Shea Wine Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard, 2006:

This is an enjoyable wine from the Willamette Valley.  Flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and plum, some cedary scents and tobacco.  While I enjoyed the wine with a salmon dish, it felt a little pricey in light of its middle of the road personality….runs around $60.  I think that you could do as well with a less expensive Pinot such as Caldwell Hills.

Domaine des Escarvalilles Cotes du Rhone Les Sablieres, 2007:

The wonderful thing about the Rhone 2007 vintage is that the ideal weather “lifted all boats.”  That translates into great quality wines at the Cotes du Rhone level and this one falls right into place.  A typical blend of Syrah and Grenache, the wine offers a hearty blend of plum and dark cherry, mesquite, black tea and spices with fresh acidity.  This wine can be enjoyed over the next year or perhaps two and is quite affordable at ~$20…..gotta luv it!

Francois Chidaine Montlouis sur Loire Clos du Breuil, 2006:

Francois continues his run of outstanding Loire based Chenin Blanc.  While not present in Tucson, this wine is worth seeking out if you’ve never tasted the Loire version.  With warm and smooth aromas and flavors of fig, ginger and spice, this wine begs to be paired with sushi or Chinese dishes, barbecued chicken or one accompanied by a cream sauce, sauteed fish with lemon, fried foods, roasted pork, and seafood.  Priced in the low $30’s and good out to the end of this year and possibly next.

Domaine d”Andezon Cotes du Rhone , 2006:

This wine review comes courtesy of my friend and local vintner, Kent Callaghan (www.callaghanvineyards.com).  He describes the wine color as purple/red with lovely integration of oak, spice, leather, raspberry, chocolate and earth.  Plush with nice depth and fairly strong acidity that hits the mid palate, impeding the flavor follow through.  Not to worry, however, as Kent believes that a few more years will work this out in fine balanced wine.  In its present state, the wine is refreshing with nice purity.  This style of “toughness” is quite typical with many of the Rhones, (classic with the highly sought after Northern Rhones).  Once they settle a bit an come into balance, they’re usually outstanding.  Priced ~$30

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Tags: Callaghan Vineyards, Chenin Blanc, Cotes du Rhone, Loire, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley