Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Spy Valley, Marlborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2008
Michael Franz
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November 3, 2009
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Pure and delicate, this is a wine for those who want something light and feminine to work with foods like duck, pork, chicken or...
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Melini, Chianti (Italy) 2008
Robert Whitley
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October 27, 2009
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Basic Chianti seldom merits a strong "buy" recommendation. More specific appellation wines from within the Chianti zone — such as Chianti Classico or Chianti...
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Sheldrake Point, Finger Lakes (New York) Gewurztraminer 2008
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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October 20, 2009
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 This is a youthful, refreshing Gewurztraminer whose fresh and fairly intense aromas and flavors — lychee and roses especially, with some mineral notes — are true...
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Cono Sur, Central Valley (Chile) Merlot 2008
Michael Franz
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October 13, 2009
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 I think it is safe to say that $10 Merlot is currently one of the most mistrusted options in the entire world of wine,...
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Drusian, Cognegliano-Valdobbiadene (Veneto, Italy) Prosecco 2008
Marguerite Thomas
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October 6, 2009
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 Like most Proseccos from this fine producer, Drusian Extra Dry is appreciably drier than many of its sticky sweet competitors.  What residual sugar it...
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Drusian, Conegliano-Valdobbiadene (Veneto, Italy) Prosecco 2008
Marguerite Thomas
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October 6, 2009
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 The refreshing character we look for in Brut Prosecco is sometimes disappointingly blunted by a sweet edge.  Despite having more sugar (9 grams/liter) than...
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Gascon, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2008
Robert Whitley
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October 6, 2009
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 Another good example of why financially strapped Americans are now infatuated with Argentine malbec. The Gascon is a mass-produced malbec that nevertheless delivers the...
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Damilano, Barbera d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
Michael Franz
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September 29, 2009
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Really good Barbera is a terrific food wine and sometimes a great value, and this bottling lives up to all of those descriptors.  Remarkably...
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Elsa Bianchi, San Rafael (Mendoza, Argentina) Syrah 2008
Robert Whitley
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October 6, 2009
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 Another solid value red from Bianchi, the ’08 ‘Elsa’ Syrah offers fresh, ripe berry aromas, hints of spice, good backbone and a smooth finish....
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Porcupine Ridge, Coastal Region (South Africa) Syrah 2008
Michael Apstein
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September 22, 2009
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The Porcupine Ridge label from Boekenhoutskloof invariably offers great value.  This 2008 Syrah is no exception.  Expressing the meaty, beefy side of Syrah rather...
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Vignaioli di S. Stefano, Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
Paul Lukacs
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September 15, 2009
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A cooperative venture involving the Ceretto family of Barolo fame, Vignaioli di S. Stefano aims to produce high-quality Moscato wine rather than cheap fizz...
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Trivento, Mendoza (Argentina) Pinot Noir 2008
Michael Franz
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September 8, 2009
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There are lots of inexpensive Pinots made around the world these days, and almost all of them are chunky and obvious or otherwise unappealing. ...
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