Bsundown53's Wine Reviews

Au Bon Climat Pinot Gris/ Pinot Blanc Santa Barbara County 2005

The 2005 Pinot Blanc/ Pinot Gris Santa Barbara County is a fresh and fruity wine with citrus, apple and spice notes along with hints of white flowers and marzipan. Crisp acidity on the finish says this wine belongs on the dinner table.

Rating: 3.35 / 5.00

Au Bon Climat Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2006

One of the best values in CA Chardonnay from one year to the next is the 2006 Santa Barbara County Chardonnay. Juicy, crisp, clean and refreshing, adjectives not normally associated with CA Chard! Notes of citrus, ripe pear and lemon cream shine through on both the nose and the palate. The wine is fermented and aged sur-lie in neutral barrels to add a creamy note of complexity.

Rating: 3.80 / 5.00

Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir Santa Maria Valley La Bauge Au-Dessus 2005

From a block of vines that Jim Clendenen planted in '94, this is consistently one of my favorite wines and a testament to what true Pinot should taste like: Balanced, finessed, complex and with more acidity than you will ever find in a 15.5% abv monster "Pinot" from Napa. Violet perfume and bright fruit aromas lead to a palate that is silky and easy to like with notes of black cherries, blueberries and a touch of mocha. Delicious.

Rating: 4.35 / 5.00

Bodegas Peique Joven Bierzo 2005

The '05 Joven was fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel tanks and spent two months sur lie. The nose had a pleasant dry earth spiciness along with aromas of baked red fruits. The palate was ripe with lots of red fruits, more of the warm earth spiciness and plenty of acidity. Fans of soft wines may be put off by the dry feel, but those of you who like Euro-styled reds this is a great value.

Rating: 3.80 / 5.00

Campo al Mare Bolgheri Rosso 2004

Dry rocks, bell pepper, black pepper and rich dark fruit aromas led to a palate that was at first a little too tightly wound to be enjoyable. But as the wine opened the tannins faded ever so slightly to reveal a measure of richness, chewiness and a silky feel. Overall a pretty tasty super tuscan for the money.

Rating: 3.60 / 5.00

Salviano Orvieto Classico Superiore 2004

An interesting rendition of Orvieto. This wine had a nose that was rich, floral and clover honey all over the place. I thought the wine would be on the sweet side, but the palate was much more balanced with a nice citrus note to compliment the honeysuckle and marzipan finish.

Rating: 3.40 / 5.00

The Colonial Estates Barossa Valley Emigr� 2004

Bright and cheery on the nose with lots of red fruit, spearmint and a roasted meat note. The palate was on the other end of the spectrum with rich black fruit, dark chocolate, coffee, roasted herb and something meaty that reminded me of Asian-style spare ribs. Lots of tannins, lots of length and lots of complexity. Outstanding.

Rating: 3.95 / 5.00

Dobbes Family Estates Pinot Gris Willamette Valley 2006

A very well made Pinot Gris with a nose that carried lots of perfume and spice and also hints of citrus, star fruit and fresh honeydew. The palate was more broad and open than I expected, with juicy pear and papaya notes that turned to chalky minerality on the tongue before finally finishing with just enough acidity. Splashes of cinnamon and lime zest added complexity.

Rating: 3.60 / 5.00

L'Aventure Syrah Paso Robles 2002

Dark, dark and darker on the nose, with chocolate, black fruits, tar and charred earth. The palate is rich and concentrated, with lots of dark fruits, some dry earth notes and a little bramble along with a grilled meat note. Complex, rich and entertaining.

Rating: 3.80 / 5.00

Robert Foley Charbono Napa Valley 2005

Not many good Charbono's out there, so the reference point for this wine is small. French oak smoke on the nose, but also warm rocks, dark and ripe fruits and a slight amarone note. The palate is creamy and spicy, with fresh herbs, strawberries and red cherries, and ample acidity on a light frame. Very interesting.

Rating: 3.60 / 5.00