Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Fairview, Paarl (South Africa) Shiraz 2010
Michael Franz
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April 9, 2013
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There’s plenty of power and flavor in this wine, but what is most impressive about it is its freshness and subtlety. Showing both red...
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Bodegas Ramírez de la Piscina, Rioja (Spain) 2008
Michael Apstein
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April 9, 2013
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This must be one of the most enjoyable $15 wines I’ve tasted recently.  It’s a classical and traditional Rioja with an unbeatable combination of...
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Argiano, Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) 2010
Michael Franz
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April 9, 2013
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Wine writers never tire of enthusing over Rosso di Montalcino, beating the drum for these “Baby Brunellos” despite the fact (as I see it)...
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Bulletin Place, South Eastern Australia (Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Marguerite Thomas
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April 9, 2013
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There are a lot of places for light and unemotional wines such as this. I can imagine sipping it on the deck, or at...
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Foppiano Vineyards, Russian River Valley (California) Petite Sirah 2009
Paul Lukacs
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April 9, 2013
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Foppiano ranks among the top producers of California Petit Sirah, both because of the quality in the glass and because of the value it...
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Fairview, Swartland (South Africa) Shiraz 2009
Michael Franz
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April 9, 2013
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This is the most boldly oaked of the five high-end Shiraz/Syrah current releases from Charles Back, and though the wood seems a bit excessive...
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Clos la Chance, Central Coast (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Marguerite Thomas
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April 9, 2013
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It’s that rare thing, a California Cabernet that is comfortable, avuncular, easygoing yet full of life and vigor. It has plenty of body, balance...
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Barnard Griffin, Columbia Valley (Washington State) Merlot 2010
Paul Lukacs
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April 2, 2013
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Washington State’s Columbia Valley remains home to some very fine Merlot-based wines, no matter that the grape variety has fallen out of favor with...
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Donatella Cinelli Colombini, Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) 2008
Michael Apstein
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April 2, 2013
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 The 2008 vintage in Brunello was variable, but did produce some excellent wines.  And this is one of them.  Cinelli Colombini has cut back...
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Castello di Uzzano, Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy) 2010
Michael Apstein
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April 2, 2013
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 A rather weighty Chianti Classico, the Castello di Uzzano actually delivers slightly tarry notes and other non-fruit nuances along with deep black fruit flavors. ...
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San Felice, Chianti Classico Riserva (Tuscany, Italy) 2008
Michael Apstein
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April 2, 2013
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 Made entirely from Sangiovese, San Felice’s 2008 Il Grigio is a terrific value.  San Felice’s location in Castelnuovo Berardenga, a southern and warmer region...
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Folie á Deux, California (United States) 2011
Michael Franz
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April 2, 2013
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This somehow manages to tread the fine line between an overtly sweet, consumer-directed wine and a more serious drink, which is an exceptionally hard...
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