Featured Wines - October 2008

When done right, Petite Sirah is one of life's simple pleasures. There is nothing subtle about the varietal, just straight-ahead fruit on the nose and on the palate, with enough structure and spice to hold all that fruit in place for sensory enjoyment. In appearance, ripe Petit Sirah resembles purple or black ink, and in this regard the 2005 J. Rickards Brown Barn Alexander Valley Petit Sirah is certainly no exception. No wimpy Petit Sirah here a...

A ripe, round, personality filled Chablis, the 2005 Domaine du Chardonnay hits all of the high notes and knows how to please. From its bold, golden glow and pure haunting aroma of minerals, fresh-picked apples, and dried pineapple to its creamy texture and clean, racy finish, the 2005 Domaine du Chardonnay reveals the glory of the appellation as well as the vintage. The 2005 vintage was an excellent one for white Burgundy, and all the attributes ...

From its deep ruby robe, the color of finest velvet, to its long graceful finish, the 2004 Bisci Villa Castiglioni cuts a handsome figure. As one panel member so eagerly proclaimed, "I could drink a lot of this wine," to which the rest of the panel responded, "Amen." It offers a superb nose, an aromatic enchantment sated with the scent and savor of Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon) along with the ethereal warmth of Tuscany (Sangiovese).This is a perf...

Wonderfully consistent year after year, the recently released 2007 Palazzone Terre Vineate Orvieto Classico Superiore offers up its usual feast for the eyes as well as the nose. Soft scents of wildflowers and honey emanate from the golden-hued 2007 Palazzone Terre Vineate. Soft and seductive, it carries the intoxicating scents of spring in every draught of its delightful bouquet. Moreover, all of this lovely Orvieto's olfactory goodness follows t...

In character and quality, the wines of Vacqueyras most resemble those of nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the 2005 Vieux Clocher Vacqueyras is ample testimony to the comparison. Deeply colored, full-bodied, and polished, the 2005 Vieux Clocher Vacqueyras displays a comely bouquet and a wealth of flavor. Rich dark fruits, anise, and garrique (the amplifying herbal scents and savors of the Provencal landscape), pepper, and spice all make a splendid ...

Packed with a cornucopia of scents and flavors, the 2006 Lawson's Dry Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc epitomizes the distinctive Marlborough style of Sauvignon Blanc. Gooseberry, grapefruit, tropical fruits, fresh-mown grass, and the unmistakable herbal essence that characterize authentic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc are all alive and well in the 2006 Lawson's Dry Hills. Throw in a dollop of ripe melon, a handful of fresh white figs, and a dash ...

The 2006 vintage in Tuscany is no doubt superb, as the ripe, round, highly expressive 2006 Le Caselle Chianti aptly attests. Aromatic, distinctive, and full of flavor, this wine speaks of the glory of Tuscany, a land of simple elegance and immutable beauty. A tribute to winemaker Marco Razzauti, this classic Chianti is savory, supple, and well delineated – yet another work of Tuscan art. It offers an aromatic profile, reminiscent of violets, plum...