Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Bonny Doon Vineyard, Monterey County (California) Grenache 2014
Rich Cook
|
July 7, 2015
|
I continue to be impressed by this rich and Rhône-ish wine from original California renegade Randall Grahm with each succeeding vintage.  Cherry, strawberry, rhubarb...
read more

Criterion Collection, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2012
Rich Cook
|
July 7, 2015
|
The meaty side of Malbec is on display here, with aromas of raw beef and pepper over blackberry and fall spice translate well on...
read more

Talbott, Monterey (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Robert Whitley
|
July 7, 2015
|
Simple and straightforward, this juicy Pinot from Talbott is a sensational Pinot Noir at the price, with inviting red-fruit aromas, hints of spice and...
read more

Monteverro, Toscana Rosso IGT (Tuscany, Italy) 2013
Michael Apstein
|
June 30, 2015
|
Monteverro, whose aim is to join the top end Maremma producers, has crafted this seamless blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese...
read more

Decoy, Sonoma County (California) 2012
Rich Cook
|
July 7, 2015
|
This Merlot-based blend is a solid, ready to drink dry red that will suit a range of meat dishes.  Plush black fruit and brown...
read more

Clos du Val, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2012
Robert Whitley
|
July 7, 2015
|
Clos du Val has always excelled with the Bordeaux grape varieties and this well-balanced, richly layered merlot is no exception. It shows impressive weight...
read more

Laurel Glen, Sonoma Mountain (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Robert Whitley
|
June 30, 2015
|
Laurel Glen’s ‘Counterpoint’ Cabernet Sauvignon was conceived many years ago by winery founder Patrick Campbell (now retired) as a more approachable Cab than the...
read more

Astorre Noti, Chianti Classico DOCG (Tuscany, Italy) 2010
Robert Whitley
|
July 7, 2015
|
The 2010 vintage was superb throughout Tuscany, especially in the Chianti Classico region. Astorre Noti has produced a beautifully structured Chianti that has the...
read more

Agit Optima, Oltrepo Pavese DOC (Lombardy, Italy) Pinot Nero 2012
Robert Whitley
|
July 7, 2015
|
Pinot Nero, aka Pinot Noir, is hardly the first wine that comes to mind when contemplating outstanding Italian reds. Over the years there have...
read more

Baileyana, Edna Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2013
Linda Murphy
|
June 30, 2015
|
Energetic red and black cherry fruit and woodsy spice are the signatures of this medium-bodied Pinot that eschews ripeness for elegance and nuance. Silky...
read more

Beronia, Rioja DOC (Spain) 2010
Rich Cook
|
June 30, 2015
|
Rioja continues to be a great value even though it’s becoming more popular with American consumers.  This new release shows blackberry, black cherry, vanilla...
read more

Stellar Organics, Western Cape WO (South Africa) Pinotage 2014
Rich Cook
|
June 30, 2015
|
Though grilling season has ended in South Africa, it’s just getting underway here in the northern hemisphere, and the hunt for bargain braai partners...
read more