Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Corison, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Rich Cook
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November 25, 2014
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I love a wine where the acidity comes right out front and says, “Hi. I’m made to go with food.”  Always a hallmark of...
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Domaine de Durban, Beaumes-de-Venise (Rhône Valley, France) 2012
Michael Apstein
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November 25, 2014
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The reputation of Beaumes-de-Venise hails from it sweet wines.  But the red wines from Beaumes-de-Venise were recently promoted to “cru” status, much like neighboring...
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Bonny Doon Vineyard, Monterey County (California) Grenache 2012
Robert Whitley
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November 25, 2014
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 This single-vineyard Grenache from Rhone master Randall Grahm shows impressive intensity of aroma, a spicy combo of red-fruit aromas that are the signature of...
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Far Niente, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Rich Cook
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November 25, 2014
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After recently reviewing the current release 2012 vintage, I was fortunate to get an opportunity to taste this offering from 2008. This wine is...
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Falesco, IGP Umbria (Umbria, Italy) 2012
Michael Apstein
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November 25, 2014
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In 1979, Riccardo Cotarella, one of Italy’s greatest winemakers, along with his brother, Renzo, founded Falesco, a winery that has been producing exceptionally valued...
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Fulcrum, Anderson Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2011
Marguerite Thomas
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November 25, 2014
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Smooth and lushly flavored with a solid core of red fruit bolstered by autumnal earthiness (dried leaves, damp underbrush), this Pinot Noir is focused...
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Ravenswood, California (United States) Zinfandel 2012
Marguerite Thomas
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November 25, 2014
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Friendly, uncomplicated and comfy, this Zinfandel is the wine equivalent of hanging out with an easygoing old friend.  You don’t have to work hard...
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Firriato, IGT Terre Siciliano (Sicily, Italy) Nero d’Avola 2011
Michael Apstein
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November 25, 2014
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Nero d’Avola, a grape indigenous to Sicily, has the potential to set the wine world on fire because it is capable of delivering both...
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Montalbera, Ruché di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG (Piedmont, Italy) 2011
Michael Apstein
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November 25, 2014
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Ruché, an obscure grape native to Piedmont, thrives and, dare I say, achieves greatness, in the DOCG zone of Castagnole Monferrato.  A savory, almost...
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J. Lohr, Paso Robles (California) Mourvedre 2012
Robert Whitley
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November 25, 2014
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 The promising new "Gesture" lineup from J. Lohr is nothing if not provocative. This Mourvedre is a good example. It’s a bold red that...
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Laurel Glen, Sonoma Mountain (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Robert Whitley
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November 25, 2014
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 There is something new and exciting afoot at Laurel Glen Vineyard, which had thrived for 30 years under the principled and exacting guidance of...
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Owen Roe, Columbia Valley (Washington) 2013
Rich Cook
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November 18, 2014
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Sometimes a wine tasting is a humbling experience.  In a blind tasting, my notes said "Lots of nice Syrah and Grenache in this blend."...
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