Wines from the Ridge

Piper Sonoma: Brut

2010-08-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-27T04:18:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

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

2009-01-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-01T07:40:00.000-08:00

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

2008-09-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-19T14:05:00.000-07:00

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

MacMurray Ranch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2006

2008-08-18T16:12:00.001-07:00

Food Lion >$20. Excellent. Soft with refined fruit. Some plum, pear and a touch of cherry. Not quite delicate but soft and smooth. Hints of vanilla.
Really a great bottle. Compares to La Crema Pinot Noir.

This vineyard is a part of Gallo but run independently. Not a bad thing as this reviewer pointed out:

MacMurray Ranch is a relatively new winery owned by that bulldozer of a wine company, E&J Gallo. However, before you start raging against the machine, understand that the Russian River Valley winery is the previous home of the late actor Fred MacMurray, operates independently, makes wines in the Burgundian style, and Fred's daughter, Kate, lives and works on site to oversee her family's heritage. And, the Pinots are an appealing value.

Will Buy Again
Will Recommend
Will Give as a Gift

Note: I think I bought this at Food Lion but I can't find it there. Bought 2 bottles at Harris Teeter this afternoon for $19 each. Great value,

Ciao

Fetzer Valley Oaks Pinot Noir 2006

2008-05-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

The folks at Food Lion were cleaning out their shelves and putting the discards in shopping carts. Picked this up for $5.99. Nice fruit. Soft with some late tannins. Blackberry, ripe cherry, and a hint of citrus. Not much finish, it doesn't linger for but for 6 bucks so what.

Taste With the Winemaker
Pinot Noir is often described as an elegant wine, and it is
made today with many different flavor profiles. This Valley
Oaks Pinot Noir has easy drinking flavors of rich, ripe raspberries,
strawberries and just a touch of oak with firm tannins so the
fruit isn’t overpowered. Aromas of pomegranate introduce a
surprisingly smooth and welcome collection of flavors. Whether
your journey of discovery with Pinot Noir is well advanced or
just beginning, I know you’ll find this wine to be a comforting
addition to your personal wine list, meant to enjoy often.

My thoughts:

Would buy again
Wouldn't give as a gift

The Woodbridge and Smoking Loon will remain the standards but if I see this deal again I will jump on it.
Ciao

Kendall Jackson Meritage California 2004 Vintner's Reserve

2008-03-25T18:36:00.000-07:00

On a suggestion I pulled this bottle at Harris Teeter. Well enjoyed by both of us. Fruity but again this is not Welch's. Nicely dry but with body and just enough fruit to make it very drinkable. Served with a strongly seasoned chicken saute and it work well. It played off the balsamic vinegar without demanding too much. Nice bottle:

Will buy again
Will recommend
Will gift (small gift)

Thanks for the nod Monty, Good job

Nice review here
The KJ Site has lots of notes.

Sin Zin

2008-03-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

2006 Sin Zin

2006 Alexander Valley
Zinfandel

Thought I would try a Calf. Zin. I have been drinking the usual Pinot Noir and some Zabaca Zin.
This is a nice wine. Not quite as fruity as the Zabaca but worth trying.
Not a really big nose.
Lots of pepper and fruit on the tongue. Nice finish. Verylittle tannin but this is not Welch's grape juice. Some subtle tones I can't quite find but its worth trying again.

Will buy again
May gift

Food Lion $17

Ok, I found this great review with lots of history and a whole story of the wine.

For my money too many Zins are lately coming in overblown with jam and over seasoned with "hammy charcoal", what one might call "Lodi style". But I prefer "old school" peppery spice style Zins.

Agreed, Nice bottle

Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog: Wine Blog Award Nomination: BEST WINE REVIEW BLOG

2008-02-22T05:58:00.000-08:00

Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog: Wine Blog Award Nomination: BEST WINE REVIEW BLOG: "

BEST WINE REVIEW BLOG"
This site is awarding the Oscars of wine blogs. Interesting list of wine sites. To qualify for the award you must have posted at least 52 pieces in 2007. Maybe next year! Maybe not!

"Redwood Creek Vin de pays D'oc Pinot Noir

2008-01-30T16:44:00.000-08:00

"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

2008-01-26T07:52:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-08T17:26:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-01T05:49:00.000-08:00

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.

Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel

2007-12-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

This wine was recommended by Harris Teeter's wine news letter. Didn't know much about zinfandel so I looked on the Wikipedia. Lots of fruit green grapes, peaches, cherries. No oak nice finish lingers sweetly but not cloying on the tongue.
The web site calls this a BIG wine and that's not far off. It delivers a lot of flavor up front, not overwhelming but not particlularly subtle either.
About $12.

Will buy again but not too often.

Might try it for a cookout with burgers. Might also make a good wine cooler or sangria.

Smoking Loon Pinot Noir

2007-12-20T16:49:00.001-08:00

This is a wonderful wine. Smoking Loon is a part of the Sebastiani wine family. This branch makes very affordable and accessible wines. I like the Pinot Noir. Its very soft and goes with almost anything, poultry, pork, most fish even lamb. Great buy at about $11. Try it for a nice introduction to the wonderful world of Pinots.
If your red wine world revolves around big cabernets with lots of oak and presence you will find this wine very refreshing. Its not overpowering but provides a nice accent and balance to light easy foods.

Will buy again and
Will give as gift and
Will recommend

Ciao

Wine and our experience

2007-12-20T16:29:00.000-08:00

We drink a fair amount of wine. Carole's base wine is Yellowtail Cabernet. We also usually have a bottle of Woodbridge Cabernet open. We drink table wine but we also splurge on occasion. I guess we are not sophisticated wine drinkers but we do know what we like. This blog is an attempt to increase our knowledge of specific wines and wine in general by talking and writing about our experiences. I am sure it will develop over time. Right now no set rating system. No stars or grapes or diamonds etc. Probably the ratings are:

Not our type
Will buy again
Will buy for a gift
Loved it but will let someone else buy it for me
WOW

Ciao

Kenwood 2005 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

2007-12-20T16:24:00.000-08:00

Kenwood 2005 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Ok the photo is the cabernet but the Pinot was sweet. Harris Teeter $15. Mellow with loads of fruit. Mild finish great with leftover turkey and dresing. Kenwood makes a several series of wines. This is from the Reserve series.

Will buy again for a special dinner or gift.

Yeah its a Pinot so its probably not a value but I like it and so did Carole.

Mirassou Pinot Noir

2007-12-20T16:15:00.001-08:00

Bought this inexpensive Pinot Noir at Harris Teeter for about $8. Mellow not too soft. bit of acid in the finish. Some soft fruit in wine, they say cherries and plums and I guess that works for me.
Grows in the glass. If you let it breathe for 15 minutes the fruit really comes out. Saw this on the Today show.
Like it but probably like the Smoking Loon a bit more.

Would buy again.

Why

2007-12-20T16:08:00.000-08:00

Why not!
I will use this space to keep notes about wines we try. The goal is to help us learn about wine and take note of things we like (and don't)
Comments allowed but be nice.