Personal Wine Review









Fumé Blanc
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
(Robert) Mondavi Fumé Blanc Napa Valley - To-Kalon Vinyard I Block 1998 Woodbridge, CA 29 December 2000 Orange peels and light lemon citrus, herbs. (NFC=94, WS=86)

Back to wine index









Gewurztrauminer
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Navarro Gewurztrauminer California 1997 State/Country 30 December 2000 Peach, refreshing. (NFC=85, WS=84)

Back to wine index









Pinot Grigio

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Turning Leaf Delle Venezie Pino Grigio Italy 1996 Italy 7 June 1999 Light body, lively on the tongue, floral nose and spicy finish, taste of golden raisins. Would be great with a light meat less-rich dinner. (NFC=85, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Pinot Gris
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Eola Hills Pinot Gris Willamette Valley, OR 1998 Rickreall, OR 29 Dec 1999 Not sweet, pears and slightly spicy (NFC=84, WS=NR)
King Estate Pinot Gris Oregon 1998 Eugene, OR 1 October 2000 Citrusy but not overpowering lemon, tastes of orange peel and melon, with a whiff of dry grass. (NFC=88, WS=87)

Back to wine index









Reisling
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Bonny Doon Dry Reisling Pacific Rim (CA/WA) 1998 Livermore, CA 9 Sep 2000 Light and dry with fruity apple and citrus, finishing with figs and apricots. Reisling grapes from California and Washington, as well as small amounts of Reisling grapes from Mosel and Nahe, Germany. (NFC=88, WS=85)

Back to wine index









Muscat
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
St. Supéry Moscato California 1993 Rutherford, CA 1 Nov 1999 Sweet white wine with a rich floral nose, smooth balance or sweetness, tartness, and acidity. Finishes with apple skin and pear flavors. (NFC=85, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Sauvignon Blanc
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Kenwood Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County 1997 Kenwood, CA 19 July 1999 Citrusy, peaches and slightly sweet, spicy grass finish. (NFC=85, WS=85)
(V.) Sattui Winery Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 1992 St. Helena, CA 11 Nov 1999 Butterscotch overtones, lightly oaky, not sweet, with lingering melon finish (25% Napa Valley Semillon, 75% Estate grown Suzanne's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc) (NFC=85, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Soave
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Boscaini Soave Classico Monteleone Costeggiola/Carniga Region Italy 1993 Italy 18 Nov 2000 Strong apricot, black pepper (NFC=85, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Burgundy

