be very chilled.
This 23 year old Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire is crisp and refreshing, but not as crisp as a young Sauvignon Blanc from this region.
I always enjoy tasting a small piece of history.
12.5% alcohol by volume.
90 points. — 6 years ago
Probably 2nd favorite (next to Pongranz) for approachable sparkling SA Wines. Slightly rose tint brings a bit of fruit but not sweet at all. — 7 years ago
Pepper, limon, chipotle peppers, black pepper, spice blend, smoke, ash—love it. Beautiful amber color which I imagine is from the 9 years of aging. Amber gold tint.
Unique wine and excellent for the price point of $21 — 7 years ago
Nice Merlot. Brown tint but tasting nice. Lots of fruit, hint of raisin. Good with Frito Pie 😊 — 7 years ago
Sensational for a Pinot Fin. Kept really well. Tint of sour cherries and wet forest flavours. — 8 years ago
"Odedi"
Deep golden in color, with a yellow tint.
On the nose citrus, limes, yellow apples, spices, light oak, vanilla and black pepper.
Medium bodied with medium plus acidity and long fat legs.
Dry on the palate with limes, grapefruits, citrus, red apples, pears, light vegetables, spices, oak, light vanilla, light herbs and black pepper.
Tangy finish with bitter almonds.
This is a nice Oaky Chardonnay from Sonoma County. Rich and fierce, yet elegant. Tangy, spicy and interesting.
Needs 30 minutes to open up properly and relax. Good by itself as a sipping wine, or with food. Spicy with nice complexity. The high alcohol is not noticeable, so you better watch out.
This 4 year old Single Vineyard still feels fresh and young, and will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.
Barrel fermented and aged in French oak barrels for 16 months.
14.6% alcohol by volume.
90 points.
$68. — 4 years ago