Taurino Notarpanaro 1999

24Feb07

Not much to rave about on this one. In fact, I had trouble even locating it online. The only decent take I found on the Web about this one was on another wine blog. This wasn’t my style of wine. It never opened up to the point I expected, which seems to be the case [...]

Filed under: $11-$15, 1999, Italian Wines, Malvasia nera, Negro Amaro, No Thumbs, Taurino   |  1 Comment

Brancott 2004 Pinot Noir Marlborough Reserve

18Feb07

Now here is a great buy. I don’t recall what compelled me to purchase this bottle but I am glad that I did. This is a New Zealand Pinot and it has really sparked my interest. It has been more than a week since I actually drank it (I backdated this entry) so I [...]

Filed under: $11-$15, 2004, New Zealand Wines, Pinot Noir, Reserve, Thumbs Up   |  1 Comment

Gary Farrell 2004 Russian River Valley Pinto Noir

15Feb07

Gary Farrell wines are a reliable choice. Although typically priced out of range to be a house wine for the average drinker, wines from this vintner can be counted on for special occasions. This particular bottle is a well-priced superstar wine in my opinion.
My first exposure to Farrell wines was at the Shibuya restaurant inside [...]

Filed under: $31-$50, 2004, California Wines, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Two Thumbs Up   |  Leave a Comment

Francis Coppola Diamond Collection 2004 Claret (Black Label)

12Feb07

Mmmmmmm…..My favorite of the Coppola Diamond Collection, this Claret is smooth, perfectly blended, has a balanced and deep taste, and is consistent all the way through. Like pretty much all Coppola wines, it does not require breathing time and can probably sit around a good few years in the cellar if you like too.
The Claret [...]

Filed under: $16-$20, 2004, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Wines, Malbec, Merlot, Two Thumbs Up   |  Leave a Comment

Chateau de Segries 2003 Lirac

09Feb07

Here is a modest French wine that delivers a good experience without pretense. My friend Val and I shared this bottle a few nights ago while painting my house. It was easy to drink and had a nice polished flavour. Nothing special, but a good juicy texture that was enjoyable.
I think the website for the [...]

Filed under: $11-$15, 2003, French Wines, No Thumbs, Rhone   |  Leave a Comment