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Louis Jadot Red Burgundy Table Wine Beaujolais-Villages 1998 Beaune, France 27 May 1999 Young and light but lively with a hint of raspberry, (NFC=75, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Bandiera (email) Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1997 Cloverdale, CA 21 Nov 1999 Bright blackberries witha fresh fruity nose, light tannins and smooth lingering finish (NFC=90, WS=NR)
BeauLieu Vinyard BV Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon California coast 1996 Rutheford, CA 24 Sep 1999 well balanced, lively blackberry and cherry flavors, medium oak, lingering citrus (NFC=90, WS=NR)
Bell Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (Jackson Clone) Baritelle Vinyard (Rutheford/Napa Valley) 1995 Oakville, CA 1 Oct 1999 Honey, lemon, complex blending of blackberries and cherries, long nose reminiscent of strawberries. (NFC=95, WS=NR)
Beringer Founders' Estate Cabernet Sauvignon California 1997 St. Helena, CA 19 Mar 2000 Smooth with black cherry flavors and mild tannin (NFC=88, WS=NR)
Beringer Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Knights Valley Vineyard 1995 California 29 Dec 1998 Volcanic soils of Knights Valley Vineyard, aged in small oak barrels for 19 months, full-bodied with black cherry and cassis fruit flavors. MyNotes: fruity, opens up after 30 minutes of breathing - best at 1 hour. (NFC=85, WS=91)
Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon Carneros 1995 Sonoma, CA 4 Dec 1999 Astringent plum presentation and earthy finish (NFC=85, WS=85)
Burlwood Cabernet Sauvignon 1996 Modesto, CA 22 Jan 1999 Light, cassis, raspberry, slight woody (NFC=70, WS=NR)
Clos Du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1995 Napa, CA 19 Feb 1999 Before breathing - slightly woody and tannic, after breathing - dry, black currants, citrusy, lighter, well blended (NFC=80, WS=88)
Columbia Crest Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1996 Patterson, WA 16 Oct 1999 Black cherries, soft but supple, deep flavor, oaky but not overly astringent (NFC=80, WS=88)
Covey Run Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1996 Zillah, WA 11 Nov 1999 Black cherry and cassis, nice balance of oak with earthy finish (NFC=80, WS=84)
De Martino Prima Reserve Maipo Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley 1995 Isla de Maipo, Chile 13 July 1999 Lighter body, raspberrie, well blended oakiness. (NFC=80, WS=87)
Deer Valley Monterrey County Cabernet Sauvignon Monterrey County 1995 Gonzales, CA 8 Feb 1999 Light, not tannic, chemical nose and aftertaste, hint of cherry (NFC=<70, WS=NR)
EOS Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon California 1996 Paso Robles, CA 6 Mar 2000 Cherry with medium tannic woody finish, medium acid, blackberry nose, ending with a hint of chocolate (NFC=80, WS=NR)
Ferrari-Carano Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 1992 Healdsburg, CA 5 Feb 2000 Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc. Plum and wild cherry flavors, slightly bitter and earthy, heavy tannins (NFC=82, WS=NR
Fetzer Valley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon California 1996 Hopland, Mendocino County, CA 14 Aug 1999 Tannic, fresh wood, hint of ripe plum skins, spicy with earthy finish (NFC=80, WS=81)
Fetzer Valley Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon California 1997 Hopland, Mendocino County, CA 25 Nov 2000 Ripe cherry, black pepper, cinnamon. Fruity with slightly tannic bitterness. (NFC=82, WS=81)
Forest Glen Winery California Cabernet Sauvignon California 1995 Sonoma, CA 22 March 1999 Bright, astringent, dry, fruity (NFC=75, WS=78)
Foxhollow Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Select California 1993 Sonoma, CA 18 Apr 1999 Let it breathe. Fruity - plums, blackberry, light oak, medium body (NFC=75, WS=NR)
(E&J) Gallo Copper Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon Italy 23 Jan 1999 Light body, watery (NFC=70, WS=NR)
Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 1995 Healdsburg, CA 13 July 1999 Ripe cherries, lively with a light oak woodiness. (NFC=85, WS=NR)
Geyser Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Sonoma Valley 1995 Geyserville, CA 30 Aug 1999 Woody and slightly tart, hint of lemon, lighter body (NFC=80, WS=88)
Glen Ellen Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor's Reserve California 1995 Sonoma, CA 18 May 1999 Mild oaky finish, plum skins nose, lighter body, very drinkable (NFC=75, WS=80)
Gossamer Bay Cabernet Sauvignon California 1995 Modesto, CA 13 Feb 1999 Light body, not tannic, chemical/preservative nose (NFC=<70, WS=85)
Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon California 1997 Middletown, CA 11 Dec 1999 Rich blackberry flavor with lingering current finish, lightly oaked with moderate astringency (NFC=85, WS=81)
Guenoc Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast 1996 Middletown, CA 2 June 2000 Bright plum in the front of the mouth, followed by currant with slight oak overtones, long finish with blackberries (NFC=95, WS=85)
Hawkcrest Cabernet Sauvignon California 1997 Napa, CA 21 August 2000 Full mouth of raspberry, lightly oaked, slightly nutty. (NFC=85, WS=NR)
Hess Collection Winery Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon California 1997 Napa, CA 14 Dec 1999 Dry at first taste, with blackberries and ripe plums in the finish, oaky but not exceptionally astringent (NFC=93, WS=NR)
(William) Hill Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1996 Napa, CA 3 Nov 1999 Raspberry nose, blackberry tones, smooth lingering fruity finish, lightly oaked (NFC=88, WS=86)
