Cellar Notes

Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60
Quality key:  * = good decent wine  ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine

Conundrum California white wine blend 2012  **1/2  $$
(Always a crowd-pleasing big plump white.)

Joel Gott Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley 2012  **  $
(Lighter version of the Alsatian style, full of flavor, good dinner wine.)

Daniel Gehrs Chenin Blanc, Santa Barbara 2011  * 1/2  $
(Dry with a late burst of fruit, Albariño-like.)

Markham Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2012 * 1/2 $
(Nice easy drinker for the spring.)

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60
Quality key:  * = good decent wine  ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine

Le Nez Pinot Noir, Yamhill, Oregon, Lenné Vyd. 2012 **1/2  $$
(Silky smooth, with deep red fruit flavors, classy)

Lyric Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara 2011  *1/2  $
(A very good entry level California pinot noir)

Stoller Pinot Noir, Dundee HIlls, Oregon 2010  **  $$
(An upper end entry level Oregon pinot noir with great complexity)

CalStar Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2010  **1/2  $$
(Big, soft, silky pinot noir with wonderful flavor and texture)

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Hugh shared his thoughts on the true meaning of brand names in wine.  No recommendations this week.
 

Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60
Quality key:  * = good decent wine  ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine
 

Ch. Tuilerie Pagés, Bordeaux 2010 *  $    
(Light, inexpensive Bordeaux for current every day drinking)

Ch. La Landotte, Médoc 2010 **  $$
(Classic petit Bordeaux, suitable for laying down for aging)

Ch. Gachon, Montagne Saint-Emilion 2008  *1/2  $
(5 years old, nearly mature, decent fruit, significant tannin)

Ch. Les Vielles Pierres, Lussac-St. Emilion 2009 **  $
(A very good value in petit Bordeaux, merlot dominated)

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60
Quality key:  * = good decent wine  ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine

Ch. Ste. Michelle Riesling, Cold Creek Vineyard, Wash. St. 2012 *1/2  $
(Good soft texture, good fruit, decent acidity, very food friendly)

Ch. Ste. Michelle Riesling, "Eroica", Columbia Valley 2012, * $$
(Made with Mosel's Dr. Ernst Loosen, still a work in progress)

Karl Erbes Riseling, Urziger Wurtzgarten Spatlese 2012  **1/2  $
(Great value in balanced, off-dry fruity food friendly Riesling)

Schmitt-Sohne Riesling, Piesporter Michelsberg Auslese 2009 **1/2 $
(Another wonderful value in rich, fruity German Riesling)

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60
Quality key:  * = good decent wine  ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine

Chão das Rolas Peninsula de Setubal 2010 * 1/2 $
(Rustic, lively with zingy flavors, perfect for suckling pig)

Crasto Douro 2011 **1/2  $
(Fabulous value in a serious, sophisticated red, same grapes as Port)

Alente, Alentejo DO Non-Vintage **  $
(Full-flavored, spicy, informal, perfect café wine)

Alente Premium, Alentejo DO 2009 **  $
(A more intense version of the regular Alente, great dinner wine)

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60
Quality key:  * = good decent wine  ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine

Domaine de la Bouysse, "Hauterive Rouge", Vin de Pays d'Oc 2009  ** $
(Full, black fruit flavors, great for early grilling, bargain!)

Domaine de la Bouysse, "Mazerac", Languedoc (red) 2010 *** $$
(Intense, dark flavors, rustic notes, great value)

La Borie la Vitarelle, "Les Terres Blanches", St. Chinian (red) 2010  **1/2 $$
(Rhone blend, complex, full bodied, age-worthy)

Mas Bruguiere "La Grenadière", Pic St.-Loup 2010  **1/2  $$
(Intense, lovely aromas, loaded with Syrah, complex flavors)

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Price key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60
Quality key:  * = good decent wine  ** = very good wine   *** = superb wine

Le Nez Pinot Noir, Yamhill, Oregon, Lenné Vyd. 2012 **1/2  $$
(Silky smooth, with deep red fruit flavors, classy)

Lyric Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara 2011  *1/2  $
(A very good entry level California pinot noir)

Stoller Pinot Noir, Dundee HIlls, Oregon 2010  **  $$
(An upper end entry level Oregon pinot noir with great complexity)

CalStar Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2010  **1/2  $$
(Big, soft, silky pinot noir with wonderful flavor and texture)

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Now that WYPR's new website is up and running, we wanted to let Cellar Notes listeners know how to use it to their best advantage. 

