Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

MacMurray Ranch, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
Paul Lukacs
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April 26, 2011
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 A very enjoyable Pinot Noir from a reliable producer, with ripe, rich cherry fruit flavor and an appealingly lush texture.  My one concern is...
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Caparzo, Toscana Rosso IGT (Tuscany, Italy) 2008
Paul Lukacs
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April 26, 2011
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 Many if not most wines labeled “Toscana Rosso” taste simple and unexciting.  They evidence neither the subtle, spicy charm of first-rate Chianti nor the...
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Pago de Valdetruchas, Bierzo (Castilla y León, Spain) Mencia 2009
Michael Franz
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April 26, 2011
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 With pure fruit that packs a lot of flavor onto a relatively modest frame, this wine is reminiscent of a fine young vintage of,...
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Lagarde “Altas Cumbres”, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2009
Michael Franz
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April 26, 2011
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 This wine delivers precisely what most consumers look for when buying Malbec from Argentina:  Soft, supple fruit with serious ripeness, a touch of sweetness,...
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Henry Lagarde, Mendoza (Argentina) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Michael Franz
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April 26, 2011
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 This wine is situated on a tier one layer up from the entry level “Altas Cumbres” wines, and though it is priced $7 higher...
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Henry Lagarde, Mendoza (Argentina) 2008
Michael Franz
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April 26, 2011
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 This is an intense blend composed of 40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 10% Syrah.  The back label indicates that the wine...
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Lagarde, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2008
Michael Franz
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April 26, 2011
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 The Lagarde wines are well named if you know a little French, in which case the bodega’s name could well be translated as Vin...
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Domaine Faiveley, Mercurey Premier Cru (Burgundy, France) 2008
Michael Apstein
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April 19, 2011
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 The vineyard, Clos des Myglands, is owned entirely by Faiveley, unusual in Burgundy where vineyards usually are fragmented by multiple owners.  Also unusual is...
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Luna Beberide, Bierzo (Castilla y León, Spain) Mencia 2009
Michael Franz
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April 26, 2011
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 This wine is always a textbook example of the pure, fresh style of Mencia from Bierzo, and the 2009 rendition is certainly in keeping...
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Glen Carlou, Paarl (South Africa) 2008
Paul Lukacs
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April 26, 2011
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 A Bordeaux blend, marked by dark fruit flavors and hints of cedar, this is a substantial wine that should benefit from a few years...
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Torres, Central Valley (Chile) Carmenère 2009
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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April 26, 2011
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 This is a classic Carmenère, if there is such a thing.  Its aroma has tart red fruit character beneath a ripe, dark-fruit initial impression...
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Tardieu Laurent, Côtes du Rhône Villages (Rhône, France) 2009
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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April 26, 2011
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 Côtes du Rhône are a fascinating bunch because they vary quite a lot stylistically.  This one, a 60-40 blend of Grenache and Syrah, falls...
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