2007 J Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley

Textbook California pinot. Fresh cherries, just a hint of earth and stone, and a lightly floral finish. Somewhat thin body, and light on the tongue, but great on its own, especially as an appetite-whetting aperitif Textbook California pinot. Fresh cherries,... 

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2007 O’Shaughnessy Merlot Howell Mountain

I’ve waxed poetic on O’Shaughnessy’s cabernet, but its merlot (100%, nothing blended) is, to be frank, not to be missed either. I’ve waxed poetic on O’Shaughnessy’s cabernet, but its merlot (100%, nothing blended)... 

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2007 HammerSky Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles “Limited Resource”

HammerSky made just 137 cases of this Paso Robles cabernet, and that’s a shame. It’s a fruit-forward wine, one with lots of character but one which is still easy to drink. Made with 79% cabernet sauvignon, 16% merlot, and 5% cabernet franc,... 

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Recipe: Aperol Spritz

I’m calling it now: This will be the “it” cocktail of 2010. Very simple to make, nicely bittersweet, beautiful to look at, and easy to drink, especially as an aperitif. I’m calling it now: This will be the “it” cocktail... 

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