2006 Heller Estate Chenin Blanc

Another wine to try for BONDA. I really did not like this. Really sweet and cloying. A Chenin Blanc in the style of a heavy Australian wine. Court really liked it though and ended up drinking most of the bottle over a few nights.

2003 Pompois Anjou

Another red that has been sitting around to try for BONDA. Here is my review for the list:

From Anjou, France, this solid Cab Franc features old vines and soil on the nose, with dusty subtle fruit on the palate and a touch of sweetness.

2003 Nicolas Reau Garance

This is a great red that has been sitting around for a few weeks that I needed to try for the restaurant. Here is my review for the wine list: From Chinon, France, this Syrah blend features a spicy nose, with notes potting soil and blackberries. Following on the tongue with roasted peppers, muted fruit and soapstone dryness and hints of Ribeye grizzle. Awesome example of French terrior.

2006 Thumbprint Cellars Pinot Noir Schneider Vineyard

So a couple of times Sam has told me about Wines Til Sold Out, which is a site that sells one wine at a discount until they are sold out, then they offer a new wine until it is sold out. It took me a month to figure what he meant exactly, and then I subscribed to their mailings and get two or three emails a day touting the wines.

They generally give you free shipping on three or four bottles and Sam takes fliers here and there on wines around $10 or $15. Thus I saw the Thumbprint up, a Russian River Valley wine for $12 a bottle, so we split 4 bottles. I emailed Sam about them a few days back and he did not like it.

I popped a bottle tonight to try it with my friends Clara and Aaron. At first I thought Sam was wrong, but it had a very alcoholic nose with hints of cranberry and cedar. A little bitter on the palate with muted fruit. I agree with Sam as it tastes like a cheap Pinot.

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!