06.02.08 /2005 Two Hands Harry and Edward's Garden Shiraz

Jamie and I have tried a few of the Two Hands' wines for the restaurant. This was our favorite and from Langehorn Creek which is my favorite appelation in Australia for Shiraz.

Although very expensive ($120 on the list), it is pretty delish. I couldn't find my tasting notes, but I remember it needed time to open up, and maybe more time in the bottle. Big juicy blackberry and cassis flavors - not too big on the alcohol - with medium tannins.

Not a wine to drink everyday, or in the summer, but it will be awesome in the fall.

06.02.08 /2005 Baileyana Chardonnay Firebreak Vineyard

So we had this Cali Chard at the Cooper's the other night. I love Edna Valley wines, and wanted to try a Chard from the Firebreak Vineyard, but I did not really like it.

Here are my notes that I typed on my iPhone: touches of oak with mellow mild vanilla. Hints of Kraft caramels, ocean breeze on the nose. Could be better, sweet like a Carneros chard.

Here is Jamie and Jim enjoying a glass waiting for the steaks to cook. Jim liked the wine a lot, and chided me for my snobery, while Jamie went back and forth, but eventually sided with me that it was too over blown without the structure needed to support that faux vanilla /carmel flavors.

2005 Radio Coteau Pinot Noir Savoy

Wow, this wine is really delish. Jamie bought me a few bottles of different vineyard designates for Xmas. This is is the second one I have opened. RC only makes about 400 cases of the Savoy, so I was pretty jazzed to try it.

It was a little hot at first, all alcohol, but after a bit fine tannins gripped the rip roaring roasted plum, fig, and earthy flavors. I usually blast California Pinots for being one dimensional, but this has soul. Not overly fruity or oaky, with a nice depth of dried quince, blackberry jam, and red currant. From the Anderson Valley, but with the heart in Ribbon Ridge.

2006 Brick House Les Dijonnais Pinot Noir

From the Ribbon Ridge appelation, this blend of mayonnaise and dijon is superb. Ha, ha - this 100% Estate Grown, Demeter certified biodynamic, organic wine rocks! We bought a case of Dijionnais and Tonnelier blind, but have been enjoying them for the last few years as the fountainhead gets a small allotment.

The ladies went to see Sex and The City, so Jamie came over while I watched the boys. It is so GD hot out (90ish), that we chilled the Pinot a bit to refresh our palate. The nose is a little hot and spicy, with cedar chest, sweet pine, brandied cherry and kirsch.

On the palate, big Oregon Pinot Noir flavors (although the nose is more alluring and complex). Touches of cherry cola, brambleberry, light tannins and a strong finish. Now that the bottle is empty - I want more!

This is sweaty Jamie and New Baby Graydon! I do not think Courtenay would approve!