The rewards and frustrations of home winemaking

Monthly archive: 04 2011

Unhappy Cabernet Sauvignon

At the bottling party, I was talking with Paul about getting some of his Cabernet Sauvignon (also from Lambert Bridge Vineyard in Sonoma) to make a Paraduxx-like blend with my merlot and primitivo.ย  He mentioned he had several gallons of cabernet that seemed to have a VA problem.ย  I hate to dump wine without trying […]

Bottling Party in Fallbrook

We drove up to Fallbrook yesterday to meet up with Paul and a bunch of his neighbors to bottle his 2009 Merlot and Petite Sirah from Lambert Bridge Vineyard in Sonoma (the same grapes we made wine from that need to be bottled soon).ย  It was a very nice day, sunny and warm but not […]

2008 “Belmont Park” Lambert Bridge Merlot Tasting Note

I’m mostly disappointed with this wine. But, perhaps there is some hope. After pouring through a Vinturi aerator, the flaws of this wine really mellowed out. Aromas like vanilla ice cream with edge of lemon. Still very sweet on the tongue, but not so sharp. Oak is becoming prominent. I might as well give it […]

“Sail Bay Sundown” 2-year Tasting Note

We finally opened the last bottle of our RJ Spagnols Limited Release Argentinian Trio white blend.ย  This wine was bottled about 2 years ago now, and it was a good thing we were drinking the last bottle.ย  We really loved this wine, in fact it won a silver medal and “Best of Class” at the […]