Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Château de Sours, Bordeaux (France) 2010
Michael Apstein
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October 14, 2014
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Although the producer is always the most important information on the label, sometimes the importer’s name makes me sit up and take notice.  For...
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Michele Chiarlo, Barbera d’Asti Superiore (Piedmont, Italy) 2011
Michael Apstein
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October 14, 2014
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La Court, a more polished and “important” wine, makes a fascinating comparison with Chiarlo’s other Barbera d’Asti, Le Orme.  The grapes come from the...
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Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2011
Rich Cook
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October 7, 2014
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This famous vineyard produces excellence in Merlot year after year, and ’11 is no exception.  The nose is all about perfumed cherry elegance, with...
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Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Michael Apstein
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October 14, 2014
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Grgich’s 2010 Yountville Selection Cabernet Sauvignon is one of California’s grandest wines.  It reminds us why Napa Valley, and in this case, the Yountville...
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Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Dundee Hills (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2012
Wayne Belding
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October 14, 2014
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This is a ripe and forward Pinot Noir from the Domaine Drouhin Estate vineyards high in the Dundee Hills.  It impresses with red cherry...
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Bolla, IGT Verona (Veneto, Italy) 2010
Michael Apstein
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October 14, 2014
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Traditionalists are advised not to read the technical details of this wine before tasting it.  The Cabernet Sauvignon (one-third of the blend), the year’s...
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Marchese Frescobaldi, Chianti Rùfina Riserva (Tuscany, Italy) 2011
Michael Apstein
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October 14, 2014
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Frescobaldi, one of Italy’s finest producers, owns estates throughout Tuscany.  Their Nipozzano estate is home to their splendid line of Chianti from the often-overlooked...
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Cascina Adelaide, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2010
Michael Franz
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July 29, 2014
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This is the best young wine I’ve ever tasted from Cascina Adelaide, and I’ve tasted quite a few of them.  The signature note of...
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Ancient Peaks, Paso Robles (California) Merlot 2012
Rich Cook
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October 14, 2014
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Lots to like here in this complex Merlot from Paso Robles.  Ripe cherry, plum, dried herbs and bright oak spice are present in aroma...
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J. Lohr, St. Helena (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Rich Cook
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October 14, 2014
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This blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Petit Verdot shows good concentration of red and black berries, violets and a touch of toffee...
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Vall Llach, Priorat (Catalonia, Spain) 2010
Michael Apstein
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October 14, 2014
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Priorat is one of just two appellations awarded Denominación de Origen Calificada (DOCa) status, Spain’s highest official wine category (Rioja is the other).  Producers...
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Paraduxx, Napa Valley (California) 2011
Rich Cook
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October 14, 2014
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This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Zinfandel and 1% Petit Verdot from the Duckhorn family of wines shows a brambly fruit nose that...
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