Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Wakefield / Taylors, Clare Valley (Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Rich Cook
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September 1, 2015
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The St. Andrews bottlings that I’ve tasted are typically in need of some additional bottle aging, and this vintage is no exception.  Still, it’s...
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Schramsberg, North Coast (California) 2012
Robert Whitley
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August 25, 2015
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Schramsberg’s 2012 Blanc de Blancs is a 100-percent Chardonnay beauty. The nose shows notes of brioche and green apple. On the palate this excellent...
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Casillero Del Diablo, Central Valley (Chile) Malbec 2013
Rich Cook
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September 1, 2015
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A fine bottle that shows the classic Chilean profile of pepper and herb over savory meat and earth character.  That said, it’s not without...
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Ripken Vineyards, Lodi (California) Carmine 2013
Rich Cook
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September 1, 2015
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I can now count the number of Carmine wines that I’ve tasted on one finger.  It’s an interesting hybrid of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and...
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Wakefield, Clare Valley (Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Michael Apstein
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August 30, 2015
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J. Lohr, Monterey County (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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September 1, 2015
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There’s a bright chili spiciness that sets this budget Pinot Noir apart from the pack.  The winemaking team at J. Lohr has been given...
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Talbott Vineyards, Santa Lucia Highlands (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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September 1, 2015
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Score another winner for Talbott with this budget priced Pinot Noir.  The Logan bottling is more approachable at present that the regular, more expensive...
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Decoy, Sonoma County (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Rich Cook
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September 1, 2015
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Duckhorn’s Decoy label sources fruit from the west side of the mountains that divide Napa and Sonoma counties, and this wine is a blend...
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Famille Quiot / Château du Trignon, Gigondas (Rhône Valley, France) 2010
Michael Franz
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April 14, 2015
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A wonderful wine from a historically strong vintage, this shows full ripeness but also striking freshness for a wine now approaching five years of...
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Decoy, Sonoma Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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August 25, 2015
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You’d be hard pressed to find a Pinot Noir that offers more at this price point.  Winemaker Dana Epperson shows a flair for balance...
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Adelsheim, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2012
Robert Whitley
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August 25, 2015
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Adelsheim’s 2012 Elizabeth’s Reserve is silky smooth and velvety on the palate, shows layers of dark berry fruits, a touch of wood spice and...
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Illuminati, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Abruzzo, Italy) 2013
Michael Apstein
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August 18, 2015
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Talk about charming rusticity. This Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is a cut above your basic “pizza wine,” imparting a lovely combination of cherry-like notes and lively...
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