Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Hickinbothom, South Australia (Australia) Merlot 2008
Robert Whitley
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November 30, 2010
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 This is a most unusual Merlot. It’s generally not my preferred style, but it does have its charms. This full-blown Aussie red is in...
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Chateau Coupe Roses, Minervois (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) 2008
Michael Franz
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November 30, 2010
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 This entry-level release from Chateau Coupe Roses shows appealing aromas and flavors that feature red fruit notes but show some suggestions of dark berries...
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Hogue Cellars, Columbia Valley (Washington) 2008
Tina Caputo
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November 23, 2010
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 With aromas of cherries, berries and spice, this medium-bodied red is a blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah.  It’s smooth and well-balanced, with flavors...
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Judd’s Hill, Napa Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2008
Tina Caputo
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November 23, 2010
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 Light in color, with red berry and hibiscus aromas, this Pinot has a light-to-medium and plenty of spice.  Silky and elegant, with good acidity.

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Chateau de Lavernette, Beaujolais-Leynes (Beaujolais, Burgundy, France) 2009
Michael Franz
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November 23, 2010
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 This is one of the most serious and convincing bottles of Beaujolais that I’ve tasted during the past five years.  It shows delicious fruit...
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Chateau de Lavernette, Beaujolais-Villages (Beaujolais, Burgundy, France) 2009
Michael Franz
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November 23, 2010
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 The commercial success of large-production Beaujolais has always left me rather mystified, as I can always point to lots of other wines that offer...
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Perception, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
Marguerite Thomas
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November 16, 2010
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 Like most fine Pinot Noir this one’s color is translucently red, like vintage stained glass.  Its aroma hints at the dark and mysterious fragrance...
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Apaltagua, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Michael Franz
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November 16, 2010
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 You can probably get more Cabernet for $30 from Chile than from anyplace in the world these days, and this wine is a great...
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Chehalem, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2008
Paul Lukacs
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November 16, 2010
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 Consistently one of Oregon’s better Pinot Noirs, Chehalem’s Stoller Vineyard bottling offers bright red fruit flavors enhanced by echoes of leather and spice.  The...
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Penfolds, South Australia (Australia) Shiraz / Mourvèdre 2008
Marguerite Thomas
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November 16, 2010
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 There are obvious times when a big, high-energy wine such as this is called for, the most predictable occasions being whenever red meat is...
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Wild Rock, Central Otago (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2008
Michael Apstein
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October 12, 2010
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 Central Otago is one of the best areas in New Zealand for Pinot Noir because of its cool climate.  And this one is a...
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Ravenswood, California (United States) Zinfandel 2008
Tina Caputo
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November 9, 2010
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 This great-value Zin has aromas of cigar-box spice, raspberries and red cherries. It has lots of juicy fruit flavor, with notes of cherry, spice...
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