Jeff Clavier's Buzzlog

With a screw top!
A very nice, fresh, Sauvignon Blanc from this top New Zealand producer. Still young (by definition, it is a 2004), but very enjoyable for its fruit and balance - and no oak.
91WS - Costco $13
Update: I had that wine again. Really excellent. Here is another review.

I have had this Loupiac for a long time now, but until recently it was still too heavy on sugar. Now, after 15 years, it is thinner and crispier, still showing apricot flavors, but with the added complexity of older sweet wines.

It rarely happens, but I definitely did *not* like this wine at all. I have had Pinot Grigrio's in the past, especially when visiting Italy, that Luna product was way too heavy on fruit and sugar, and the spicy note was just not appropriate in the mix. The rest of the bottle ended up in the sync.
Bought it at Costco for $12, WS 88.

I found this bottle at BevMo, the wine is made in Monterey County, and displays very fruity flavors. It is sharp, a bit acid and light on oak. I liked it better after the bottle was open for a day or so.

Saint Chinian is in Haut Languedoc, near Beziers (in the south of France). Saint Chinian's are generally blends of Grenache, Cinsault, Carignane and Cinsault, and show a nice balance and fruit flavors.
This winery is one of the best in the "appellation". This cuvee is made up of 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 25% Carignane and shows an elegant nose of berries, complex fruit flavors, and a spicy finish. It costs in the $10-11 range in France.

I have been looking for good value, good quality american Pinot Noir sfor a while, and have yet to find any of interest. This Echelon lacks balance and fruit, and is too acid.

Montes is one of the most well known Chilean wineries. This Chardonnay is very similar to some of the wines produced on the south of France, full of fruit, with a bit a acidity and great balance. And a great value at $10 or so (at Cost Plus World Markets).
WS: 89.

Lagrange is one of my favorite Saint-Julien, being quite reliable and often a "good" value. I got this bottle in France a few years ago. Medium-bodied, nice fruit, it is a nice bottle for the vintage. It won't last for too much longer though.
WS: 90.

OK, I must admit that we opened this bottle at a friend's house forgetting we had another Chardonnay stored somewhere. It is not a bad Sauvignon Blanc, but I have had better ones.

This Muscat-based sweet wine is typically drunk as an aperitif. Not as sweet as Sauternes or Monbazillac, it is a nice fit. However it is also a nice match for desserts.