Indigo Hills Cabernet Sauvignon California 1995 California 21 Jan 1999 Strong oak, tannic (NFC=70, WS=78)
Ironstone Cabernet Sauvignon California 1997 Murphys, CA 27 Mar 2000 Fresh blackberries followed by medium tannic cherry, finishing slightly earthy with lingering fruit (NFC=85, WS=NR)
Jessandra Vittoria Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 1995 Glen Ellen, CA 24 Feb 2000 "Naturally occuring yeasts, no chemicals, not filtered" - Wild yeast and sweet-chemical-smell nose, light wildflower and raspberry flavor, mildly tart, greatly benefits from breathing - should be decanted to air out the yeastiness. (NFC=75, WS=NR)
Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma Valley 1996 Kenwood, CA 25 June 2000 Ripe plum skins, earthy tannin on front of the tongue, followed by slightly tart and oaky raspberry into the finish (NFC=92, WS=87)
KWV Cabernet Sauvignon Western Cape, South Africa 1997 Cape Town, South Africa 22 Dec 1999 Plum skins, medium tannin, earthy (NFC=75, WS=NR)
Lockwood Cabernet Sauvignon Monterrey 1995 San Lucas, CA 16 Oct 1999 Cherries and blackberries - spicy but not overly oaky. (NFC=88, WS=82)
Lolonis Cabernet Sauvignon Redwood Valley (Mendocino County) 1995 Kelseyville, CA 27 Nov 1999 Organically grown, Greek family, full flavored blackberry, lightly oaked, nice balance of fruit and astringency (NFC=85, WS=82)
Marcus James Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Special Reserve Mendoza 1995 Fecovita, Mendoza, Argentina 22 May 1999 Blackberries, slightly astringent, mild oak, lemony finish (NFC=75, WS=82)
Meridian Cabernet Sauvignon Monterrey 1995 California 29 Dec 1998 Fruity, Cassis, flowery, opens in 30 minutes (NFC=80, WS=85)
(Robert) Mondavi Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast California 1996 Woodbridge, CA 5 June 1999 North Coast is Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino/Lake counties. Velvety smooth, oak on finish, raspberries, currant, spicy. Nicely balanced. (NFC=90, WS=NR)
(Robert) Mondavi Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon North Coast California 1997 Woodbridge, CA 22 July 2000 North Coast is Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino/Lake counties. Starts with tart fresh raspberries, rounding out to a full mouth of ripe plums. (NFC=90, WS=NR)
(Robert) Mondavi Unfiltered Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1995 Oakville, CA 11 October 1999 Tart blackberries and grape skins, full mouth, supple and complex finish, not oaky, nicely balanced. Best enjoyed WITHOUT food - it's long finish is better appreciated. (NFC=95, WS=NR)
Mystic Cliffs Cabernet Sauvignon California 1995 California 29 Dec 1998 Woody, slightly astringent, opens up in 30 minutes (NFC=70, WS=78)
(Bodega) Norton Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza 1995 Argentina 20 May 1999 Reminscent of ripe cherries, smooth, light body (NFC=75, WS=83)
Raymond Vinyard and Cellar Amber Hill Cabernet Sauvignon California 1995 St. Helena, CA 19 July 1999 Plum and blackberries, nice oak finish, not earthy. (NFC=80, WS=77)
Round Hill Cabernet Sauvignon California 1995 St. Helena, CA 9 June 1999 Currants, earthy with light oak, long fruity finish. (NFC=80, WS=85)
Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva Maipo Valley, Chile 1998 Alto Jahuel, Chile 28 Apr 2000 Raspberries, slightly woody, soft tannins (NFC=85, WS=83)
(Bodegas de) Santo Tomas Cabernet Sauvignon 1993 Baja California, Mexico 13 Feb 1999 Initial taste was chalky dirt, opened up after 30 minutes to a fruity, somewhat sharp aftertaste (NFC=<70, WS=NR)
Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County 1996 Sonoma, CA 1 May 2000 Starts with juicy blackberries, finishing with earthy tannins, nicely oaked but not woody (NFC=85, WS=88)
St. Supéry Dollarhide Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1989 Rutherford, CA 22 May 1999 Complex blend with blackberry nose, cherry and plum flavors with mild oak finish (NFC=90, WS=NR)
St. Supéry Dollarhide Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1996 Rutherford, CA 24 July 2000 Earthy tannins with ripe berries, plums, and black cherries. Smooth, nicely blended. (NFC=90, WS=NR)
(Chateau) Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1996 Paterson, WA 7 Nov 1999 Black cherry, oaky (NFC=80, WS=NR)
(Chateau) Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1997 Paterson, WA 2 Nov 1999 Earthy with ripe cherries and dry chalky finish (NFC=80, WS=NR)
Turning Leaf Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma 1994 Modesto, CA 14 June 1999 Deep and rich cassis and blackberry, black pepper in the finish, solid but not overbearing oak (NFC=85, WS=85)
(M.G.) Vallejo California Cabernet Sauvignon California 1995 Sonoma, CA 12 June 1999 Plum, light woody and earthy finish, lighter body, slightly tart (NFC=75, WS=81)
Villa Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon California 1995 St. Helena, CA 2 May 1999 Slight tannin, earthy, smooth pleasant finish, medium taste of oak and black cherries (NFC=75, WS=82)
Villa Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon California Coastal 1997 St. Helena, CA 30 August 2000 Bright cherry with plum skin astringincy followed by earthy chocolate. (NFC=82, WS=NR)
Wolf Blass Cabernet Sauvignon Yellow Label South Australia 1995 Nuriootpa, South Australia 22 May 1999 Blackberries, showing some depth of character with complex oak and herbal notes (NFC=85, WS=NR)
Wyndham Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 444 South Eastern Australia 1998 Nunter Valley, New South Wales 5 Feb 2001 Fruity, blackberry and plum, tannic (NFC=86, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Chardonnay

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Bonterra Chardonnay Mendocino County 1997 Hopland, CA 28 Dec 1999 Organically grown, fruity with Jonathan apples, tart and not sweet, nicely oaked, light citrus in the finish (NFC=88, WS=85)
Gallo Of Sonoma Chardonnay Russian River Valley 1997 Healdsburg, CA 16 Mar 2000 Silky and smooth, ripe apples and nicely oaked pear flavors, finishing with vanilla and slightly nutty overtones (NFC=90, WS=89)
Seaview Winery McLaren Vale Chardonnay McLaren Vale 1997 McLaren Vale, Australia 16 Oct 1999 Fruity taste of pears and nutty, but with dry finish. (NFC=85, WS=86)
Toad Hollow Chardonnay California 1998 Healdsburg, CA 16 Oct 1999 Taste of orange peels and melons, spicy, with a strong peach finish. (NFC=85, WS=NR)
Turning Leaf Chardonnay California 1997 Modesto, CA 10 April 2000 Hint of tartness, slightly sweet with ripe pear finish. (NFC=82, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Merlot

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Beringer Founders Estate Merlot California 1997 St. Helena, CA 4 May 2000 Bright raspberry followed by slightly tart plum skins, finishing with slightly earthy ripe plums (NFC=88, WS=85)
Castle Merlot Sonoma Valley 1996 Sonoma, CA 2 August 2000 Minty nose, light body, simple and without much dimension. Slight taste of green bell pepper with an iced tea flavor finish. (NFC=80, WS=85)
Cedar Brook Merlot California 1996 Rutheford, CA 12 May 1999 Earthy, heavy tannin, astringent zing in the finish (NFC=80, WS=80)
Fetzer Merlot Reserve North Coast 1995 Hopland, CA 28 Dec 1999 Black cherry taste with plum aftertones, high in tannins (NFC=82, WS=83)
(Chateau) Julien Merlot Grand Reserve Monterrey County 1996 Carmel, CA 15 Dec 1999 Light and fruity with raspberry flavors, no astringency, smooth (NFC=90, WS=79)
(Robert) Mondavi Coastal Merlot Central Coast 1998 Gonzales, Monterey County, CA 16 Apr 2000 Light body, woody oak (NFC=80, WS=NR)
Turning Leaf Merlot California 1997 Modesto, CA 22 May 1999 Medium body, bing cherry taste, oak in the finish (NFC=75, WS=NR)
Veramonte Merlot Alto de Casablanca 1997 Chile 12 May 1999 Not much depth, light fruit with hints of cherry (NFC=80, WS=81)

