"Redwood Creek Vin de pays D'oc Pinot Noir

"Redwood Creek Vin de pays D'oc Pinot Noir"
A very inexpensive Pinot Noir and its not worth it. Musk with a hint of strawberry but just a hint. There really isn't much to recommend so I won't.
The 2 reviews I found didn't inspire any confidence either. Here's a brief idea:

I liken the aroma to the dense Hutongs of central Beijing; a familiar putrescence that breeds an eerie pleasure.

• Will not buy again (if I can help it)
• Will gift to anyone who runs against Warren Judge

TAITTINGER Brut Champagne La Française NV

Bought this as a gift that didn't get given. Life's tough. Medium dry with nice tiny bubbles. It tastes like champagne. Not sure I can pick out particular flavors but the blend is great. I would like to taste this beside Moet & Chandon White Star. The finish lingers sweetly on the tongue. $40 at Winn Dixie.
Comparing this to the Charles Heidsieck champagne we had at New Years. This is much smoother, less intense and less fruity.

• Will buy again
• Will give as a gift

Wine Spectator 89, here is what they say:

Toast, honey, peach and citrus flavors come together effortlessly in this balanced, elegant Champagne. The fine mousse adds to the textural component, and this ends on a refreshing note. Drink now through 2010.

La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2005

Very nice Pinot Noir from California. Under $20 from Food Lion. Winn Dixie has the Chardonnay but not the Pinot. "Buttah" very creamy and smooth. Dark fruit with a lingering finish. Maybe a little heavier than most of the Pinots we've tried.

• Will buy again
• Will give as a gift
• Will recommend

The reviewers say:

"Aromas of ripe cherry, cocoa, anise and rich baking spices. Plush flavors of cherry, plum and pomegranate meld with hints of delicate tea leaf. Structured, balanced acidity and elegant, firm tannins round out the mouth." - Melissa Stackhouse, La Crema Winemaker

Very nice bottle of wine. We will try to keep this in the rack.

Redwood Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

Smoky but not too much oak, a little thin. Not sure we will try this again. Better cheap cabs out there

Blackstone Pinot Noir California 2006

About $7.00 at Food Lion. Drinkable Pinot, a bit of tannin, particularly in the finish. Soft with some fruit, plums, hint of peach. Not very deep or rich.

• Will buy again

It won't replace Smoking Loon as the house pinot noir at Chez Bob but it is quite drinkable.

Here is what they say:

Winemaker Gary Sitton says the 2006 Blackstone California Pinot Noir, with its bright ruby color, "offers pleasing aromas of black cherry, violets and cherry candy, followed by spicy, smoky oak in the background. In the mouth the wine is velvety, with cherry fruit and spice. A lovely balance of fruit and acidity lead to a soft, lingering finish." This Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with salmon, grilled lamb chops and wild mushroom pizza.

Yeah my plums could be his black cherry, definitely some oak in the finish but its not bitter.

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige Sparkling Wine

Champagne again oh drat. A nice dry California champagne except you can't call it that. Mumm Napa Brut Prestige Sparkling Wine
Light but gray, think a nice italian pinot gris but not as sharp (this is champagne). About $20 at Harris Teeter.

• Will buy again

This is a sophisticated wine. This is not a champagne that folks who drink champagne once a year. It takes time to figure it out.

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Mis en Cave 1995
Its New Years Eve so we had to drink something bubbly. Penguin Isle had one bottle of this wonderful Champagne. We split it amongst several couple. The review is very simple.
WOW.
Very full bodied with intense fruit and a long soft finish. Really easy to drink, One of our group mentioned musty as part of the taste. I didn't get that but I did get lots of cream and maybe peaches.

• Would buy again
• Would give as a gift
• Would recommend highly

Here are some thoughts from thewinedoctor.com

Charles Heidsieck Mis en Caves 1995 Brut Réserve NV: A creamy golden colour, with a fine and lazy bead. Delicious aromas of cream, fresh bread and toast, with some good leesy, yeasty notes. The palate has a fine texture, elegant balancing acidity, and a good toasty, oyster richness. It finishes with a savoury, leesy note. Excellent.