A.A. Badenhorst, Coastal Region, 2007
Red blend from South Africa (Shiraz 80%, Mourvedre 10%, Cinsault 7%, Grenache 3%). High-toned floral elements and smoked sausages, full of smooth sweet fruit, plums and cherries with a stern finish on the end, suggesting further aging wouldn't hurt. This tastes of the New World, but this is very well-made and balanced. 13.5% B+/A-
Inman, Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, OGV (Olivet Grange Vineyard), 2006
Lightly colored. Mushroom and cherry-cola aromas. A very light California pinot noir, soft and smooth with cherry cola, strawberry, forest and cotton candy. Would drink up in the next 2-3 years if you have any. Good. B+/A- 13.9%
Fevre, Chablis, 'Fourchaume', 2007
Clean and pure, with a calcium wash, lime zest. My only complaint is it is not very layered. Simple. B+
Ridge, Geyserville, 2008
A muted nose of dusty black fruits. More revealing in the mouth, where restrained blackberries and ripe raspberry finish with sweetness. Definitely tasting the carignan component on this. Almost perfect weight. Has a restrained, delicious mouthfeel: zinfandel in a black suit and tophat. 14.8% (Zinfandel 72%, Carignane 20%, Petite Sirah 6%, Mataro 2%) A-/A
Francois Chidaine, Vouvray, 'les Argiles', 2008
Holy crap this is DRY! Typical chenin lanolin, wet wool and chamomile. Quite tart. Seems light in weight, so not sure how it will age. Take this out of the 'stickie' rack if you've placed it there. B+