25th | Main | The Surrogate Mother Approach to Winemaking and Business Models » The Bordeaux Report September 13, 2008 (Part 1) I could care less about most of Bordeaux after 1996. home : wine recommendations : wine girl for hire : bio : articles : contact « Kermit Lynch On Sept 23/ Sante Fe Wine and Chile Fiesta on Sept. MORE >>

Here are some of my quick tasting notes: Lot 108 Napa Valley Chardonnay 2007 $14 Apple, pineapple, lemon rind and pear aromas with lemon verbena and grapefruit on a creamy fresh finish. Lot 159 Santa Barbara Chardonnay 2008: new release $14 Musky aromas, citrus, creamy oak. To me they were all great value wines. MORE >>

From 95% cabernet sauvignon, with 3% merlot and 2% petit verdot.makes me think they should add 2% petit verdot to the final blend of the 2008, in an attempt to recreate the longevity of the sweetness here. Tags: 2004 Central California 2006 1988 3 stars Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello Napa Valley 4 stars Still delicious. underneath. MORE >>

The 2008 Monte Bello will (probably) be made from just cabernet sauvignon and merlot for the first time in twenty-five years. From barrel, we also tasted the 2008 Geyserville Tightly wound, young, but still elegant, with spice and cedar and tight red fruits. This is a white knuckled trip, but I can never wait to just get there. MORE >>

Napa Valley Vintners states, "Switchback Ridge produces handcrafted estate wines sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga. Varietals grown and produced include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah." Tags: Cellar Selection USA Corrections 2005 Napa Valley 4 stars That would be a mistake. At 15.5% MORE >>