Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Jaboulet, Crozes-Hermitage (Rhône Valley, France) 2009
Michael Apstein
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October 23, 2012
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 Jaboulet, one the great names of the Rhône, has been through some tumultuous times lately.  Fortunately, they have weathered the storms, turned things around,...
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Potel-Aviron, Juliénas (Beaujolais, Burgundy, France) 2009
Michael Apstein
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October 16, 2012
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 Juliénas, one of the ten named cru of Beaujolais, benefitted, like the rest of Burgundy, from the perfect 2009 growing season.  And Potel-Aviron, one...
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Hooker RFC, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Robert Whitley
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October 16, 2012
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This stunning Cabernet Sauvignon dazzled the judges at the fourth annual Sommelier Challenge International Wine Competition in September, when it took a Platinum award...
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Castello Banfi, Toscana IGT (Italy) 2009
Robert Whitley
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October 16, 2012
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At nearly $30 Belnero’s suggested retail price is hardly chump change, but this is easily one of the greatest values in red wine this...
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Domaine Lamarche, Clos de Vougeot (Burgundy, France) 2010
Michael Apstein
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October 16, 2012
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  The producer is always important in selecting Burgundy, but especially when buying wine labeled Clos de Vougeot.  The quality of the wines coming...
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Joseph Faiveley, Bourgogne Rouge (Burgundy, France) 2009
Michael Apstein
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October 16, 2012
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 Bourgogne Rouge comes from the least well-sited vineyards in Burgundy, ones that frequently don’t produce fully ripe grapes.  The virtue of the 2009 vintage...
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Alex Gambal, Chambertin (Burgundy, France) 2008
Michael Apstein
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October 16, 2012
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 Alex Gambal’s new winemaker, Geraldine Godot, has brought his red wines to a new level.  She modestly told me she didn’t make this wine. ...
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Calera, Mt. Harlan (Central Coast) Pinot Noir 2009
Robert Whitley
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October 16, 2012
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Typical of Calera, the 2009 Reed is light in color, but long on potential. Much like Gary Farrell at Alysian, Josh Jensen at Calera...
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Chappellet, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Robert Whitley
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October 16, 2012
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Rich, dense and muscular, this is Chappellet’s big Cab in every sense of the word. It checks in at 15.1 percent alcohol by volume...
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MacPhail, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2010
Robert Whitley
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October 16, 2012
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Winemaker James MacPhail has crafted a Pratt from this vintage that delivers a lush, rich mouthfeel made for near-term enjoyment. With a strong hint...
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Bernard Baudry, Chinon (Loire Valley, France) 2010
October 9, 2012
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 This is a classically-styled Chinon that has elegance and finesse in contrast to the juicier 2009 vintage.  The violet-ruby color entices.  Fruit notes of...
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Delas, Hermitage (Rhône Valley, France) 2010
Rebecca Murphy
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October 9, 2012
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 Plan to put this baby in the cellar for a while.  It comes from Les Bressards, a premier vineyard parcel known for muscular and...
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