Back to wine index









Pinot Noir

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Jaboulet (Paul Jaboulet Aine) Parallele 45 Cotes du Rhone 1997 France 12 Oct 2001 Oaky, blackberries, a touch of coffee, touch of chocolate, full bodied, yet not overpowering - a delightful glass of wine(NFC=88, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Pinot Noir

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Archery Summit Pinot Noir Premier Cuvee Oregon 1996 Dayton, OR 26 Feb 2000 Fruity (pears) nose, tastes of tart red apples, smooth, with deep tannin, woody. (NFC=90, WS=87)

Back to wine index









Other Red Wine

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Ca'del Solo Big House Red California 1997 Santa Cruz, CA 8 May 1999 Blackberry with notes of cherry and lemon (NFC=80, WS=NR)
Bodegas Masia Las Comas Rodona Conca de Barberâ 1997 Catalonia, Spain 12 May 1999 Blend 60% Tempranillo/40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Soft blend, earthy tones (NFC=70, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Sparkling Wine

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Ballatore Gran Spumante California NV Modesto, CA 7 Nov 1999 Very fruity with apples, sweet, lightly fizzy (NFC=75, WS=77)
Bollinger Champagne Brut Special Cuvee Champagne NV France 31 Dec 1998 Balanced, bright & fresh fruit, slight pineapple finish, lemony. On average, 80% grapes from Champagne's Premiers and Grands Crus vineyards. Blend on average 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Meunier, harvested from 30 different Crus in Champagne. Aged a minimum of 3 years in Bollinger cellars in Ay prior to release. (NFC=90, WS=91)
Cribari Spumante Riserve Sparkling White Wine California NV Madera, CA 6 Sep 2000 Tastes like sweet grape juice with 7-Up. (NFC=70, WS=NR)
Domaine Chandon Brut Cuvee 195 54% Sonoma County, 46% Napa County NV Yountville, CA 26 Dec 1999 Blend of 65% Pinot Noir, 19% Chardonnay, 11% Pinot Blanc, 5% Pinot Meunier. Dry with apple and lemon flavors, slightly yeasty nose, bubbly and fresh, powdery finish (NFC=90, WS=87)
Domaine Chandon Blanc De Noirs Carneros NV Yountville, CA 14 Feb 2000 Fruity, apples and light plums (NFC=85, WS=87)
Freixenet Estate Brut Millennium Cordon Negro Spain NV Sant Sadurni D'Anoia, Spain 31 Dec 1999 Bubbly, Fruity (NFC=88, WS=NR)
Grandin Brut France NV Ingrandos-sur-loire, France 25 Nov 1999 Dry, powdery, taste like straw, almost no fruit (NFC=70, WS=NR)
Korbel Chardonnay Champagne California NV Guerneville, CA 17 Nov 1999 Heavier body, nice blend of bubbliness with apple and citrus, not overly sweet, long fruity finish (NFC=85, WS=83)
Martini & Rossi Asti Italy NV Torino, Italy 23 Apr 2000 Fruity, syrupy sweet (NFC=70, WS=NR)
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut Sonoma NV California 1 Jan 1999 Slightly fizzy, hints of orange, some yeast (NFC=80, WS=90)
Taittinger Domaine Carneros Brut 2000 Carneros, CA 1996 Napa, CA 31 Dec 1999 Light, fruity, very smooth (NFC=92, WS=NR)
Tott's Blanc de Noir California NV Modesto, CA 25 Nov 1999 Light fruit, bubbly, medium sweet finish, pink (NFC=75, WS=71)
Tott's Brut Champagne California NV Modesto, CA 9 May 1999 Light fruit, slightly yeasty, smooth, light body (NFC=80, WS=87)

Back to wine index









Sangiovese

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Lockwood Sangiovese Monterey 1996 San Lucas, CA 3 Apr 2000 Herbal overtones, excellent with spicy food (chili, spaghetti). Light raspberry taste with bold citrus/wood/earthy spiciness. (NFC=85, WS=81)

