Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Patz & Hall, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Robert Whitley
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August 4, 2015
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This qualifies as an entry level wine from Patz & Hall, a Pinot Noir under $50. That said, it’s a serious Pinot from the...
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Smith & Hook, Arroyo Seco (Monterey County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Rich Cook
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August 11, 2015
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A crowd pleasing Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers character without pretense.  Forward mixed berry, cassis, faint dried herbs and a touch of Monterey pepper ride...
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Lucienne, Santa Lucia Highlands (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Rich Cook
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August 11, 2015
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Lucienne is Hahn Winery’s premium line, and this Pinot Noir shows the depth and elegance befitting a best offering.  A deep nose of blackberry...
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Hahn SLH, Santa Lucia Highlands (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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August 11, 2015
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Hahn is increasing production on this flagship bottling, but you can hold the doom and gloom — there’s no evidence of a drop in...
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Casal Branco, do Tejo (Portugal) 2012
Michael Apstein
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August 4, 2015
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Portugal remains a vast, undiscovered country for table (non Port) wines.  Casal Branco’s Falcoaria Clássico is just another example of the value to be...
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Maison Louis Jadot, Clos Vougeot (Burgundy, France) 2012
Michael Apstein
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August 4, 2015
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At first impression, this wine announces its Grand Cru origin. And it keeps sending this signal as you continue to taste it. Part of...
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Maison Louis Jadot, Bourgogne Rouge (France) 2012
Michael Apstein
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August 4, 2015
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This Bourgogne Rouge delivers far more than you’d expect from that simple appellation and shows that the producer often trumps terroir.  A look at...
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Bodega Septima, Luján de Cuyo (Mendoza, Argentina) Malbec 2014
Michael Apstein
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August 4, 2015
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This big red wine has considerable polish, in part, no doubt, because Codorníu Argentina, a subsidiary of the great Spanish wine-producing firm, owns Bodega...
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On Point, Anderson Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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August 4, 2015
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Winemaker David Rossi created this label to show a different side of Pinot Noir than his Fulcrum wines.  Whereas the Fulcrum line tends toward...
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Clos du Val, Carneros (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Rich Cook
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August 4, 2015
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Score another win for Clos du Val’s current releases!  This well knit Pinot Noir delivers raspberry, cherry and a touch of rhubarb with interwoven...
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Morgan Winery, Santa Lucia Highlands (California) Syrah 2013
Rich Cook
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August 4, 2015
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More cool climate Syrah, please!  Not convinced?  Try this gorgeous example from Morgan’s estate in Santa Lucia Highlands.  It’s a great combination of blackberry,...
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Nieto Senetiner, Mendoza (Argentina) Pinot Noir 2014
Robert Whitley
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July 28, 2015
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You can spend a pile of money on Pinot Noir or you can spend next to nothing. Next to nothing usually gets you what...
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