I've been lazy in posting so here are some notes from the past few months
ARIZONA
Oak Creek Vineyards 2005 Chardonnay
This lightly fruited wine with a clean acidic backbone surrounds a steely, minerally core that evokes a sense of place that is not consistent with the surrounding sandstone and red rocks of the Verde Valley. (It is consistent with the layer of limestone that underlies the region.) Terroir, anyone? Served as an aperitif for Thanskgiving. $20 and a bargain, available at the winery and at Cave Creek Wines in North Phoenix.
Dos Cabezas 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Cochise County AZ
More oak than previously noted. Oak seemed to soften with time in the glass A bit of sweetness (alochol? oak?). Not aging as well as I thought it would. The tannins have softened but the oak isn't integrating well. $13
Note from about 3 years back:
"Typical CA cab aromas of black fruit and oak. Somewhat the same in the mouth, with the oak overpowering the fruit and hefty tannins only slightly tamed by the charcoal roasted tri-tip. Short black cherry finish that would probably be longer if not for the tannins. Two nights later, with grilled NY strip, some cherry and a hint of chocolate break through, but again the tannins are too fierce for anything more than a hint. I think this wine has all the right stuff - it just needs some time."
Callaghan Vineyards 2004 Buena Suerte Cuvee
65% CS 35% Merlot Sweet fruit and a bit of heat. Not balanced and not pleasing enough to buy again. I expected much better from this winery. $28
USA - Other states
2003 Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve Pinot Noir
Served at Thansgiving dinner. Silky and seductive, sweet berry fruit and spices. How come I don't have more of this? Oh, yeah - $57
Mark West Winery 2005 Pinot Noir
Bright red, aromas of cherries and spices. Juicy red fruits, great acidity and a bit earth. Not complex, but quite tasty for the price. $11
ITALY
2004 Barone de Renziz Sonnino Bootleg Chianti
Simple but straightforward Chianti. No wows, but no boos either $5 from Trader Joe's.
2004 Ruffino Modus
Dark plummy fruit, mixed with cherries and other berry fruit. Moderate tannins, dusty cherries and plums, some acidic backbone and a shorter finish than I'd expect. Nicely balanced blend, it gains complexity and smoothness over time. Only ocassional hints of vanilla betray the time spent in oak barrels. One of the few Super-Tuscans, maybe the only, that I've really enjoyed. I bought this at my daughter's behest after she had it at a local wine bar.
Terra D'algi 'tatone' 2003 Montepulciano D'Abruzzo
Dark purple with a nose of dark cherries, the wine explodes with juicy red berry and cherry fruit, lively acidy and a tart, crisp apple finish. An underpinng of earth and moderate tannins keep it all together. Not at all like the thin Farnese Robin reported on a while back. Buy more. $21
FRANCE
2001 Chateau Duhart-Milon-Rothschild Pauillac
Initial nose of flowers, cooked meat and chicken coop, but the chicken coop blows off quickly. Closed at first, with tart cherries only revealing themselves in the finish, the wine develops nicely in the glass. Some tar/mint/tobacco early on, which quickly disappear. Modest tannins give way to mixed dark berries, some baking spices, floral notes and a bit of clean dirt. Very good match with char-grilled tenderloin and enjoyable after dinner as well.
GERMANY
2001 Erben von Beulwitz Kaseler Nies'chen Riesling Spätlese
After Thanksgiving Dinner. This is a wonderful off-dry Riesling with tart apples and citrus and clear crisp apple pie finishl. Tart and lively it has become a favorite for the family.