Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Inconceivable, Santa Barbara County (California) Pinot Noir 2014
Rich Cook
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January 5, 2016
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Middleton Family wines is reaching beyond their Clayhouse and Cadaretta labels to bring us some nicely priced ready to drink wines, including this bright...
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Simi Winery, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Linda Murphy
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January 5, 2016
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As 2013 California Cabernets reach the market, this baby needs more time in the cellar to round its sturdy tannins.  Ripe cassis, black cherry...
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Arrowood Winery, Sonoma County (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Linda Murphy
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January 5, 2016
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Smooth tannins and plump, juicy dark cherry, blueberry and plum fruit mark this mouth-filling wine.  It’s concentrated and supple, with chocolate, vanilla and spice...
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Ancient Peaks Winery, Paso Robles (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Linda Murphy
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January 5, 2016
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This is a tremendous value in California Cabernet, sporting vivid aromas and flavors of cassis, wild berry, black pepper and bittersweet chocolate.  Very spicy...
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Beronia, Rioja Reserva (Spain) 2010
Michael Apstein
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January 5, 2016
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I continue to be amazed — year after year — by the value Rioja delivers.  It’s hard to imagine a more delightful wine selling...
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Maison Joseph Drouhin, Gevrey-Chambertin (Burgundy, France) 2013
Michael Apstein
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January 5, 2016
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Wines from Gevrey-Chambertin, one of the most recognizable and prestigious villages in Burgundy, are always pricey.  Négociants tell me that it is increasingly difficult...
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Viña Altamar, Ribera del Duero (Spain) Tempranillo 2013
Michael Apstein
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January 5, 2016
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It is rare to find a wine from Ribera de Duero, one of Spain’s top wine areas, at this price.  Especially one of this...
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Concha Y Toro, Marchigue DO (Chile) Malbec 2013
Rich Cook
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December 29, 2015
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Another fine effort in Concha y Toro’s River Series of wallet friendly wines.  Aromas and flavors of blueberry, raspberry, toffee, violet and fall spice...
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Gran Moraine, Yamhill-Carlton District (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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January 5, 2016
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This will please fans of a more tart, earthy style of Pinot Noir.  Sour cherry, dry earth, mushroom and cardamom aromas and flavors are...
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Wakefield, Adelaide Hills (Australia) Pinot Noir 2015
Rich Cook
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January 5, 2016
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Drinkable Pinot Noir at this price should get your attention. Add to that a unique flavor profile that includes bright eucalyptus that’s complementary to...
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Morgan, Monterey (Central Coast, California) Syrah / Grenache 2014
Robert Whitley
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January 5, 2016
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One of the great unsolved mysteries of California wine is the less than significant impact of Rhone-style blends. These would be red wines (generally,...
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Inconceivable, Terre Siciliane IGT (Italy) 2012
Rich Cook
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January 5, 2016
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I knew that the Middletons were starting to reach into other areas than their Paso Robles and Washington state holdings, but I had no...
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