Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Truchard, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Merlot 2009
Michael Apstein
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January 15, 2013
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This fleshy, supple Merlot packs plenty of ripe black fruit notes covered with suave tannins. With air, attractive leafy or earthy notes peak out...
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Truchard, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Michael Apstein
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January 15, 2013
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This lovely Cabernet marries ripe fruit and intriguing savory nuances buttressed by firm, yet not aggressive, tannins. What impresses is its restraint–not in flavor...
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Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley (California) Zinfandel 2009
Michael Apstein
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January 15, 2013
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By way of full disclosure, I’m not a fan of Zinfandel, especially those that weigh in over 15% stated alcohol, as does this one...
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Louis Martini, Sonoma County (Sonoma County) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Michael Apstein
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January 15, 2013
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Wines like this one remind you why California Cabernet is so popular. Suave tannins enrobe ripe juicy black fruit notes. A hint of spicy...
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Orin Swift Cellars, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Michael Apstein
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January 15, 2013
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This massive Cabernet delivers just what you’d expect with its 15.5% stated alcohol. Ripe, almost candied, black fruit dominates the palate. Slight chocolate hints...
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Laurel Glen Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Michael Apstein
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January 15, 2013
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Wow. It’s an explosive wine, yet not at all boisterous or in your face. For all its exuberance, it has plenty of finesse. Black...
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Merry Edwards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2010
Michael Apstein
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January 8, 2013
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Explosive. But not flamboyant or bombastic. This current release from Merry Edwards, Coopersmith, from a vineyard on Laguna Ridge just west of Sebastopol that...
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Transcendence, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Pinot Noir 2009
W. Blake Gray
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January 15, 2013
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Winemaker Kenneth "Joey" Gummere started this label with his wife after working for Babcock, Santa Barbara Winery and LaFond. A fruit-driven Pinot with just...
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Torres, Priorat (Spain) 2010
Robert Whitley
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January 8, 2013
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Dense and supple, this vintage of Salmos is a blend of carinena, garnacha and syrah that comes together in a smooth, rich red that...
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Domaine Le Roc, Fronton (France) Négrette 2010
Marguerite Thomas
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January 8, 2013
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If, like me, you dream of finding a delicious wine from a little known estate in a largely unfamiliar wine region (in this case...
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Flora Springs, Napa Valley (California) 2009
Robert Whitley
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January 8, 2013
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Must confess, I’ve always thought Trilogy one of the better red Bordeaux-style blends produced in California and the 2009 did nothing to alter my...
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Torres, Ribera del Duero (Spain) 2009
Robert Whitley
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January 8, 2013
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This vintage of Celeste from Torres is somewhat rustic, with firm, slightly coarse tannins and a bit of volatile acidity. Thus it is more...
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