Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Ron Rubin Cellars, Green Valley (Russian River Valley) Syrah 2013
Robert Whitley
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May 31, 2016
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 As cool climates go, California’s Green Valley is one of the coolest. That makes it a natural for chardonnay and pinot noir. But syrah...
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Louis M. Martini, Alexander Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Robert Whitley
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May 31, 2016
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 This vintage might well be the finest Martini Alexander Valley cab I’ve tasted. Martini also produces a Napa Valley cab that outshines this wine,...
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Girard Winery, Napa Valley (California) 2013
Robert Whitley
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May 31, 2016
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 If a $45 wine can be called a value wine, Girard’s 2013 Artistry certainly fits the description. This Napa Valley gem, a blend of...
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Pico & Vine, Napa County (California) 2013
Robert Whitley
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May 31, 2016
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 This easy drinking red meritage from Pico & Vine delivers a burst of ripe red and black fruits on the front of the palate...
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Domaine Carneros, Carneros (Napa Valley) Pinot Noir 2013
Robert Whitley
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May 31, 2016
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 With a deeply fragrant nose, this Carneros pinot is seductive and inviting from the first sip. On the palate it is supple and smooth,...
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Black Stallion Estate Winery, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Robert Whitley
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May 31, 2016
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 A remarkable value from the Napa Valley, the Black Stallion 2013 cabernet is expressive on the nose with notes of violet and cassis, characteristics...
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Esporão, Douro (Portugal) 2011
Paul Lukacs
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May 24, 2016
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A “Grande Ouro” (or super gold) medal winner at the recent ViniPortugal wine competition, this Douro beauty is filled with rich, ripe fruit as...
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Domaine Vincent Paris, Saint-Joseph (Rhone Valley, France) 2014
Paul Lukacs
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May 24, 2016
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A lighter Saint-Joseph than most from this appellation, this pure Syrah tastes as much of fried bacon and animal fat as of fruit.  Its...
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Ca’ Rome’, Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) 2012
Michael Franz
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May 24, 2016
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Ca’ Rome’ is a terrific producer of both Barolo and Barbaresco (as well as Dolcetto and Barbera), and made in absolutely immaculate conditions in...
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Kenwood, Sonoma Mountain (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Robert Whitley
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May 24, 2016
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Kenwood is more or less a cabernet sauvignon house, though it excels throughout the lineup. The Jack London Ranch cabernet is one of Kenwood’s...
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Moccagatta, Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) 2012
Michael Franz
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May 24, 2016
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This is impressive for depth of color and degree of concentration, and the winemaker was apparently emboldened by the seriousness of the material to...
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Orlando Abrigo, Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) 2012
Michael Franz
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May 24, 2016
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I love this producer’s wines consistently, though I fluctuate somewhat between favoring this bottling or the one from “Meruzzano” from year to year.  In...
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