Inn at Pleasant Lake

Archive for July, 2011

Red Tree, Napa, California, 2009

Great balance. Offers baked cherry pie, with rhubarb and blueberry, showing a wonderful fruit profile that is spicy, elegant and easy to drink. $32

Oyster Bay, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2010

Ripe, focused and light, with dark currant, licorice and cream flavors mingling effectively on a polished frame. The finish persists harmoniously.  $34

Benton Lane, Willamette Valley, Oregon, 2008

Light and spicy with cinnamon and nutmeg overtones to the red berry and floral flavors.  Lingers gently on the finish. $50

Columbia Crest, Grand Estates, Columbia Valley, WA, 2005

Smooth in texture, generous in flavor, a medium scale red with pretty raspberry, leather and tar notes mingling on the round finish. $30

Charles Smith “Chateau Smith”, Columbia Valley, Washington, 2007

Elegant and supple showing off vibrant cherry and raspberry fruit.  Smooth tannins and a lively finish.  $40

Neyers, Neyers Ranch-Conn Valley, Napa Valley, California, 2007

A structured wine with brilliant ripe dark berry and date-nut fruit flavors that are intense, compact and concentrated, yet layered and expansive.  Berry, cherry and plum notes slowly unfold but are very impressive. $98

Château Rigaud, Pierre Taix, Puisseguin-St.-Emilion, France, 2005

Crushed currants, with an essence of flowers and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied, round and silky, with a fresh, medium finish. Finely knit. $46

Château Leydet-Valentin, Grand Cru, Saint Emilion, France, 2005

Berry and toasted oak, with hints of fresh herbs on the nose.  Medium- to full-bodied wine, with good concentration of fruit and a medium finish. $62

The Magnificent Wine Company, House Wine Red, WA, 2007

On the lighter side, showing lovely red berry and sweet red pepper flavors that settle gently onto a bed of silky tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. $26

A by Acacia, Red Blend, Sonoma, California, 2007

Medium bodied Rhône style blend.  Plum and black cherry flavor with a hint of vanilla, framed by velvety tannins and a nice finish.  92% Syrah, some Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Viognier. $30