Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Chateau Bonnet, Bordeaux Rouge (Bordeaux, France) 2008
Marguerite Thomas
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November 15, 2011
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 This is exactly the sort of everyday red wine I find myself sometimes craving, especially after a steady diet of the Zins, and California...
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Chateau Ste Michelle, Columbia Valley (Washington) Syrah 2008
Michael Apstein
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November 15, 2011
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 Those who think that Syrah, as a varietal wine, has not lived up to its potential in the USA should try this one.  As...
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Estancia, Central Coast (California) Merlot 2009
Michael Apstein
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November 15, 2011
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 Estancia manages to capture beautifully both the leafy earthy character of Merlot as well as its black fruit side.  Black cherry-like acidity keeps it...
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Mapema, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2009
Michael Apstein
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November 15, 2011
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 This Malbec is a refreshing change from the overly ripe, sweet ones that bombard the market.  Instead layers of fruit intermingle with smoky and...
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BenMarco, Mendoza (Argentina) 2009
Michael Apstein
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November 15, 2011
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 Argentina does produce red wine without using Malbec.  And good ones at that.  Here one of them.  A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) and...
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Rodney Strong, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Michael Apstein
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November 15, 2011
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 Rodney Strong was a pioneer in the Alexander Valley, showing how this part of Sonoma can make beautiful Cabernet.  This rendition continues their streak...
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Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley (Washington) Merlot 2008
Michael Apstein
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November 15, 2011
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 Chateau Ste. Michelle, a consistently top-notch producer, has made another easy-to-recommend wine with this Merlot.  A touch (7%) of Syrah adds warmth and just...
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Eponymous, Sonoma Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Franc 2009
Michael Apstein
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November 8, 2011
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 When Robert Pepi sold his winery, he sold the rights to use the name as well.  Unable to use his name when he started...
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Villa Antinori, Toscana Rosso IGT (Tuscany, Italy) 2008
Michael Apstein
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November 8, 2011
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 Villa Antinori was the label Antinori used previously (since 1928) for a serious, upscale Chianti meant to develop with bottle age.  In 2001 he...
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Cancelli, Rosso di Toscana IGT (Italy) 2009
Robert Whitley
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November 8, 2011
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This blend of Sangiovese and Syrah is unusual for Tuscany, especially in the Chianti Classico district where the mother winery, Coltibuono, is located, but...
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Morgan, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2009
Robert Whitley
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November 8, 2011
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Pinch me, but this Pinot from Morgan’s Double L Vineyard — one of its finest Pinot sources over the years — is now certified...
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Bodega Elena de Mendoza, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2010
Michael Apstein
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November 8, 2011
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 Malbec is all the rage these days.  Most, especially at this price, are just overdone big red wines.  This one, in contrast, with a...
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