2008 Concannon Pinot Grigio, “Selected Vineyards”, Central Coast, California, $8.95, tasted 8/6/2009. Lemon, raw almonds, and lightly herbal notes on the nose. Good fruit, clean with a medium finish and length. A pleasant summer sipper, or with lighter foods. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS) The Raymond Rating = 85 points.
2008 Volteo 50% Viura + 35% Sauvignon Blanc + 15% Viognier, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, Spain, tasted 7/23/2009, $12.00. Melon, flint, and light herbal notes on the nose. Good fruit and nice finish, though a little simple. Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS. Raymond Rating = 85 points
2008 Concannon Chardonnay, “Selected Vineyards”, Central Coast, California, $8.95, tasted 8/6/2009. A nice nose of buttery tropical fruits. Good fruit with a medium finish, though rather simple. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS) The Raymond Rating = 84 points.
2008 Concannon Pinot Noir, “Limited Release”, Central Coast, California, 13.0% alcohol, $14.55, tasted 8/6/2009. Light ruby brick in color. Violets and light leather notes on the nose. Soft and light-bodied, this is a simple, easy-drinking Pinot Noir. If you prefer reds to whites, this could easily be paired with foods which might normally call for a rosé or a heavier white wine. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS) The Raymond Rating = 84 points.
2007 Volteo 60% Tempranillo + 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, Vino de la Tierra de Castilla, Spain, tasted 7/23/2009, $12.00. Plum, tobacco, and dried herbs on the nose. Medium fruit and length, though the finish was rather tannic. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS) Raymond Rating = 84 points
2007 Cupcake Vineyards Petite Sirah, Central Coast, California, $9.99, tasted 8/6/2009. A low-intensity nose of blackberries and light herbal notes. Good fruit with a little white pepper on the finish. Little complexity, but a nice change from more familiar varieties. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS) Raymond Rating = 85 points
See previous Blog entry about Petite Sirah for more information about the variety.