Winery - Philip Staley
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Why don’t we drink Grenache all the time? Mind you, it isn’t considered a great wine, but it tastes good. There are hints of mint and black pepper with layers of black cherry/blackberry fruit that just keep on coming.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Philip Staley, a founding partner of Alderbrook Winery, has found a hillside site above the Russian River which shows tremendous promise for Mediterranean varietals like this terrific Mourvèdre. A full-bodied wine with upfront spice and cherry fruit, just touched by chocolate and a hint of tobacco on the finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Here’s a very dry, somewhat tart wine, soft in body but with some firm tannins. The palate impression is austere, with thin flavors of sour cherry and white pepper. It’s a light wine but one with charm and style.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
From this Rhône specialist, a nice sipping wine with powerfully fruity flavors in a delicately structured, light-bodied wine. The pretty wild-berry and oregano flavors are surrounded by velvety tannins and soft acidity, so it goes down like silk. It’s dry as dust.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Normally used as a blending grape in California, sometimes Grenache is good enough to stand on its own. This one is, with its black-cherry, spice and tobacco aromas and flavors and dry, lacy tannins. It’s a soft, young wine, with plenty of jammy character.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This winery specializes in Rhône-style wines from a warmer, northeastern part of Russian River Valley, almost in Dry Creek. This is a light red, fruity wine with a minty streak, soft tannins, and excellent acidity. It’s light but firm, and impressive for the interest it arouses even though it’s not a blockbuster.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Sprightly and light, this is a feathery wine on the palate, with soft acids and gentle tannins, although the fruit is pure California. Raspberry, tobacco, blackberry and cinnamon flavors fill the mouth and are delicious to savor. It’s very dry and stylish, with a fruity, Lifesaver finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
From a Rhône specialist, a wine the tasters liked for its fruity mix of cherry-berry flavors, although it started off closed and tight and needed considerable airing. Tannins are on the hefty side, which makes the wine feel chewy and rustic.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Connoisseurs are taking a fresh look at this variety despite its reputation as a common wine. Let’s get one thing straight: It will never possess the refined personality of, say, Cabernet. But sometimes this rough-edged, drily tannic wine fits the bill perfectly. I’m thinking game, or bruschetta with peppers and onions.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This Rhône specialist makes his wines in the warmest part of the appellation, and the grapes get plush and polished. Here, you’ll find distinctive black cherry flavors with a peppery edge. The wine is very dry, with good tannins, and seems designed for food.
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