Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Arrocal, Ribera del Duero (Castilla y León, Spain) 2010
Michael Franz
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October 21, 2014
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If I had tasted this wine “blind,” I strongly suspect that I’d have guessed it to be a $75 bottle, and I wonder whether...
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Pingao, Rioja (Spain) Tinto 2013
Michael Franz
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October 21, 2014
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Based on the wines imported by Aurelio Cabestrero and Grapes of Spain that I’ve reviewed this week, you could get the misimpression that Aurelio...
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Adrás, Ribeira Sacra (Galicia, Spain) Mencia 2013
Michael Franz
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October 21, 2014
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I fell in love with this wine instantly.  That may not be entirely surprising to those who know me, as I’ve probably written more...
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Viña Otano, Rioja (Spain) 2009
Michael Franz
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October 21, 2014
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This is a completely, gulp-ably delicious wine that also shows real complexity and class…for $22.  My first encounter with this Bodega included an excellent...
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Nickel & Nickel, St. Helena (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Marguerite Thomas
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October 21, 2014
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The wine splashes dark and inky from bottle to glass sending a convoluted vinous aroma wafting up into the room.  My mouth starts to...
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Matanzas Creek, Sonoma County (California) Merlot 2011
Robert Whitley
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October 21, 2014
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Merlot is Matanzas Creek’s benchmark wine, the wine that threw a spotlight on this small Sonoma County winery nearly three decades ago. It was...
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Bridlewood, Central Coast (California) 2012
Robert Whitley
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October 21, 2014
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Whether you are engaging in a late-season barbecue or grilling up brats at a tailgate party on a football weekend, Bridlewood’s Blend 175 is...
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Bonny Doon Vineyard, Monterey County (California) Grenache 2013
Robert Whitley
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October 21, 2014
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Winemaker Randall Grahm was among the first in California to embrace the so-called Rhone grape varieties, and he’s still one of the best at...
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Grgich Hills Estate, Yountville (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Robert Whitley
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October 21, 2014
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Grgich’s Yountville Selection embodies everything you’ve come to expect from a Grgich Cabernet, beginning with a gorgeous nose of cedar, red fruit and vanillin....
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J. Lohr, Paso Robles (California) 2010
Rich Cook
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October 14, 2014
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J. Lohr is establishing quite a track record with their line of Bordeaux tribute bottlings. This vintage of their ode to Pomerol delivers plum,...
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Michele Chiarlo, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2010
Michael Apstein
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October 14, 2014
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The 45-acre Cannubi vineyard, one of Barolo’s most acclaimed, is divided among 22 producers, according to Alberto Chiarlo.  With 3 acres, Chiarlo is the...
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Chehalem Winery, Chehalem Mountains (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2012
Wayne Belding
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October 14, 2014
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The plush and velvety character of the 2012 Oregon harvest is clearly evident in this bottling.  It bursts with ripe blackberry and black cherry...
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