Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Beckmen Vineyards, Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara County) 2010
Tina Caputo
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September 25, 2012
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A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Counoise, this Rhone-style blend has a rich cranberry color, along with aromas of blackberries and spice. It...
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Morgan, Monterey County (California) Syrah 2009
Michael Apstein
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September 25, 2012
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 It’s likely the warm days and cool night climate of Monterey that allows Morgan to strike the balance of Syrah’s dual personality of plummy...
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Lost Angel, (California) 2008
Marguerite Thomas
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September 25, 2012
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There’s a lot going on here, most notably the mix of different grapes involved in making this red wine, including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet...
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Gallo Signature, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Tina Caputo
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September 25, 2012
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Aromas of black fruit and tobacco spice are followed up with flavors of blackberry fruit and woody spice. The wine has soft tannins and...
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Gallo Signature, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County) Pinot Noir 2010
Tina Caputo
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September 25, 2012
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With a wonderful aroma of raspberries and vanilla, this lovely Pinot has flavors of bright red fruit and spice. It’s elegant, soft and pretty.

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Marimar Estate, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2008
Tina Caputo
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September 25, 2012
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With aromas of raspberries and spice, this full-flavored Pinot has flavors of raspberries and toasty oak spice. It has a moderate tannic structure, and...
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Planeta, Cerasuolo di Vittoria (Sicily, Italy) 2010
Michael Apstein
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September 18, 2012
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 I don’t think I’m swayed by the name when I say this summery red reminds me of fresh cherries.  This charming wine has more...
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Andrew Murray, Central Coast (United States) Syrah 2009
Marguerite Thomas
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September 18, 2012
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 If “Tous les Jours” suggests that this is a wine to be consumed every day    I don’t think I’m up to the task.  It’s...
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Ferrari-Carano, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Gerald D. Boyd
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September 18, 2012
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 Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot form an unorthodox blend that was aged in French oak.  Petit Verdot with Cabernet Sauvignon, yes, but Syrah...
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Sobon Estate, California (United States) Zinfandel 2010
Marguerite Thomas
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September 18, 2012
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 From one of California’s best known Zinfandel producers, this wine’s strong suit is its abundance of chocolaty and blackberry jam notes.  Hillside’s downside is...
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Mirassou, California (United States) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Marguerite Thomas
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September 18, 2012
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 Mirassou has been making dependable, easy-on-the-palate wines for many decades.  This Cabernet is typical of the house style in that it’s soft and smooth,...
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Chateau St. Jean, California (United States) 2010
Marguerite Thomas
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September 18, 2012
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 A couple of nights ago I tasted a selection of California red wines priced at $15 and less.  Most were Cabernet based, and most...
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