July 2001 reviews

July 6, 2001

13/20 points. 1998 Domaine Saint George, Barrel Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon. Price $9.99 at Raleys. Very dark red core fading to a dusty rose. Good nose of cassis, cabernet fruit, and wood. The nose does not follow the palate with this one! It turns rather herbal with raspberry and sour cherry following. Finishes rather "green". Good wine making here, but I wonder if it needs more time?

July 7, 2001

15/20 points. 1998 Sebastiani, Sonoma County Chardonnay. Price $4.99 at Raleys. Here's one from a "bargain basket" that my wife found for under five dollars. Good light gold/green in color. The nose is mostly peach and nectarine. In the mouth, the nectarine is more prominent with assertive acids, nice and food friendly. Smoke follows with just a touch of vanilla. The finish is medium long with apricot and mineral rounding it out. Very good at this price level.

July 11, 2001

15/20 points. 1998 Eos Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles California. Price $4.29 at Raleys. This is a first for me. Here is an "oaked" (barrel fermented) sauvignon blanc that I find appealing. Very pale gold in color and very clear. The nose is slight with aromas of peach and rose petals. Flavors of lychee, rose, and minerals are well supported by nicely brisk acids. It finishes off with faint touches of oak, yes I said I like a wine with oak! Only this one's using it in a very nicely balanced way. Good summer wine.

July 18, 2001

16/20 points. 1998 Bayliss & Fortune, Mendocino County, Zinfandel. Price $5.99 at Raleys. Brooding blood red going to light purple at the rim. This has a very good nose of raspberry & forest floor. Gobs of raspberry, blueberry, and cherry continue through on the long finish, 30+ seconds! The fruit flavors are almost strong enough to mask the 15% alcohol level. Quite a feat in itself. This is a big, bold, and rustic wine that was a perfect match with charbroiled burgers. (***Side note, just saw this wine after buying it on sale for $2.99 a bottle at Raleys! ***)

July 20, 2001 - July 30, 2001

Well, it's that time of year again. The Wine Slob is off on vacation but will return soon with more reviews. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer.
 
 

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