Chateau Souverain
Type: Chardonnay
Year: 2002
Location: Geyserville, Sonoma County, California
Rating: 7 out of 10
Opinion: Very good multi-layered chardonnay. Moderate in flavor with a nice finish.
Type: Chardonnay
Year: 2002
Location: Geyserville, Sonoma County, California
Rating: 7 out of 10
Opinion: Very good multi-layered chardonnay. Moderate in flavor with a nice finish.
Type: Chardonnay
Year: 2002
Location: Graton, Sonoma County, California
Rating: 6 out of 10
Opinion: Decent chardonnay, but has an odd aftertaste. This wine is moderate in flavor.
Type: Chardonnay
Year: 2002
Location: Oakville, Los Carneros, Southern Napa and Sonoma Counties, California
Link: robertmondaviwinery.com
Rating: 6 out of 10
Opinion: This wine was good overall, but there was nothing “special” about it. It had a good flavor, and would complement most poultry or seafood dishes.
Type: Pinot Noir
Year: 2002
Location: Templeton, Central Coast, California
Link: wildhorsewinery.com
Rating: 8 out of 10
Opinion: Fantastic Pinot Noir with a medium-body. The earthy flavors compliment the berry flavors in the wine. it has a wonderful finish.
Type: Pinot Noir
Year: 2001
Location: Arroyo Grande, South Central Coast, California
Link: bishopspeak.com
Rating: 9 out of 10
Opinion: Bishop’s Peak is an ancient volcano that rises above San Luis Obispo. The vineyard is located below that volcano. This wine was enjoyed while eating Chicken Parmigiana and Rice Pilaf. The wine has black chery and raspberry flavors mixed with an earthy aroma. The wine’s acidity and tannin content seemed to blend well with the chicken. Other lighter meat dishes may also pair well with this wine.
Type: Pinot Noir
Year: 2003
Location: Gonzales, Monterey, Central Coast, California
Link: estanciaestates.com
Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Opinion: This was a phenomenal Pinot. I have never before had a wine with such a smooth texture, aromatic bouquet, and terrific finish that lingers for several minutes after the drink. The flavors of cherry and raspberry are subtle and non-overpowering and complement the natural flavor of the grapes.
I also received a set of Riedel “O” wine tumblers last Christmas that I used for the first time with this wine. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed using these glasses. I don’t think I will buy stemmed glasses again. They made the experience more enjoyable.
Type: Bordeaux
Year: 2001
Location: Begadan, Medoc, France
Rating: 9 out of 10
Description: Located outside the village of Begadan in the northern Medoc, Chateau Greysac makes a consistently well-balanced wine which reflects the planting of its vineyard – 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The classic Bordeaux richness and complexity are softened by the Merlot, making the wines of Chateau Greysac a perfect complement to all red meat dishes as well as mild cheeses.
Type: Chianti
Year: 2004
Location: Pontassieve (Florence), Italy
Link: ruffino.com
Rating: 8 out of 10
Description: This medium-bodied ruby red wine is produced from grapes grown in the Chianti Classico region. Aged for a few months in oak casks, Aziano is a well-balanced yet complex wine, filled with aromas of black cherries, chocolate, and nuts.
Type: Carmenere
Year: 2004
Location: Repel Valley, Chile
Link: casillerodeldiablo.com
Rating: 8 out of 10
Description: 70% of this wine is aged in small American oak barrels and 30% in stainless steel tanks during six to eight months. Dark and deep red with aromas of dark plums, blackcurrant and chocolate, with hints of coffee and toasted American oak. Soft and well structured mouthfilling texture. An ideal match for fresh and light dishes based on meat, vegetables, fresh herbs, and ripe cheese. Serve from 59ºF to 64ºF.
Type: Pinot Noir
Year: 2003
Location: Turner, Oregon
Link: willamettevalleyvineyards.com
Rating: 8 out of 10
Description: Pinot noir grown in the Willamette Valley is among the highest quality of this variety in the world. This wine is an excellent companion with salmon, pork, lamb, poultry, and dark chocolate.