Organic Wine Review » California

Bonterra Riesling 2009

Brent Harrison — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 22:27:48 +0000

Girasole Vineyards Pinot Noir 2008

Brent Harrison — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:01:32 +0000

Atrea The Choir 2009

Brent Harrison — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:50:48 +0000

Bradford Mountain Grist Vineyard Syrah 2005

Brent Harrison — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 22:01:43 +0000

Bonny Doon Vinho Grinho Loureiro | Albariño 2009

Brent Harrison — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:48:00 +0000

Think Tank La Encantada Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008

Brent Harrison — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:04:57 +0000

Grgich Hills Napa Valley Zinfandel 2007

Brent Harrison — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:12:54 +0000

Grgich Hills Napa Valley Zinfandel 2007 is made from estate grown biodynamic-certified zinfandel grapes in the heart of Napa Valley, California. Zinfandel from Napa Valley is rarer today than it has been historically, which is a shame based on this wine. This zinfandel is complex on the nose, plenty of dark berries akin to a berry compote. There is a dusty aspect, an iron element and spiciness with pepper. In contrast to many zinfandels that are straightforward and highly quaffable, this zinfandel makes Winston Jones "think before he drinks". Part of the pleasure of a good wine is the expectation it sets on the nose, making the experience in the mouth all the more pleasurable and interesting. This wine delivers a purity of fruit: blackberry, raspberry. It is spicy but not overdone. And, perhaps most surprisingly, it has tannic structure which is rarely expected in many California zinfandels. As such this wine could age even another 2 years and you could expect some softening and additional richness added to it's profile. Winston pleads with Dry Creek fans to come back to Napa and try something different with this wine. "One damn good wine." 90 points.

Bonny Doon Vineyard Ca’ del Solo Albariño 2009

Brent Harrison — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 15:35:48 +0000

Bonny Doon Albariño 2009 is made from Demeter-certified biodynamic® grapes from Monterey County, California. Albariño hails from Rias Baixas in northwestern Spain. California is blessed to be able to grow unique international varietals - at least under the skilled hands of good farmers and winemakers. This Albariño has the calling cards of what you would find in Spain, sipping with your oysters and seafood. It is fresh and vibrant with an ever-so slight green tinge which is indicative of the varietal and youth of the wine. It appears bright which reflects the level of acidity. The taste is consistent with the nose on this wine - lime, melon, crème fraiche, orange peel and tangerine. (Citrus tends to be the fruit calling card of Albariño). You can smell and taste a saline quality in this wine, like the scent of light, misty spray from the sea, reminding us of Monterey in a glass. If you find youself sea-side with this wine and oysters, considering yourself blessed. 89 points.

Grgich Hills Napa Valley Fumé Blanc 2008

Brent Harrison — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 19:06:50 +0000

Grgich Hills Napa Valley Fumé Blanc 2008 is made from organic and Demeter certified biodynamic grapes from the much beloved Napa Valley, California. Grgich Hills' tradition and reputation of excellence shows through. They should be commended for adhering to sustainable and organic practices in the middle of Napa Valley, where there is much commercial pressure on producers to have consistently high quality and high yields year in and year out. Fumé blanc is a term coined by Robert Mondavi in 1968 to help promote Sauvignon Blanc in California. Fumé which is smoke in French, describes the influence of oak imparted to the wine. The wine has a very pleasing nose of lemon, lemongrass, melon reminiscent of sauvignon blanc with a riper more tropical profile than is typical. The wine delivers a bright and lively mouthfeel with a long finish. Could this wine be the missing link between chardonnay and sauvignon blanc? We're not sure but it will do well as a cocktail wine (even for hardcore chardonnay drinkers) and will serve as a splendid complement to lighter dishes such as fish, chicken and pasta. A versatile wonder. 90 points.

Atrea Old Soul 2006

Brent Harrison — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:35:47 +0000