Pellegrini

TRL/Staff/Wine: 6/8/7

2010 Sauvignon Blanc Lake County $15/$12/$14

Pear and apple on the nose.  The green apple tartness dominates the palate with a crisp finish.

2009 Chardonnay Russian River Valley  $18/$14/-

Unoaked chardonnay. Muted nose with crisp acidity on the palate. Lemon notes with bright tartness.

2007 Olivet Lane Reserve Chardonnay  $35/$28/$25

There’s something tropical and woody about the nose. The palate follows exactly but in greater proportion. This is a non-standard chardonnay, so don’t be surprised.

2010 Five Barrel Section Russian River Valley Pinot Noir $35/$28/$30

Bright raspberry and cherry bouquet. The flavors follow, but it’s thin and uninspiring.

2010 Eight Cousins Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel $26/$21/$28

Rich raspberry, blackberry, and red currant on the nose.  The palate follows nicely with a thin body and light pepper.

2007 Napa Valley Dolcetto $18/-/$20

Muted nose (might have been too cold). Smooth, rich flavor with no acid spicy Italian food wine. This is an easy drinking wine with a accessible fruit.

2007 Eight Cousins Merlot Russian River Valley $22/$18/$20

Another cold nose. Flavors of cherry tomatoes, mushroom, with mild earth and no tannins.  

2009 Cloverdale Ranch Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon $28/$22/-

A little smoky, but mostly spice with black cherry and red currant on the nose.  Light-bodied for a cabernet, but it doesn’t taste as if it’s lacking at all.  In fact it has a very pleasant finish.

2006 Milestone $30$/24/$27

Red fruit with cedar notes and mint. Dark fruit and earthy. The fruits are well integrated, and modestly complex.

2005 Finale (Late Harvest Zinfandel Port) $40/$/$30

The Brandy doesn’t overwhelm you like you would expect. It’s a nice smooth, fruit forward, accessible fruit with candied blackberry. The brandy is very subtle and unobtrusive. This is agood dessert wine, but one I’d enjoy at a lower price.