IF 6 WERE 9 I MIGHT HAVE GOTTEN BUZZED

My RNDC/Cumberland rep and former assistant Jen came by with some new wines from some familiar friends:

Bonterra Riesling Lake County/Mendocino County 2009. Grade=Outstanding. This is surprisingly good Riesling, with just a slight sweetness (much like a Kabinett). Made from organic grapes (which according to good friend the Hosemaster, is in league with the Dodo), this Riesling shows off nice apricot and pear notes, and a bit of mineral.

Sanford Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2007. Grade=Outstanding. This is a rich, full-bodied Chard with full-throttle malo and barrel-fermented for an amalgamation of creamy vanilla spice, toasted brioche, butterscotch, tangerine, pineapple, apple tart and lemon peel. Very nice.

Su Yuen Riesling Monterey County 2009. Grade=Average. A new line from Coppola (Editor’s note: Enough already!), this is a bit sweeter (akin to a Spatlese), with some ripe peach, apricot, orange blossom and pineapple nectar. Hints of mineral give it balance. Would make for a nice sushi wine.

Su Yuen Syrah California 2008. Grade=Average. Juicy, fruit-driven Syrah with hints of blueberry, Açai berry, dark cherry and raspberry notes, a slight tinge of spice, and a smooth finish.

Sanford Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2007. Grade=Amazing. A beautiful example of how to make Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills fruit; very much like a Pommard with its dark cherry tartlet, cola, baking spice and earth tones. My favorite of the lineup.

Guenoc Claret North Coast 2007. Grade=Outstanding. A nice, everyday Bordeaux-styled red blend, with notes of blackberry, black currant, cedar and espresso, touched up with milk chocolate, vanillin oak and spice box.