Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Domaine Faiveley, Mercurey (Burgundy, France) 2008
Paul Lukacs
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December 14, 2010
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 Like many young red wines from this Burgundy appellation, this 2008 Mercurey tastes tight and restrained.  It has firm tannins and a spicy finish,...
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Joseph Drouhin, Pommard (Burgundy, France) 2008
Michael Franz
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December 7, 2010
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 This very well-made village wine did nothing but improve for the 48 hours over which I scrutinized it, suggesting that it may well improve...
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Domaine Bachelet-Monnot, Maranges Premier Cru (Burgundy, France) 2008
Michael Franz
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December 7, 2010
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 This domaine is destined to be known for Grand Cru whites from holdings in Batard and Bienvenue Batard Montrachet, but it would be a...
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Villa Maria, Hawkes Bay (New Zealand) Merlot/Cabernet/Malbec 2008
Michael Apstein
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December 7, 2010
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 Villa Maria is one of New Zealand’s leading producers who delivers consistent quality–and value–across a broad range of wines.  They have four “tiers” of...
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Grant Burge, Barossa (South Australia, Australia) Shiraz 2008
Michael Apstein
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December 7, 2010
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 Grant Burge’s Shiraz wines beautifully reflect their origins.  Their power and intensity will not be to everyone’s tastes, but they are distinctive and a...
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Feudo Sartanna, Sicilia IGT (Sicily, Italy) Nero d’Avola / Syrah 2008
Michael Apstein
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December 7, 2010
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 There aren’t a lot of blends made from Syrah and Nero d’Avola, an indigenous Sicilian variety that often imparts an alluring smoky or earthy...
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Beckman Vineyards, Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara County, California) 2008
Michael Apstein
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December 7, 2010
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 Beckman makes excellent Rhône blends.  This one, a traditional blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (25%), with the remainder split between Mourvèdre and Counoise, is...
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Ponzi Vineyards, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2008
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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December 7, 2010
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 This wine is extremely fresh and vibrant, brimming with focused, ripe fruit character that suggests red berries, blood oranges, and tart pomegranate, to start. ...
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Emiliana, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Robert Whitley
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December 7, 2010
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 The Emiliana Eco Balance wines are made from sustainably farmed grapes throughout the better winegrape regions of Chile. This Cabernet Sauvignon delivers a luscious,...
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Banfi, Chianti Superiore DOCG (Italy) 2008
Robert Whitley
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December 7, 2010
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 Although the nomenclature of Chianti can be confusing, even relative novices sort of get the idea Chianti Classico (the region) is at the top...
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Davis Bynum, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
Tina Caputo
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November 30, 2010
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 This well-made, tasty Pinot has aromas of black fruit and cherries.  It’s silky and smooth, with ripe berry fruit flavor accented with toasty oak,...
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Talbott, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
Tina Caputo
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November 30, 2010
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 If you’re more a fan of red-fruit-focused Pinots than black-fruit blockbusters, there’s a lot to admire in this wine. It has aromas of red...
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