Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Cobb Vineyards, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2014
Michael Apstein
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June 27, 2017
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Cobb’s Coastlands Vineyard, “1906 Block Pommard” Pinot Noir is the “heavyweight” of this trio despite being the lowest in alcohol (12.5 percent), reminding us,...
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LaZarre Wines, Santa Barbara County (California) Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Rich Cook
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June 27, 2017
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Winemaker Adam LaZarre really shows his heart in this wine.  While he can go toe to toe with anyone when it comes to making...
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Cobb Vineyards, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2014
Rich Cook
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June 27, 2017
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One of the great things about this gig is the chance to taste a wide variety of styles of Pinot Noir side by side,...
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Goldeneye, Anderson Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2014
Rich Cook
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June 27, 2017
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This vineyard showcases the riper side of Anderson Valley, and in this vintage it delivers rich black cherry, blackberry, pie spice and a touch...
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Presqu’ile, Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara County, California) Pinot Noir 2015
Michael Apstein
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June 27, 2017
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If you see a wine from Presqu’ile (pronounced “press-keel”) on a wine list or in your retailer’s shop, buy it.  You’ll likely be very...
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Selection des Vignerons, Moulin-a-Vent (Beaujolais) 2015
Robert Whitley
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June 27, 2017
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Moulin-a-Vent is arguably the richest and most structured of the Beaujolais crus, a reality that is on full display in this excellent vintage. The...
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Decoy, Sonoma County (California) 2014
Robert Whitley
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June 27, 2017
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Duckhorn’s second label, Decoy seldom approaches the level of excellence the big dog achieves on a regular basis, but that’s not a knock. The...
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Ladera, Napa Valley (California) Sauvignon Blanc 2016
Rich Cook
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June 27, 2017
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A new producer to me, though they’ve been in the game since 1998.  A citrus focused Sauvignon Blanc, with yellow grapefruit and lime joined...
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Decoy, Sonoma County (California) Zinfandel 2015
Rich Cook
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June 27, 2017
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Brambly and fruit forward, with sweet oak spice and mild pepper notes joining the fruit.  Finishing brightly with a zesty kiss of citrus, it’s...
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Dutton Goldfield, Green Valley of Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2014
Robert Whitley
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June 20, 2017
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Dutton Goldfield’s Fox Den Vineyard Pinot from this vintage is a monumental wine among monumental wines. Just one of Dutton Goldfield’s many vineyard-designate Pinot...
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Dutton Goldfield, Green Valley of Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Gewurztraminer 2016
Robert Whitley
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June 20, 2017
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This is no doubt the finest dry Gewurztraminer made on North America. But I repeat myself, for this is merely the latest in a...
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Barr Estate, Paso Robles (California) 2013
Rich Cook
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June 20, 2017
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A neck up silhouette of a Great Dane adorns the front label of this wine — hence the name — and the wine is...
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