Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

La Rochelle, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2009
Marguerite Thomas
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July 24, 2012
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 For my palate this is a reassuring example of the fact that it is actually possible to make California Pinot that isn’t overly sweet...
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Frank Family Vineyard, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Robert Whitley
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July 24, 2012
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Frank Family has been on a roll, with both its reserve Cabernet and its Winston Hill Bordeaux-style blend scoring a big number in this...
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Elvio Cogno, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
Michael Franz
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July 24, 2012
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 This exceptionally consistent wine is terrific once again in the 2008 vintage, showing exceptional balance and integration that give it a profile marked above...
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Dutton Goldfield, Green Valley (Russian River Valley) Pinot Noir 2010
Robert Whitley
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July 24, 2012
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Winemaker Dan Goldfield has as deft a hand with Pinot Noir as anyone in California. Over the past decade, no winery in California has...
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Poderio Luigi Einaudi, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
Michael Franz
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July 24, 2012
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I love the wines from this estate, and they always show very well even when I’m tasting blind and any favoritism is impossible, as...
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Castello di Verduno, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
Michael Franz
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July 24, 2012
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 Fresh, fruity aromas rise from the glass, showing dark cherry notes edged with a tasteful touch of spicy oak.  Firm but not astringent thanks...
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Pietro Rinaldi, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
Michael Franz
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July 24, 2012
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 Stylish and yet very satisfying at once, this shows exceptionally interesting aromatics with notes of lavender, menthol, and autumn leaves, followed by deep flavors...
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Bel Colle, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
Michael Franz
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July 24, 2012
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 This deeply appealing, high-value wine shows very expressive aromas and flavors driven by a sweet cherry fruit note.  Only moderate in weight but exceptionally...
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Clayhouse, Paso Robles (California) Syrah 2010
Marguerite Thomas
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July 24, 2012
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 Don’t expect the kind of big, jammy red that’s become typical of California Syrah.  Instead, this is a light, bright red wine that may...
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Steele, Lake County (California) Merlot 2008
W. Blake Gray
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July 24, 2012
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 A pretty wine that opens with dark cherries and shale and finishes with a nice floral note. Just 13.5% alcohol. I t’s named for...
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Shannon Ridge, Lake County (California) Petite Sirah 2009
W. Blake Gray
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July 24, 2012
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 Clay Shannon’s family were sheep farmers, which is how he ended up using sheep to tend his vineyards when labor shortages hit California. Okay,...
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Obsidian Ridge, Red Hills Lake County (Lake County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
W. Blake Gray
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July 24, 2012
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 A juicy dark-fruit wine that’s strongly tannic, but opens up with time in the glass to reveal stony flavors that remind you of the...
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