Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Veramonte, Casablanca Valley (Chile) Pinot Noir 2010
Michael Apstein
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January 8, 2013
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This collaborative effort by two giants, Chilean icon Agustin Hunees, and California star, Paul Hobbs, will appeal to those who like power in their...
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Altano, Douro (Portugal) 2009
Marguerite Thomas
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January 8, 2013
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The quality / price ratio is unbeatable–show me a better $9 red wine than Altano. It has reasonable depth and balance, along with sweet...
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Ram’s Gate, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma Coast, California) Pinot Noir 2010
Michael Apstein
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January 8, 2013
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Ram’s Gate is known for their small batch single vineyard Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, which tend to be big and bold. This Pinot Noir...
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Ram’s Gate, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2010
Michael Apstein
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January 8, 2013
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This bold Pinot Noir combines deep black fruits, spice–a little licorice even–with suave tannins. It’s a saturated wine with plenty of everything that’s bound...
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Fable, Western Cape (South Africa) Syrah/Mourvedre 2009
January 1, 2013
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This project from American businessman and multiple-winery owner Charles Banks is showing its potential. This red wine has all of the hallmarks of a...
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Chateau Bousquette, Saint-Chinian (France) 2009
Michael Apstein
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January 1, 2013
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The team at Chateau Bousquette has seamlessly integrated Syrah and Grenache to produce a stellar wine that delivers both power and elegance. Red fruit...
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Brancaia, Rosso Maremma Toscana (Italy) 2009
Michael Apstein
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January 1, 2013
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Fortunately, I tasted this wine before I read the technical sheet, which showed the blend as a whopping 40% of Petit Verdot (along with...
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Brancaia, Toscano Rosso (Italy) 2010
Michael Apstein
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January 1, 2013
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This wines’ name, Tre, refers to the blend of three grapes, Sangiovese (80%), and equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, that come from the...
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Brancaia, Chianti Classico Riserva (Italy) 2009
Michael Apstein
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January 1, 2013
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Brancaia, a produced who has eschewed the traditional DOC or DOCG wines, has always focused on the so-called Super Tuscans. What makes this wine...
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Martin Códax, Rioja (Spain) Tempranillo 2010
Michael Apstein
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January 1, 2013
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With bright dark cherry-like fruitiness and vanilla-spiced oak flavors, this value-packed wine is a more modern interpretation of Rioja. Nicely balanced, vibrant acidity keeps...
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Nickel & Nickel, Rutherford (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Robert Whitley
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January 1, 2013
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It’s hard for me to imagine anyone making more richly flavored, exquisitely balanced Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley than Darice Spinelli at Nickel...
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Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Robert Whitley
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January 1, 2013
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This structured, slightly grippy Cab from Freemark Abbey has excellent potential for those with patience. It exhibits dark aromas of blackberry and cassis, with...
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