Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley (Washington State) Mourvèdre 2009
Michael Apstein
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February 19, 2013
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With only 613 cases produced, it will be difficult to find this wine. But it’s worth the search. At first glance, Mourvèdre, a grape...
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Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley (Washington State) Merlot 2010
Michael Apstein
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February 19, 2013
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Good Merlot wines, like this one, should deliver at least a hint of leafy slightly funky notes that offset the ripe fruit flavors. Bob...
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Abelis Carthago, Toro (Castilla y León, Spain) 2008
Michael Franz
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February 19, 2013
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The 2008 vintage one was excellent in north-central Spain, and it is a bit of a surprise to see an excellent one such as...
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Hacienda Araucano, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carménère 2011
Michael Franz
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February 19, 2013
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I really like everything about this wine but the packaging, and the juice on the inside is so damned good that I can’t manage...
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Ferraton, Côtes-du-Rhône (Rhône Valley, France) 2010
Michael Franz
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February 19, 2013
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Priced as low as $10 in some markets, this is a terrific value and a strong argument for the excellence of the 2010 vintage...
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MacMurray Ranch, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2010
Michael Apstein
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February 19, 2013
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This, the “Reserve” bottling of MacMurray Ranch’s Pinot Noir, screams with ripe bright forward cherry-like flavors. To its credit, for all its ripeness, the...
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Baileyana, Edna Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2009
Robert Whitley
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February 12, 2013
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Winemaker Christian Roguenant scored a rare double at the 2012 Winemaker Challenge when both his chardonnay and pinot noir from Baileyana earned platinum awards...
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Bellamarsilia, Morellino di Scansano (Tuscany) 2011
Paul Lukacs
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February 19, 2013
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A modern-styled wine, meaning rich and ripe, this Tuscan beauty still manages to stay true to its origin and to itself, offering aromas and...
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Ring Bolt, Margaret River (Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Paul Lukacs
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February 19, 2013
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Deep and dark, with classic varietal flavors and just the right amount of oak to add interest without intruding upon the fruit, this is...
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Eberle Winery, Paso Robles (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Robert Whitley
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February 12, 2013
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The Eberle Winery has a long-standing reputation for its age-worthy cabernet sauvignon, but the kudos are usually reserved for the consistently outstanding estate cab...
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Cross Springs, Lake County (California) Petite Sirah 2010
Paul Lukacs
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February 12, 2013
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 Old-fashioned in that it exhibits firm tannins and rustic secondary notes, but quite new-fangled due to its lush, even luscious bright berry fruit, this...
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Château Cantemerle, Haut-Medoc (Bordeaux) 2008
Michael Apstein
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February 12, 2013
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The 2008 Bordeaux will always be lost in the shadows of the 2009 and 2010s, but they still demand serious consideration because of their...
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