Author: gusclemens

MontGras Ninquén Mountain Vineyard 2009: Dark ruby color; cherry, blueberry, elegant nose; cascade of black fruit, dark cherry, superb acidity (3.46 pH), ripe tannin; refined, assertive oak, vanilla; warm, powerful, juicy, full in the mouth. Continue reading →

Hey Mambo Sultry Red 2013: Dark crimson color; cherry, dark fruits, balsamic nose; big fruit-driven, jammy blend of California’s big, fruit-driven varieties—44% tempranillo; 28% syrah; 14% merlot; 7% zinfandel, 6% petite sirah, 1% barbera—from Clarksburg, Paso Robles, and Lodi (the blend formula changes with each vintage). Continue reading →

Translucent ruby color; strawberry, cherry nose; vivid flavors of strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, plum in light-medium mouth, sip of cola slides into the flavor profile, too; Continue reading →

Plungerhead Lodi Zinfandel 2013: Dark purple with slight hint of translucence; cherry, blackberry, vanilla on the nose; cherry, strawberry, sweet berries, blackberry, pepper, mocha, oak on the palate; Continue reading →

A Tribute to Grace Grenache Santa Barbara County 2012: Delicately light cherry-red, translucent color; strawberry, earth, herbs on the delicate nose; cherry, strawberry on the palate; Continue reading →

Four days until America’s biggest unofficial national holiday.
If you host a Super Bowl party, you face super challenges in choosing the right food and drink to bowl over your friends. Continue reading →

Astrolabe Voyage Marlborough Pinot Noir 2008: Medium ruby color; cherry, dried lavender-herbs on the nose; cherry, plum, raspberry on the palate; medium body, medium tannin, supple in the mouth, nicely delicious and politely approachable. Continue reading →

Lovely translucent burgundy color; cherry, spice nose; cranberry, black cherry, sour cherry, plum, spice, green tea, menthol, refined oak on the palate; Continue reading →

Toad Hollow Unoaked Chardonnay Mendocino County Francine’s Selection 2014: Light yellow-green color; melon, apricot, pineapple, apple nose; peach, pear, lemon, lime and Granny Smith, yellow green-apple, tickle of tangerine on the palate. Continue reading →

Varozza Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena 2009: Inky purple-black color; deep blackberry, dark cherry, plum nose; plum, black cherry, blackberry, chocolate, licorice, earth on the palate; Continue reading →