Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Vinemark Cellars, Paso Robles (California) 2013
Rich Cook
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March 1, 2016
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This blend of Primitivo and Petite Sirah delivers aromas of cherry and orange zest, with a layer of ripe raspberry and spice underneath, and...
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Whiplash, California (USA) 2014
Rich Cook
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March 1, 2016
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Every producer needs a kitchen sink red blend on the menu.  Customers don’t always want a profound, discussion worthy wine — sometimes they just...
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Alximia, Valle de Guadalupe (Mexico) 2012
Rich Cook
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March 1, 2016
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This blend of Carignane and Garnacha succeeds in the food friendly category, presenting a dry style with aromas and flavors of black cherry, blueberry,...
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Famille Perrin, Gigondas (Rhône Valley, France) 2011
Michael Franz
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March 1, 2016
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All of the Famille Perrin wines seems to be getting stronger with each passing year, and that’s really saying something when addressing the 2011,...
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Bricco dei Tati, Piedmont (Italy) Barbera 2014
Michael Franz
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March 1, 2016
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I taste this wine almost every year, and though it has always been attractive on account of its very affordable price, the rendition from...
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Coyote Oaks Vineyard, San Diego County (California) Montepulciano 2014
Rich Cook
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February 23, 2016
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San Diego-area vintners take notice — here is a grape that can be successful in the region, and may even lead to a regional...
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Tenuta San Guido, Toscana IGT (Tuscany, Italy) 2013
Michael Apstein
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February 23, 2016
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Tenuta San Guido, the producer of Sassicaia, first introduced Guidalberto in 2000.  Mistakenly thought by many to be a “second” wine of Sassicaia because...
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Bon Niche, Paso Robles (California) Malbec 2011
Rich Cook
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February 23, 2016
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I adore wines like this one. Huge white pepper and spice mix with black and blue fruit and damp earth on the nose, and...
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Castello di Volpaia, Chianti Classico DOCG (Tuscany, Italy) 2012
Michael Apstein
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February 23, 2016
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Castello di Volpaia consistently makes wonderful Chianti Classico.  This Riserva combines a good density of black cherry-like fruit and a lovely herbal earthy component. ...
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Allegrini, Veronese IGT (Italy) 2011
Michael Apstein
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February 23, 2016
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Allegrini, a leading Veneto producer, has adapted Amarone-like vinification to this wine, a blend of mostly Corvina and Rondinella, the grapes commonly used for...
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Clau de Nell, Anjou (Loire Valley, France) Cabernet Franc 2013
Michael Apstein
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February 23, 2016
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Anne-Claude Leflaive, the late famed Burgundy producer, and Christian Jacques, her husband, acquired Clau de Nell in 2008.  Similar to Domaine Leflaive in Burgundy,...
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Domaine de Suremain, Mercurey (Burgundy, France) 2013
Michael Apstein
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February 23, 2016
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It gets more and more difficult to find affordable Burgundy.  One needs to venture outside of the major villages of the Côte d’Or, or...
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