Piper Sonoma: Brut

 Piper Sonoma: Brut

Nice California sparking wine.  Nice balance of dry and sweet.  Not much finish.  Peaches, berries,
Will buy again
Would give as a gift

Harris Teeter About $20

Note to self; KJ Chard Grand Reserve

2008 Kendall Jackson Chardonnay "Grand Reserve" (California) $20.
Want to try this.  Review from Ken's Wine Guide


Ken’s Comments: This wine is a winner every vintage, and the 2008 is no exception. It is full-bodied, very well balanced, viscous, and smooth. Overall, it has a terrific mouth feel. The flavor profile is a gentle tangerine and green apple blend with just a hint of oak in the background. This is a high-quality mid-tier priced Chardonnay that all Chard lovers should definitely check out.

Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir

Very nice upscale Pinot Noir from Blackstone. Light, hint of plums. Not much nose but a nice finish. Very easy to drink. The notes have it pretty much right on.

TASTING NOTES
The Blackstone Sonoma Reserve Pinot Noir 2005 has lovely aromas of dried cherries,
dark plum, cranberry and cedar. A luscious, fleshy mouthfeel of layered dark fruit
leads to a silky finish. This Pinot Noir is a fantastic complement to pork chops,
lamb and pasta with a rich marinara sauce.

Will buy again,
Will give as a gift

Harris Teeter for about $19.
Maybe not my first choice in this price range, that would be McMurray, but a nice choce for the wine rack and would serve well at a restaurant.

Jacob's Creek Sparkling Chardonney Pinot Noir

Really lovely, sweet sparkling wine. Lots of peach and sweet grape. Very Ca. chard. That said it drinks OK. would be great for Mimosa's or some other champagne cocktail. Bougtht this at Food Lion for $10. Our first bottle to celebrate the inauguration was the domestic Mums but this was a fine second bottle for the assembled troops. This vs. Korbel ??? probably Korbel Brut, its a bit drier. But for a contrast or a mixer this works well.

Will buy again
Will recomment
Will not give as a gift probably (maybe a cheap gift)

Ciao

Mumm's Napa Brut Prestige

Bought this for New Years A classic sparkling wine from Napa. Beautiful color a hint of diamonds. Nice small bubbles. I would serve this to anyone. A great alternative to pricier French champagne. Peaches, hint of citrus and a little vanilla. Nice lingering finish.

• Would buy again (and again and again)
• Would give as a gift

$20 at Harris Teeter

King Estates 2007 Signature Pinot Gris

Brunch at the Flying Melon on Ocracoke. We need something light to balance the curried chicken salad and a grilled chicken sandwich. This wonderful Oregon Pinot Gris did a great job.
Soft almost round, with some apple and melon. Just a hint of green grass. Delightful.

From: Wine & Spirits, February 2008

92 Points

King Estate 2006 Signature Pinot Gris
This sunny young wine leads with aromas of ripe apple spiced with mace, accented with a touch of green herb. On the palate it's as fresh as white wine gets, with a succulent mid palate that's leavened, elegantly, with a fine, talc-like minerality.

Will buy again'
Will recommend

Flying Melon $30.

Retail probably around $17
Ciao

Estancial Pinot Grigio 2007 California

Wine.com says:

Flavor: Crisp apple and pear with notes of honey and ripe peach mingle softly with white pepper that adds a mineral touch to the vibrant, fruity finish.

That is pretty much what I get. Nice dry fruit but not too much mineral or gray. About $12 at Harris Teeter.

Will buy again

Will recommend
Will give as a (cheap) gift.

Great picnic wine. Not a Reisling but but very California.
Ciao