Wine Unfiltered

Jamesport Vineyards Reserve 2007 Sauvignon Blanc. $30

As the bottle description indicated, there were indeed clear hints of banana and flowers, but also definite Macintosh and Granny Smith apple flavors. Nice.

SPECS:

-Versatile drink.

-13.5% alcohol.

- Not sweet.

-Paired with guacamole and hummus platter.

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Borghese 2007 Chardonnay. $17

Sweet tropical fruit and citrus, vanilla and pear. This Chardonnay is definitely on the sweeter side, but I enjoyed this with hot and spicy homemade shrimp Pad Thai and it worked well in this case. I would not say say it is as viscous as a Viognier or anything, but if you are looking for a Chablis, keep looking.

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Sherwood House 2003 Oregon Road Merlot. $17

12.5% alcohol. Low tannin, dust, chai tea and cardamom, odd aftertaste. I’m curious what the 2003 Merlot tasted like, let’s say in ‘06 or ‘07, because to me at this point, there was an excess of rubber and strong random essences. But that doesn’t mean that there is not a more recent vintage that is worth a look. Because there probably is. The low alcohol is always appreciated.

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And I was lucky enough to also try some Carneros area wines, known for their Pinot Noir and Chards:

2007 Bouchaine Carneros Pinot Noir and 2007 Bouchaine Estate Pinot Noir, Napa Valley. $45

To my surprise, I actually enjoyed the non-estate Pinot Noir better. Maybe my taste in Pinots are changing, but I preferred the definite rose, orange peel, pencil lead and balsamic aromas over the dark, juicier estate fruit.

SPECS:

Appellation: 100% Carneros Napa Valley

Varietal: Pinot Noir

Alcohol:  %14.5

Thanks so much to Jen for all the tastings!