SNEAKING INTO THE LIGHTNING CLOSET (ONE LAST LAUGH IN THE FACE OF THE CRYING)

Good friend and Tramonte rep Devon came by the other day with 11 wines, some of which I have had earlier in the year, and others, all new ones on me:

Ceviche Sauvignon Blanc Central Coast 2009. Grade=Average. Mild, slightly flat SB with some decent notes of gooseberry, guava and hay. Not bad, but has a lot of competition.

Brut d’Argent Blanc de Blancs NV. Grade=Outstanding. Same as before.

Brut d’Argent Brut Rosé NV. Grade=Outstanding. Notes from before.

Hewitson Lu Lu Sauvignon Blanc Adelaide Hills 2009. Grade=Outstanding. And here.

Bucatini Red California 2007. Grade=Outstanding. Nice, fruit-driven red blend of Merlot and Cabernet (you’d think the packaging, which boasts pasta twirled onto a fork, there’d be some Sangiovese in this thing). Soft, juicy with smooth tannins.

Script & Seal Red Washington State 2007. Grade=Outstanding. Really nice medium-bodied Merlot-based blend with smooth black fruits and dark plums. Tannins are mild, and the finish is juicy and rich.

Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Russian River 2008. Grade=Amazing. See previous review.

Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Clos Pepe 2008. Grade=Amazing. And here.

Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Cargassachi 2008. Grade=Amazing. And here.

Hewitson Miss Harry Red Barossa Valley 2008. Grade=Outstanding. Also here.

Oakville Cross Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 2007. Grade=Amazing. A big, lush, full-bodied Cab that exhibits dense, blackberry, black currant, cedar, tar, chocolate and sweet spices. Finishes up long and luscious. A beautiful effort.