Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Clayhouse, Paso Robles (California) Petite Sirah 2012
Michael Apstein
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August 18, 2015
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Petite Sirah is, of course, misnamed because there’s nothing petite about it.  And that’s its major attraction and, simultaneously, its major flaw.  Many Petite...
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Decoy, Sonoma County (California) Merlot 2013
Linda Murphy
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August 18, 2015
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Whereas many California Merlots have lost their way, masquerading as Cabernet Sauvignon or showing, reedy flavors and rough tannins, this one is true to...
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Gascon, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2014
Linda Murphy
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August 18, 2015
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Plums, blackberries and chocolatey oak dominate this easy-to-drink Malbec.  The round tannins and juicy mouthfeel will appeal to many at this bargain price.

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Piccini, Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) 2010
Robert Whitley
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August 18, 2015
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Piccini’s 2010 Villa al Cortile Brunello is a suave Brunello from a superb vintage, showing smooth, silky tannins and firm acidity that will give...
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Davies Vineyards, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County) Pinot Noir 2013
Robert Whitley
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August 18, 2015
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The Davies Ferrington Pinot from 2013 delivers a burst of gorgeous red-fruit aroma on the front of the palate, a slightly sweet mid-palate and...
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Clayhouse, Paso Robles (California) 2012
Rich Cook
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August 18, 2015
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Always a low price leader, the Adobe Red for 2012 is all about black plum and pepper at pop and pour, with elements of...
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Wild Ridge, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2012
Rich Cook
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August 11, 2015
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Winemaker Craig McAllister brings us this second vintage of Wild Ridge Pinot Noir from their estate vineyards near the small coastal town of Annapolis,...
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Patz & Hall, Santa Lucia Highlands (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Rich Cook
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August 11, 2015
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One of the questions I get from people about writing wine reviews is, "how do you spit out all of that good wine?" The...
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J. Lohr, Monterey County (California) Valdiguie 2014
Linda Murphy
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August 11, 2015
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J. Lohr is one of the few California producers of Valdiguie, making it in a generous Beaujolais style with fresh strawberry and boysenberry fruit...
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Fairview, Paarl (South Africa) Shiraz 2011
Paul Lukacs
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August 11, 2015
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Deep, dark, and multi-layered, this Shiraz resembles a French Syrah from the northern Rhône more than an Australian Shiraz, as it offers notes of...
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La Joya, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenere 2011
Paul Lukacs
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August 11, 2015
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I sampled this Carménère alongside a comparably priced and quite popular California Cabernet, and there was no doubt which was the superior wine.  The...
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Landmark Vineyards, Sonoma, Monterey and San Benito Counties (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Linda Murphy
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August 11, 2015
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This multi-regional blend (64% Sonoma County, 27% Monterey County and 9% San Benito County) from a Sonoma-based winery finds a remarkable balance, despite its...
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