Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Pine Ridge Vineyards, Rutherford (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Tina Caputo
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August 30, 2011
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 This wine has a lovely perfumed aroma, with accents of sweet raspberry and other red fruits.  The wine has bright acidity, with firm tannins...
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Sequana, Green Valley ((Russian River Valley, Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2009
Michael Apstein
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August 30, 2011
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 Riper than the other Pinot offerings, Sequana’s Pinot Noir from Dutton Ranch is more concentrated.  Subtle black fruit notes are evident along with the...
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Pine Ridge Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) 2008
Robert Whitley
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August 23, 2011
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 Pine Ridge’s entry in the meritage category is not for everyday drinking, but that’s only because of the steep price. This is one expensive...
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Plantagenet, Western Australia (Australia) Sauvignon Blanc 2009
Michael Apstein
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August 23, 2011
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 Founded in 1974, Plantagenet was the first winery in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia.  They are well known for their stunning Rieslings,...
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Hearst Ranch Winery, Paso Robles (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
W. Blake Gray
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August 23, 2011
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 Straightforward red cherry flavors with a slight characteristic herbal note.   The grapes come from Halter Ranch on Paso’s Westside, which makes the 14.5% alcohol...
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Domaine Marion Pral, Morgon (Beaujolais, Burgundy, France) 2009
Michael Apstein
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August 23, 2011
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 Morgon, one of the best of the ten crus of Beaujolais, has many unique and distinctive areas within it.  Wines from its famed Côte...
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Marimar Estate, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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August 23, 2011
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 If you have ever visited the website of Marimar Estate (or the winery itself, for that matter), Chico is probably a familiar name to...
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Byron, Santa Barbara County (California) Pinot Noir 2009
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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August 23, 2011
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 It is difficult to find good, inexpensive Pinot Noir from California, because Pinot Noir is a challenging variety to grow, unsuited to high-volume production. ...
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Hearst Ranch Winery, Paso Robles (California) Malbec 2009
W. Blake Gray
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August 23, 2011
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 An exciting, edgy wine with gamy notes and some floral hints in the aroma.   It opens with good acidity and intense red cherry, and...
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Hearst Ranch Winery, Paso Robles (California) Tempranillo 2009
W. Blake Gray
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August 23, 2011
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 A medium-full-bodied wine with the cherry fruit and tobacco notes of the variety along with a little gaminess and some backbone from the 10%...
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Hearst Ranch Winery, Paso Robles (California) 2008
W. Blake Gray
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August 23, 2011
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 A blend of 40% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 30% Mourvedre.   A nice spicy aroma that isn’t backed up on the palate; decent red fruit...
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La Rochelle, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Meunier 2009
Robert Whitley
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August 23, 2011
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 You won’t often see Pinot Meunier as a stand-alone wine, for it is most often used as a blending component in sparkling wines. It’s...
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