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Erin De Santiago

Erin De Santiago

Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2007

Napa Valley, California, United States
4906 days ago

Erin reviewed this wine:

Grgich Hills Estate produces stellar wines, most notably their Chardonnay (and if you've seen the movie Bottleshock, you know why). This Chardonnay was made from certified organic and Biodynamic grapes, which undergo no malolactic fermentation. This gives the wine a more acidic touch, more like what you would expect in a Sauvignon Blanc, not a Chardonnay. There are bright mango and peach flavors and slight mineral notes. It's aged 19 months in French Oaks with 60% neutral, 30% new, and 10% 900 gallon casks, which give it a smooth and slightly toasty finish, a nice contrast to the acidic undertones.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

Napa Valley, California, United States
4906 days ago

Erin scored this wine: 92/100

The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon season was a good one in Napa and the Joseph Phelps Cab is outstanding proof of that. The even growing season helped produce concentrated fruit flavors that resulted in a complex and beautiful dark purple colored Cab. There are dark fruits on the nose and the wine has a hint of blueberry on the palate, along with subtle notes of dark chocolate and spice. The 2007 Joseph Phelps Cab is really just starting to enter its period of peak drinking -- could be easily cellared for another 6-7 years.

Ménage à Trois Red 2009

Napa Valley, California, United States
4906 days ago

Erin scored this wine: 84/100

While this wine is not likely to score 90+ points anytime soon, it is a good (and fun) wine to have on hand for parties or nights you don't feel like opening an expensive bottle. The California Red Ménage à Trois is a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. It is produced by the Folie a Deux Winery in Oakville. The 2008 Ménage à Trois has ripe jammy flavors and an element of spice from the Zinfandel. Especially given the price point, you won't go wrong by having a few of these bottles on hand as daily drinkers.

4906 days ago

Erin scored this wine: 89/100

The 2008 Little Yering Chardonnay scored 90 points from James Halliday, the noted Australian wine expert. This wine exhibits all the characteristics you hope for in a New World Chardonnay without being an "oak bomb" as so many California Chardonnays are. The Little Yering 2008 Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay grapes it is fermented in French Oak. The wine has a pleasing blend of mineral and apricot flavors, with a nutty oak finish.

Little Yering

Yering Station Little Yering Pinot Noir 2008

Yarra Valley, South Australia, Australia
4906 days ago

Erin scored this wine: 90/100

Yering Station Wines from Australia's Yarra Valley are consistently good offerings and the 2008 Little Yering Pinor Noir does not disappoint. Australian Wine Expert, James Halliday rated this a 90. The wine displays strong cherry and strawberry notes, yet it is still quite light-bodied. The finish is a bit tangy, an unexpected characteristic in a Pinot Noir. A solid choice, especially at the price point.

Erin De Santiago

Wine BloggerVisit Erin's Website

Memorable Wine

Joseph Phelps Insignia and Heitz Cellar Martha's Vineyard

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First Wine

Can't remember that far back to the brand, but it was a Cabernet Sauvignon

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Unusual Wine Experience

Drinking wine produced on a coral atoll in French Polynesia & trying an onion Cabernet (Taiwan)

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Current Fav Wine

Zinfandel -- the older the vine, the better!

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award