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.
Type: Chianti
Year: 2002
Location: San Casciano, Tuscany, Italy
Link: antinori.it
Rating: 7 out of 10
Description: Wine is produced with 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Syrah grapes coming from vineyards in Tuscany. WIne has been refined in oak casks for 12 months, and an additional 8 months in the bottle before being released.
Type: Pinot Noir
Year: 2004
Location: Healdsburg, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California
Link: macmurrayranch.com
Rating: 7 out of 10
Description: MacMurray Ranch was purchased from the Porter family by famed actor Fred MacMurray in 1941. Fred raised his family on the ranch and they enjoyed the natural wonders of Sonoma County. This is a classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, with concentrated fruit flavors of deep black cherry complemented by subtle oak to add richness and depth on the finish. The secondary notes hint at the subtle spice, mushroom, forest floor or earthy notes.
Type: Pinot Grigio/Pinot Blanc
Year: 2003
Location: Italy
Rating: 5 out of 10
Opinion: I had this wine at my brother-in-law’s wedding reception. It was consumed along with the chicken dish. The wine was a combination of Pinot Grigio and Pinot Blanc (51%/49%). The wine did not compliment the dish as I had hoped it would. The wine lacked body and had a weak finish. Good party though.
