11/15/2015 - VinoAmoreMio Likes this wine:

The Great Green Egg Brisket Baking Sham-off

8/14/2015 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

Cork was popped out of bottle.

2/7/2015 - VinoAmoreMio Likes this wine:

Bottle started with VERY heavy dark cherry flavors but mellowed over time into a truly sensational bottle of wine.

1/28/2015 - VinoAmoreMio Likes this wine:

Unbelievably good! 10 years was NOT too long to cellar this wine. I wish I had 10 more bottles.

10/26/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

Still nice quality and reminder of why it was purchased 2 years ago. Tobacco accents and dark berries on the palate. Consumed after dinner, and decanted for 3 hours. Very nice. 89 seems to be a nice score: not perfect but worthy every night.

10/25/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

Robust enough to stand up to pizza sauce .. would not recommend as a stand alone drinking wine, but would pair well with the acid of pasta sauces.

10/18/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

Oh so good. Deep and flavorful. Note written the next day ...

10/15/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

Real hot coming out of the bottle ... opened up very nicely after 2 hours (no decanting). Deep berry nose and soft velvet mouthfeel. Cola and/or tea on the palate. We almost regret opening it to drink due to the overdue drink date (by 2007).

10/13/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

The 2005 Ricordo, which means “remembering” in Italian, is made in the style of the old Italian Field Blend from five different grape varieties. They are all located on Walling Road in the Dry Creek Appellation. All the vineyards are farmed by Joe.

9/26/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

Nose was hot and probably needed to relax/decant. Opened at top-end steak house with various steak dinners. Weight of wine went well with red meat and spices. Slightly hot on the palate, but not overly ... Nose and finish had hints of vanilla, toffee, or coffee. Perfect wine with the dinner we ordered. Would not let it sit much longer, drink now (as if you need a reason).

9/25/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

* Alcohol: 15 %
* pH: 3.65
* Total Acidity: 0.60g/100ml
* Residual Sugar: Dry
* Appellation: Sonoma County
* Cooperage: 11 months, 66% American, 33% Hungarian, 25% new
* Bottled: August 2005
* Release: Late Spring 2006

9/25/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

Our 2005 Rattler Rock (formerly known as Rattlesnake Rock) Old Vine Zinfandel from Russian River Valley - is packed with fresh, concentrated raspberry and plum flavors in a rich, juicy texture. Loaded with lots of up-front fruit with undertones of coffee and tobacco that leads to a big, ripe, supple finish. Once bitten by the rattler, you'll want more.
Vineyards Composition Harvest
Date Technical
Notes Fermentation
Wohler Bridge Vineyards 100% Zinfandel October 18 Brix: 26.1°
TA: 0.78 g/100 ml
pH: 3.68
Alc.: 15.2% by vol. Five-day cold soak, then 8-day fermentation in open-top bins, 5 punch downs daily.
Aging Bottling
Date Release
Date Production
60% French oak, 40% American oak, 50% New oak July 2006 August 2007 505 cases Return to top

9/25/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

Farming Pinot Noir since 1973 in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, we have refined our vineyard practices to maximize the benefit of the coastal fog which blankets our vineyards almost every morning and evening. The cooling moisture is beneficial, even crucial, during the summer for a longer growing season.
THE WINEMAKING
We use old world techniques to make our Pinot Noir in small batches and "punch-down" the fruit by hand up to three times a day. After native yeast fermentation the wine is aged in French oak barrels for up to 10 months to achieve optimum balance and complexity.
THE WINE
Our Pinot Noir possesses a deep garnet red color matched by its full cherry bouquet and palate. Aromas of boysenberry and rhubarb complement flavors of raspberry, vanilla, black pepper and a hint of toasty oak. This multi-layered Pinot is lovely and rich; able to be enjoyed with a meal or on its own.

TECHNICAL
INFORMATION
HARVEST DATE:
Sept. 4 – Sept. 21, 2007
pH
3.85
TOTAL ACIDITY:
.68
RESIDUAL SUGAR:
Dry
ALCOHOL:
14.2
WINEMAKER:
JASON DE LOACH
CASES PRODUCED:
3,200
RELEASE DATE:
Spring, 2009
Spring SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE:
$25

9/25/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

The Vineyard
Soaking up sun in the northernmost section of Hook and Ladder’s Russian River Valley vineyards, these grapes are also located in the sub-appellation of the Chalk Hill region on the southern border of Healdsburg. Farmed on our family’s homestead, this Cabernet is one of the oldest and boldest in the area.
THE WINEMAKING
Out of the numerous acres of fruit grown by our family, only select lots are made into Hook & Ladder Third Alarm. We taste every barrel and isolate the most flavorful, complex and regionally distinct batches for our limited production reserve wines. Aged in French and American oak for 22 months, this 3rd Alarm is the finest example of our 2004 Cabernet harvest.
THE WINE
Heavily laden with aromas of cinnamon, allspice, and rich purple berries; this dark red-garnet Cabernet has a vanilla and cocoa powder flavor spiked with blackberry and spicy black cherry. Sleek tannins, great complexity and a long smooth finish make this an ideal wine. Great with a rustic main course or a dark chocolate dessert.

TECHNICALLY
HARVEST DATE:
Sept. 15 – Oct. 13 , 2004
pH
3.37
TOTAL ACIDITY:
.71
RESIDUAL SUGAR:
Dry
ALCOHOL:
15.2%
WINEMAKER:
JASON DE LOACH
CASES PRODUCED:
545
RELEASE DATE:
March, 2008

9/25/2009 - VinoAmoreMio wrote:

THE WINE
This elegant Cabernet Franc has an intense depth of color; dark purple to black. A rich bouquet of leather and oak complements the sophisticated aromas of cherry, chocolate and truffles. Excellent for any meal with game (elk, venison, duck, etc.) and other rich meats.