Sebastiani 2006 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

4.25 stars (out of 5)

Always a favorite at our house, pinot noir can be enjoyed in fancy clothes or jeans alike.  Sebastiani's 2006 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir hit the spot with family recently when we sat down to enjoy good Italian food and (not so Italian) company.  This multi-vineyard blend had earthy currant aromas, hints of cinnamon and cedar on our tongues, and a deep garnet color.  Although it wasn't mom's first choice for a glass of wine, both Kelly and Janeé gave it four stars.  A pinot noir fan, I gave it 4.5.   

Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon (California, 2006)

1.5 stars (out of 5)

Encouraged by a delicious Bogle Petite Sirah that we tried last week, I thought I would pick up the Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon – a varietal that we normally enjoy. I am sorry to say that we were sorely disappointed with this one. The nose was mostly rubbing alcohol, even after it had opened for an hour or so. All three tasters agreed that the wine lacks distinct flavor, but tasted like sour grapes. It seemed to me that the tannins were out of balance; they were too pronounced without enough structure to support them. As a result the wine tasted tart.

We didn’t finish it – which is pretty unusual for us even with a bad bottle of wine – until later when we'd already burned through a second bottle. Thankfully, we had some others to get us through the evening. Read on for notes on those….

Clayhouse Vineyeards Adobe Red (California, 2006)

4.5 stars (out of 5)

The third of our “Thanksgiving tasting panel,” Clayhouse Vineyard’s Adobe Red was a delightful sip. This 2006 blend is 58% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah, 13% Petite Sirah, and 12% Malbec. Deep plum in color, it had chocolate and coffee in the nose. Subtle flavors were tobacco and dark cherry, with a burst of strawberry on the finish. Tasters reported that this wine was soft, with light flavor that dissipates quickly. I would note that this will probably be the red wine at our Thanksgiving table: it was luscious and easily drinkable, with subtleties that will pair well with lots of flavors.

Bogle Petite Sirah (Central Coast, California, 2006)

4 stars (out of 5)

Although perhaps a bit too heady for Thanksgiving, we all agreed that this is an excellent comfort wine. The nose had cherry, ripe blackberry, with a tart spiciness. We tasted chocolate and spice in the sip, especially once the wine had opened up and some of the alcohol taste had dissipated. The tannins were nicely balanced; as Kelly said, this wine “doesn’t taste like a migraine.” Though probably not our choice for Thanksgiving – it’s robust flavor might be a little much with such an assortment of foods – we agreed that this wine was highly drinkable and could possibly get you into a nip of trouble.

Sebastiani Alexander Valley Merlot (California, 2006)

3 stars (out of 5)

A terrific wine that will only get better with age, my sister and I opened the 2006 Alexander Valley Merlot Appellation Selection the moment it arrived from Sebastiani (even though it is recommended for further aging of one to two more years). It’s a dark crimson color with aromas of berries, coffee, spice and black cherry. The first taste was smooth, silky and chocolaty. Similar to a zinfandel, the elegant wine was a perfect match to an evening of giggling and gossip but would pair well with a luxurious piece of chocolate or cheese.

This merlot is a composition of 75.7 percent merlot, 12 percent petite verdot, 6.6 percent cabernet sauvignon and 5.7 percent malbec. Released in August 2008, its relatively inexpensive price makes it an excellent addition to your cellar or dinner table tonight.

MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir (California, 2006)

4 stars (out of 5)

This is an excellent young pinot noir from the Russian River valley. The garnet-colored wine was earthy and lightly mineral scented (copper?), evoking a frosty walk in the lush redwood forest. Hearty enough to pair with a grilled sirloin, the pinot noir was not so full-bodied that it overwhelmed the seared yellow fin tuna on my surf-and-turf plate.

Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay, Russian River Valley (California, 2006)

3 stars (out of 5)

Chardonnay two nights in a row: what’s a girl to do? Surprised again, this chardonnay was actually quite good: light, clean, crisp, and a good match for spicy flavors of a chimichurri and roasted red pepper sauces. I guess I am learning that I am not adverse to the younger chardonnays that haven’t spent too much time lurking around in oak.

Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc (2006)

3.5 stars (out of 5)

This is a great pool wine for the summertime. Light and citrusy with strong grapefruit flavor and a bit of vanilla. We keep a case on hand for impromptu summer dinners with fresh ingredients from the garden. Also a good "starter" wine for those unfamilar with stronger flavors.