For years people have mentioned that they cannot write down our recommendations while they are driving home.  We understand.  That is why we post them on the website.

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Mt. Gay Black Barrel Run
(Twice aged, big smoky and spicy) ** $$

Mt. Gay Extra Old Rum
(8-15 years, roasted flavors with sharp acidic edge) *** $$

Mt. Gay 1703 Rum
(Rum as Cognac, extra special) *** $$$

Many of these fine spirits can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.
 

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Bel Glos Pinot Noir "Los Alturos", Central Coast 2012 *** $$-$$$

Bel Glos Pinot Noir "Dairy Man", Central Coast 2012 *** $$-$$$

Bel Glos Pinot Noir "Clark and Telegraph", Central Coast *** 2012 $$-$$$

Bel Glos Pinot Noir Meiomi, Central Coast 2012 *** $$
(First class examples of big California Pinot Noir)

Mer Soleil Chardonnay "Silver", Monterey 2012 *** $-$$
(Stupednous value in un-oaked Chardonnay)

Mer Soleil Chardonnay, Reserve, Montery 2011 **1/2 $$

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Justin Vineyards & Wines "Obtuse" dessert wine, Paso Robles ** $$
(100% cab sauv port)

Boordy "Veritude" Ruby Port , Maryland 2008 (375 ml.) ***  $$
(Precise approximation of classic ruby port style.)

Kiona Late Harvest Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington 2007 *1/2 $
(Light, delicate, full of flavor.)

Orchid Cellars "The Archer" Mead, Maryland  ** $
(A honey based wine with spicy notes.)

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

 Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Blandy's Rainwater Madeira ** $  
(Soft, gentle, mildly sweet, totally mellow)

Taylor Fladgate Tawny Port ** $  
(A super bargain, spot on tawny style)

Dow's LBV Port 2006 *** $
(Outstanding bargain for vintage character port)

Pitaud Pineau des Charentes "Blanc" NV **1/2 $  
(Creme brulée in a bottle)

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60
   
Sipp-Mack Riesling Tradition, Alsace 2011 **1/2 $
(Great value in a textbook Alsatian riesling)

Sipp-Mack Gewurtztraminer Tradition, Alsace, 2011 **1/2 $$
(Classic Gewrutz, vinified off-dry)

Sipp-Mack Pinot Blanc, Alsace 2011 **1/2 $
(Fabulous value in well-structured tasty PB)

Sipp-Mack Rielsing Grand Cru, Rosacker, Alsace 2009 *** $$
(Perfect flavors and aroma for Alsatian Riesling)

Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

**All the wines are under $20.

The winners, in descending order:

1st:  Lawson Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (New Zealand)

2nd: (tie)  
Gruet Blanc de Blanc 2007 Sparkling Wine (New Mexico)
Domaine de Bué Sancerre 2011 (Loire Valley, France)

3rd: (tie)
Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand)
Alente Alentejo 2012 (Portugal)

4th:  Selbach-Oster Riesling Kabinett 2009 (Mosel. Germany)

5th:  Dry Creek Fumé Blanc 2012 (Sonoma County)

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Themes:

~2011 was a difficult year, but our best winemakers did surprisingly well with both whites and reds.
~A lot of people are now using Chambourcin as a blending grape, particularly with Bordeaux varietals.
~Several of the new young wineries are doing exceptionally well.   

