Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

J Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) 2013
Robert Whitley
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October 27, 2015
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This delicate but intensely flavored Pinot from J is a welcome alternative to richer, riper, more robust Pinots that get most of the love...
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MacMurray Estate Vineyards, Central Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Robert Whitley
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October 27, 2015
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The rise in quality of inexpensive California Pinot Noir is nothing less than stunning. This 2013 MacMurray from California’s Central Coast is a solid...
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Marco Abella, Priorat (Spain) 2008
Ed McCarthy
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October 27, 2015
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The La Mallola Vineyard, 1960 feet high and rich in black slate, is the source of this wine.  Mas Mallola is primarily Garnacha (63...
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Marco Abella, Priorat (Spain) 2010
Ed McCarthy
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October 27, 2015
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This is Marco Abella’s introductory wine; composed of 60 percent Garnacha, 25 percent Cariñena, and 15 percent Cabernet Sauvignon. Loidana is easy-drinking for a...
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Duckhorn, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2012
Rich Cook
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October 27, 2015
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The Merlot masters at Duckhorn are more than happy to let the variety speak its own language — there’s no Cabernization of the grape’s...
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Pascolo, Collio (Friuli, Italy) Merlot 2010
Michael Franz
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October 20, 2015
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Although this wine was still a little hard when tasted a year ago, there is no question that it will develop for years and...
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Bouchaine, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Pinot Meunier 2013
Michael Apstein
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October 20, 2015
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The wines from Bouchaine, the oldest continuously operating winery in the Carneros District, according to their website, fly under the radar.   I certainly can’t...
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J Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2013
Robert Whitley
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October 20, 2015
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J’s 2013 Nicole’s Vineyard strikes an exquisite balance between Old World sensibilities and New World realities. Made in a Burgundian style that delivers structure...
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The Four Graces, Yamhill-Carlton District (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2008
Rich Cook
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October 20, 2015
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Wow – what a deep, dark brooding Pinot Noir — really a statement on the 2008 vintage in Oregon.  Black cherry, Asian spice, talc,...
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Château Phélan-Ségur, St. Estèphe (Bordeaux, France) 2008
Michael Apstein
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October 13, 2015
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The wines from the 2008 vintage in Bordeaux are overlooked because they were firm upon release and were followed by the opulent and immediately...
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Frei Brothers, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Apstein
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October 20, 2015
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It’s almost impossible to find this complexity in Pinot Noir at this price.  Not that $27 is inexpensive, but it is for Pinot Noir,...
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Truchard Vineyards, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Pinot Noir 2013
Michael Apstein
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October 20, 2015
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You taste the Carneros pedigree immediately.  Lively and bright, red fruit flavors dominate but don’t overwhelm.  The unique character of Pinot Noir — flavor...
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