Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Walla Walla Vintners, Walla Walla Valley (Washington) Merlot 2013
Wayne Belding
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December 8, 2015
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Merlot has faded from its apogee of popularity a decade ago and has been relegated to a relatively forgotten status among world-class red wines. ...
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Maison Lou Dumont, Gevrey-Chambertin (Burgundy, France) 2012
Michael Apstein
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December 8, 2015
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Koji Nakada, a former Japanese sommelier, created Maison Lou Dumont along with his wife in 2000.  Though they now own a few acres of...
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Maison Lou Dumont, Bourgogne Rouge (Burgundy, France) 2012
Michael Apstein
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December 8, 2015
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A wonderful Bourgogne Rouge, this wine demonstrates the appeal of Pinot Noir grown in Burgundy, combining the fruitiness of the variety with the savory...
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Kendall Jackson, Anderson Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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December 8, 2015
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 This wine is  all about big cola and cinnamon on the nose and in the mouth, with black cherry, vanilla and faint rhubarb adding...
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Albatross Ridge, Carmel Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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December 8, 2015
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A fine Pinot Noir from a relatively new producer that features vibrant cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, fennel, mild damp earth, bright fall spice and clove,...
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Geyser Peak Winery, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2013
Linda Murphy
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December 8, 2015
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It’s on the heftier side for California Pinot Noir, with dense, dark plum and black cherry fruit and sturdy, ageworthy tannins.  Menthol, vanillin oak...
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CrossBarn Winery, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2013
Linda Murphy
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December 8, 2015
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Paul Hobbs developed the CrossBarn label as an alternative to his more expensive (and appropriately, if highly-priced) Napa and Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignons, Pinot Noirs...
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Sidebar Cellars, Redwood Valley (Mendocino County, California) 2014
Linda Murphy
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December 8, 2015
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Young, densely planted vines above Lake Mendocino are the source of this Rhône-style blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah.  Lush, ripe red and black...
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Quinta dos Murças, Douro (Portugal) 2012
Michael Apstein
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December 8, 2015
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This wine shows precisely why blended reds from Portugal will be taking the market by storm in the coming years.  A big, chunky red,...
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Amisfield, Central Otago (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Apstein
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December 8, 2015
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Central Otago, an area on the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island, is making a name for itself as a place for stylish...
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Babich, Marlborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2013
Michael Apstein
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December 8, 2015
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The Marlborough region of New Zealand, though famous for its unique and electrifying style of Sauvignon Blanc, is not a one-trick pony, as this...
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Agricola Querciabella, IGT Toscana (Italy) 2010
Michael Apstein
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December 8, 2015
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Founded only in 1974, Querciabella has leapt to the top tier of Tuscan producers, making an exceptional range of both red and white wines. ...
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