Robert Hall Winery 2007 Rhone de Robles

Posted by Keith Wallace on May 1, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Paso Robles Wine Review

One of my favorite trends in Paso Robles is the embrace of these Rhone-style wines. I am especially pleased to see Robert Hall embracing the style. I met Robert at a wine festival I organized about six years ago. A wonderful and generous man, we talked at length about his winery. At that point, he was still focused on Cabernet and Merlot, the kingpins of Bordeaux. His turn toward the Rhone varietals is very successful, and this is one to seek out.

A blend of Grenache and Syrah, with a tiny bit of Cinsault and Counoise, this wine has a deep crimson hue. Aromas of cigar box and espresso layered over blackberries. The wine is round on the palate with cedar smoke and crushed mineral. Dark fruit takes over and then finishes with nutmeg and cinnamon.

Rutherglen Estates 2008 Burgoyne’s Block

Posted by Keith Wallace on Apr 18, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Australian Wine Review

Deeply hued with aromas of fresh berries and currants. Secondary scents of caramelized fat and savory herbs are amazing. Rich tannin that softens in the glass but keeps a firm structure. Fresh plum balances out the chewy tannins with more berry notes on the mid-palate. The finish of lavender and smoke with a final layer of sweet fruit. A blend of Mourvèdre, Shiraz and Grenache.

Francois Lurton 2009 El Albar Barricas

Posted by Keith Wallace on Apr 15, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 1 comment

Spanish Wine Review

One of the finest values in fine wines I have seen in a few years. From the Toro region of Spain, this is a remarkable bottle for both it’s impressive weight and finesse. Painted with lush vanilla and oak-driven caramel, this red holds an aggressive of tannins. sandalwood and lavender in the mid-palate with mocha notes and a full bodied richness. The finish turns smoky, earthy and floral. Very impressive.

Etude 2010 Chardonnay Estate Carneros

Posted by Keith Wallace on Apr 9, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

A Chardonnay Review

A high styled wine that is intended as a luxury bottling. It upholds it’s mission, just not at the high price the winery intended (we can thank Pennsylvania’s LCB for that). This is a wine that embodies Walt Whitman’s line,“every moment of light and dark is a miracle.” It is high toned like a shiny tongue warrior in a final drag race against the Higgs particle.

If that’s a bit too meta for you, then consider this: a beautiful Chardonnay without even a hint of butter. Instead, layers of minerality, lemongrass, mango, and quince in a dense but vibrant package. Lovely and well worth twice the money.

Calamaco 2010 Reserva Malbec

Posted by Keith Wallace on Feb 25, 2013 in Wine Reviews | 0 comments

Argentinian Wine Reviews

At first very quiet, the flavors expand like a peacock. Increasingly fun and rich, it brings eucalyptus and mocha first, then crushed blackberries with a wave of soft round tannins. Complexity is layered into the mix with wet leather, rain, and tobacco. A little serious, a lot of Argentinian wine fun.