Gems in My Glass . . . October 2013
Pech Merle 2010 Chardonnay; Russian River Valley, California: Inviting aromas of stone fruit and minerality on the nose lead the way. Expanding on the palate are layers of citrus adorned Bosc pear, crisp pineapple and a hint of buttered toast with mineral notes weaving throughout. Impeccably balanced with French oak aging adding nice spice notes; elegant through the long finish.Pech Merle 2011 Pinot Noir; Laguna Santa Rosa Vineyard, Russian River Valley, California: Dense, concentrated red fruit rises from the glass with this alluring Pinot Noir. Round and lush upon entry with sarsaparilla, juicy red cherries and warm berry cobbler nuances and sweet oak spices swirling lusciously on the palate. Velvety smooth with bright acidity offsets the pretty fruit, and the finish is lifted and persistent.Jean-Maurice Raffault 2012 Chinon Rose; Loire, France: Aromas of strawberries and melon entice you into the glass, where you'll find a delicate, bright and balanced dry Rose. Flavors of watermelon, fresh strawberry pie, a splash of citrus and a touch of tart red cranberry unfolding elegantly on the palate. Brilliant purity and plenty of length; well crafted.Trojak~Knier 2012 Pinot Noir: Napa Valley, California: Alluring aromas of mushroom, subtle earth and woodsy spice is captured in this beautifully balanced wine. Bright red cherry, strawberry, cola, savory spice and mineral notes converge on the palate, wrapped around smooth, finely grained tannins. Here is beautifully food friendly, focused and energetic Pinot Noir.Trojak Knier 2012 Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California: This 2012 vintage stays true to Trojak~Knier's impressive Burgundian style Chardonnay they have crafted for years. irresistible spice accented pear aromas captivate the senses. Butterscotch notes and a thread of minerality add complexity. Immensely flavorful, finely tuned and elegant with a silky texture and a dazzling kick of acidity.Ayoub 2012 Estate Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon: This darkly hued Pinot Noir is deep, rich and concentrated. with black cherry at the core, enveloped in savory spice and cola notes that fill the mouth harmoniously. Powerfully built and complex with SRP: $60Domaine Drouhin 2010 Cuvee Laurene Pinot Noir; Willamette Valley, Oregon: Forest floor and dried cherries waft from the glass with this deftly crafted Burgundian style Pinot Noir. Bursting with cherry fruit, spice and minerality, this sleek wine is deliciously mouth filing, polished and complex with refined tannins and lingers memorably on the long finish. SRP: $65Willamette Valley Vineyards 2012 Riesling; Willamette Valley, Oregon: Enticing tree fruit and floral aromas wow the senses with this sassy, precise Riesling. Juicy nectarine, peach and apple flavors entwine with citrus notes and a hint of spice. A lovely mineral edge persists from start to uplifting finish and the balance is spot on; simply delicious. SRP: $14