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60  

Charles Krug Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena, Napa Valley 2012 *1/2  $
(Smooth, refined, understated)

Charles Krug Chardonnay, Carneros 2012  **  $
(Good quality Carneros Chard at a good price)

Charles Krug Merlot, Napa Valley 2011  ** $$
(Smooth, silky, supple "not chunky")

Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville 2011 **1/2 $$
(A very good example of cool country cab from Napa)

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Isabel Sauvignon Blanc, Marlboro 2011 **  $
(Great intensity of fruit with balancing acid, excellent value)

Tir Na N'Og Grenache, McLaren Vale 2008 ***  $$
(Old vine Grenache that really delivers)

Elderton Estate Shiraz, Barossa, 2010 **1/2  $$
(Big forward shiraz for big foods; great complexity)

Wishing Tree Chardonnay, Adelaide 2012  ** $
(Low price for high quality un-oaked chardonnay)

**Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

The Gruet line of sparkling wines from New Mexico  $-$$
(Blanc de noirs, blanc de blanc, rosé, extra dry)
St. Hillaire Blanquette de Limoux $
Clara C Prosecco  (Extra dry, rosé and Kosher) $
Anna de Cordorniu Brut Cava $
Schramsberg Blanc de Noir Sparkling Wine $$
Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Sparkling Wine $$
Mumm's of Napa Cuvee M,
(off-dry Sparkling wine, Brut Prestige and Blanc de blanc $$)

**Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Splurges:
Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne $$$
Chalk Hill Chardonnay, Chalk Hill Appellation 2010 $$$
Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $$$
Taylor-Fladgate "Vargellas" Vintage Port 2005 $$$

Good Value:
Chandon California Brut Classic Sparkling Wine $$
Fritz Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2010 $$
Hess "Aloni" Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley $$
Taylor-Fladgate Tawny Port $

Now that WYPR's new website is up and running, we wanted to let Cellar Notes listeners know how to use it to their best advantage. 

For years people have mentioned that they cannot write down our recommendations while they are driving home.  We understand.  That is why we post them on the website.

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Chateau Peyros, Madiran 2008 $ *1/2   
(Tannat/cab suav in a rustic format)

Gordeyant Cahors 2011 ** $  
(The original Malbec, with depth and finesse)

Domaine Les Haut de Riquets "Diablerie", Cotes du Duras 2011 * $
(Mostly merlot with a touch of malbec)

Chateau K, Begerac 2009 *** $$  
(A delicious "bordeaux on steroids")

**Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.
 

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Millstone (Maryland) Farm Gate (Jonathan, Stayman, Rome Beauty) *1/2  $
Millstone (Maryland) Harvest (York Imperial, Rome Beauty, honey) **  $
Foggy Ridge Ciders (Va.)  First Fruit (Heirloom varietals) *1/2  $
Foggy Ridge Ciders Serious Cider (traditional English varieties) *1/2  $
Foggy Ridge Ciders Sweet Stayman (Stayman with heirlooms) **
 

**Many of these fine ciders can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Carmel Road Winery Pinot Noir, Monterey 2012 $ * 1/2
(A good value in basic California pinot noir)

Carmel Road Winery Chardonnay, Monterey 2011 $  **
(Remarkable quality for the price)

Carmel Road Winery "Liberated" Riesling, Monterey 2012 $  ***
(An incredibly good riesling for a very low price)

**Many of these fine wines can be purchased at Wine World.  See sponsor tab.
 

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

(Al tasted all these wines and found them worthy of your interest.  All are priced $$$)

Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2008 **
(Rustic, tannic, old school)

Begali Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2008 ***
(Velvety, voluptuous, powerful)

Brigaldara Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2008 ***+
(Sweet, deep, young, gently bitter, wonderful)

Cost key:  $=less than $20  $$= $20-40   $$$=$40-60  $$$$=above $60

Bernier Chardonnay, Val de Loire, 2012  $ **
(A fabulous wine for lovers of unoaked chardonnay)

Cartlidge and Brown Chardonnay, North Coast 2010  $ * 1/2
(Very reliable entry level chard at a very low price)

Liveli Primonero", Salento 2010 $  * 1/2
(Very lively Italian red, with bright flavors and surprising depth)

R&B Cellars "The Improvisor", California NV  $  **
(Big and rich and remarkably complex for the price)