Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Niner Wine Estates, Edna Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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April 12, 2016
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There’s a lot going on in this cool climate Pinot Noir.  It opens with leaf and brown spice aromas that morph into deep spiced...
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Trivento, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2014
Rich Cook
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April 12, 2016
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Yet another example of why Malbec continues to be popular. There’s a lot to like for your eleven bucks, with blackberry, raspberry, cedar spice...
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Palari, Faro DOC (Sicily, Italy) 2009
Michael Apstein
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April 5, 2016
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I can see the rolling eyes. A hundred bucks for an unknown wine from, where? Sicily? Yes. I can’t pretend to know how people...
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Barone Pizzini, Franciacorta (Lombardy, Italy) 2011
Wayne Belding
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April 5, 2016
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Barone Pizzini is among the top echelon of Franciacorta producers.  They have created a truly exceptional bubbly with the 2011 Brut Natura.  Made without...
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Niner Wine Estates, Paso Robles (California) Sangiovese 2013
Rich Cook
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April 5, 2016
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Winemaker Patrick Muran utilizes the full arsenal to make this lovely Sangiovese.  Large oak barrels, small oak barrels, early picked fruit, ripe fruit —...
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Niner Wine Estates, Paso Robles (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Rich Cook
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April 5, 2016
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Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon covers a wide spectrum of profiles.  Niner sources fruit from both eastside and westside estate vineyards, Bootjack and Heart Hill...
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Melini, Chianti Classico (Italy) 2011
Marguerite Thomas
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April 5, 2016
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Ruby red, with a subtly floral fragrance, this Chianti is dry and savory, which makes it very much the classic wine to accompany tomato-based...
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Maison Louis Jadot, Moulin-à-Vent (Beaujolais, Burgundy, France) 2012
Paul Lukacs
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April 5, 2016
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Showing significantly more depth than more modest Beaujolais or even many “cru” wines, this is a serious red, with real complexity, particularly in the...
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Chappellet, Napa Valley (California) 2013
Ed McCarthy
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April 5, 2016
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Chappellet’s Mountain Cuvée, made from all five Bordeaux varieties, is its big-production wine (20,000 cases), and is a wine to enjoy now.  I am...
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Castello Banfi, Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) 2013
Michael Apstein
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April 5, 2016
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Rosso di Montalcino can be an excellent introduction to the glories of Brunello di Montalcino, one of Italy’s iconic wines.  Similar to Brunello, Rosso...
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Muri-Gries, Südtirol (Alto Adige, Italy) Lagrein 2012
Wayne Belding
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April 5, 2016
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Lagrein is a secret passion for lovers of rich but still pure and lively reds.  The best Lagrein bottlings somehow combine astonishing power with...
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Agricola Punica, Isola dei Nuraghi IGT (Sardinia, Italy) 2013
Wayne Belding
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April 5, 2016
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The 2013 Montessu from Agricola Punica is a big and rich red from the island of Sardinia.  It combines traditional style with modern winemaking. ...
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