Wine Reviews and News for Passionate Wine Lovers

2002 Schramsberg Vineyards J Schram Schramsberg web site

(USA, California, Napa Valley)

I stopped in at the Schramsberg vineyards to do a wine tasting and a tour. I highly recommend a visit when in Napa Valley. Great tour of miles of caves and millions of bottles of Sparkling wine. Schramsberg is the main supplier to the White House and for good reason. We did a 6 glass tasting and the J Schram was the last tasting. It’s one of their finest. Great experience, Excellent quality. Very solid sparkling wine. A nice toast feel and taste with hints of apricot, lemon, and peaches. It was crisp and well rounded. Light gold on the color and the finish lingers. Well made and worth the money and I suggest a try at about 90 bucks per bottle. I joined the club as a result, especially so that I can get the J Davies Cabernet.

From Schramsberg’s website

J. Schram

From the inception of our efforts in 1965, we have sought to achieve the greatest elegance and individuality possible in our sparkling wines. J. Schram epitomizes our philosophy to create a wine in which no effort has been spared and no care has been omitted. This wine is a fine expression of American individuality and innovation.

Wine grapes from the finest vineyards of Northern California are nurtured throughout the ripening process, before they are hand-picked. Complexity is gained through fermentation in both oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. Some small lots undergo malolactic fermentation to enrich aromas and infuse creaminess on the palate. The wine is then aged in our historical mountainside caves for over five years.

Dedicated to our founder of 1862, Jacob Schram, this special bottling has been a great success since its first
release in 1992. J. Schram reflects Schramsberg’s continuing role as a pioneer in world class sparkling wines. It is our nominee when you want an American statement of international excellence. J. Schram is appealing as an aperitif or enjoyed with fresh shellfish, caviar, smoked salmon, mild cheeses, seafood brochettes and risotto with prosciutto.

Tags: J Schram, Schramsberg, Schramsberg Vineyards, Sparkeling wine, Wine Reviews

2006 Palmaz Vineyards Johannisberg Riesling - Palmaz web site

(USA, California, Napa Valley)

Soft and buttery wine with citrus, nice fruit base and strong golden pear. A touch spicy, just enough tannins and a well rounded reselling. I enjoyed this wine and it was refreshing and could be a nice tasting wine. Went great with a strong cheese. Give this a shot because it’s very enjoyable.

Tags: napa, Palmaz, Palmaz Vineyards vine, riesling, white wine, Wine Reviews

2001 Schramsberg Vineyards Reserve - Schramsberg web site

(USA, California)

Deep golden color,soft and smooth with a rounded feel. Citrus with green apple notes. a little short but clean, very crisp.

Tags: napa, Schramsberg, Sparkeling wine, Wine Reviews, wite wine

1995 Quintessa

USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

Decanted for an hour. Beautifully nose right from the start of very old world, mature wine with softness. A great bottle of wine. The nose had cedar, vanilla, almond and loads of spice which matched with it flavors. It seems like this 95 has peaked. It wall full and bountifully and was well balanced. Dark fruits, ceder, spice, plum, and not hot at all after the decanting. There was not any one flavor coming through stronger than the others. Not too fruity or oakei. It was just a solid effort and was very adult. The finish was smooth and tastefully tailing off. Give it a try.

Tags: napa, Quintessa wine, Red wine, rutherford, Wine Reviews

Artistry Proprietary Blend 2005 - 88 points Impressive nose on this wine. Very Minty, more eucalyptus, with roses, baked cherries, dark plum, lavender, cinnamon, allspice and freshly cut herbs. A little bit of tobacco. Good oak balance. The pallet has a good soft balance of tannins, medium tannins. Not too hot, just enough. Multiple layers to this complex blend that reveal themselves through decanting, it was about 20-30 minutes and this wine started to dance. Artistry is a proprietary blend of 5 Bordeaux-varietal grapes. Really Nice effort, It’s something different which, if you have been following me, is what I like.

Tags: Artistry Proprietary Blend, Bordeaux, napa, Red wine

Peller Estates Cabernet Franc Signature 2003

Very nice Ice wine. The nose just hit you hard of fresh berries and cream with loads of cherry. A very soft and rounded smell. Full-bodied with soft, silky tannins and balancing acidity. The pallet is what I would expect form an expensive estate wine. Smooth, not hot and an extremely long finish on this ice wine. The berries and cream match the nose and not over sweet. Plenty of juicy black fruit on the palate nicely accented with spice. Nice apricots really round off the thick desert wine. I would have to say a must try.

Peller Estate websites

Tags: cab franc, Ice wine, Peller Estates Cabernet Franc, Sweet Wines, wine review