Yearly Archives: 2008
Thanksgiving Wines: Better Late Than Never
For Thanksgiving I never bust out the trophy wines. First, I don’t have any. Second, I can’t afford them. Third, when you are having dinner with lots of people, you might turn your head and all of a sudden your cousin(s) have drained the bottle. I like to focus on $15ish bottles; a little more [More]
The Gilda of White Wines
All my thoughts about Rita Hayworth in Gilda and a red wine sexy enough to even be in the same room as her got me thinking about what white wine could be in the same discussion. The answer is: Condrieu. It is the purest expression of Viognier and it makes you wonder why any other [More]
2005 Bordeaux: Believe The Hype
I kinda rolled my eyes when 2005 was proclaimed the best vintage ever in Bordeaux. Especially after saying the 2003 was the best ever, and the 2000 before that. Jesus! Three of the best vintages ever in the space of 5 years! It just sounded like greed to me. But after drinking 2005s from $15 [More]
The Yard Redux
I had a chance to retry The Yard Shiraz again, and it is still a revelation. From the cool-climate of Western Australia, and with a modest 13.5% alcohol, The Yard has a core of rich Aussie Shiraz fruit, but with great complexity and nice acidity on the finish. I brought it home and it really [More]
Fairview Primo Pinotage
We had lunch with the grower, Jan, and sat outside and drank slightly chilled bottles of the Primo 2004. This is the current vintage. It was very modern a delicious; a real crowd-pleaser. Not heavy, easy-drinking, smooth.
Neil Ellis
A few notes about the whites. All the Chardonnays are fantastic. Yes they have oak, but great balance and acidity. Probably my favorite Chardonnay in the world for under $20. I also really liked the Vineyard Selection Sauvignon Blanc; it is barrel fermented, which gives it a nice richness and takes the sharp edge (all [More]
Boekenhoutskloof
This was the place I was most exciting about visiting and trying the wines. Marc Kent, the winemaker, is hilarious and candid. Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc: Nice; not at all green or vegetal. 12.5% alcohol. Best Sauv Blanc in South Africa for the money. Boekenhoutskloof Semillon 2005: From 40-100+ year old vines. Wonderful Chardonnay alternative. [More]
MAN Vintners
Sauvignon Blanc 2007: Mildly herbaceous; subtle, with nice acidity. All steel. Would be great ice cold. Chenin Blanc 2007: Good acid, nice midpalate and richness, especially for such an inexpensive wine. A touch of RS on the finish. Simply on of the best whites for the price (around $7); fantastic with Asian cuisine. Pinotage 2007: [More]