Back to wine index









Valpolicella

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Bolla Valpolicella Italy 1997 Pedemonte (Verona) Italy 12 May 1999 Notes of cherry and barrel taste, dry, earthy (NFC=70, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









White Zinfandel

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Beringer North Coast White Zinfandel North Coast, CA 1989 St. Helena, CA 29 May 2000 Very smooth, slightly sweet, a hint of raspberry on the finish. Cork was dry and crumpled. (NFC=90, WS=NR)
Beringer White Zinfandel California 1998 St. Helena, CA 28 May 2000 Smooth, slightly sweet with tart raspberry finish. (NFC=88, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Zinfandel

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Beringer North Coast Zinfandel North Coast, CA 1996 St. Helena, CA 16 Apr 2000 Blackberry with lingering fruitiness, nicely oaked, finishes with black pepper (NFC=88, WS=NR)
Bonny Doon Cardinal Zin (Zinfandel) California 1998 Santa Cruz, CA 14 March 2000 Full bodied, spicy with hint of black pepper, dry to the tongue (NFC=85, WS=NR)
Dover Canyon "Cujo" Zinfandel Paso Robles, CA 1998 Templeton, CA 29 June 2000 Fresh plum skins, raspberries, very spicy with pepper and cinnamon, slight edge to the alcohol (NFC=85, WS=NR)
Frog's Leap Zinfandel Napa Valley 1998 Rutherford, CA 1 October 2000 Nice blackberry flavor, with tartness of plum skins, and a hint of chocolate. (NFC=86, WS=84)
Gossamer Bay Zinfandel California 1996 Modesto, CA 3 May 1999 Raspberry, tangy finish, ripe plum (NFC=75, WS=NR)
Kendall Jackson Zinfandel Vintner's Reserve California 1996 Santa Rosa, CA 17 Dec 1999 Slightly sweet, astringent (NFC=85, WS=83)
(Robert) Mondavi Zinfandel Napa Valley 1997 Oakville, CA 20 Aug 1999 Cherries, lightly oaked (NFC=85, WS=NR)
(Robert) Mondavi Zinfandel North Coast Coastal North Coast 1995 Oakville, CA 20 Aug 1999 Spicy, mildly earthy (NFC=85, WS=85)
Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel California 1998 St. Helena, CA 7 April 2000 Boysenberry and black cherry went nicely with barbecue ribs. (NFC=90, WS=rating)
Valley Of The Moon Zinfandel Sonoma Valley 1996 Kenwood, CA 19 March 2000 Smooth and supple, nicely balanced raspberries with lingering oakey fruitiness, finishing with black pepper (NFC=92, WS=86)

Back to wine index









Red Blends

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Robert Giraud Cuvee Speciale Red Table Wine France NV France 6 Sep 2000 Tastes of overripe grapes, slightly mildewy. (NFC=60, WS=NR)
Joseph Phelps Le Mistral California 1996 St. Helena, CA 29 Dec 1999 45% Grenache, 26% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, 9% Alicante Bouschet, 5% Carignane, 5% Petit Sirah. Plum skin, blackberries, tannin but not woody, spicy sage. (NFC=85, WS=NR)

Back to wine index









Syrah / Shiraz

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Mariah Syrah Mendocino Ridge 1997 Hopland, CA 30 September 2000 Limited bottling - brother-in-law Richard acquired it from the winery ("for employee purchases only"). Yummy full blackberry and blueberry flavors, with a strong hint of black pepper, and slight dryness on the tongue - astringent but not woody-tannic. (NFC=90, WS=rating)
McPherson Shiraz Murray Darling Region, S.E. Australia 1998 Nagambie, Victoria, Australia 20 October 2000 Plums, blackberry, black pepper, soft oak, medium body (NFC=80, WS=NR)
McPherson Shiraz Cabernet Murray Darling Region, S.E. Australia 1999 Nagambie, Victoria, Australia 11 December 2000 Blackberry and raspberry with black pepper(NFC=83, WS=84)

Back to wine index









Template For Another Wine

Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)
Vintner Name Appellation Year State/Country Date Tasted Notes (NFC=rating, WS=rating)

Back to wine index