Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Clos du Val, Stags Leap District (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Robert Whitley
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September 16, 2014
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This is not your typical latter day Napa Valley Cabernet. It’s a throwback to an earlier time when Napa Cabs were a bit leaner...
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Dutton Goldfield, Marin County (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Robert Whitley
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September 16, 2014
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Dutton Goldfield’s Azaya Ranch Pinot is another excellent example of California Pinot that offers power and depth without losing the essence of delicacy that...
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Gary Farrell, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2010
Marguerite Thomas
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September 9, 2014
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Soft and silky as it is, this wine still throbs with energy and fills the palate with a profusion of fruit flavors that begs...
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Jordan Vineyard and Winery, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Michael Apstein
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September 9, 2014
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Jordan continues to excel by sticking to the founders’ philosophy of making refined, not blockbuster, Cabernet Sauvignon.  Their 2010 fits that mold beautifully.  The...
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Emblem, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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September 9, 2014
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Emblem is a brand name for wines produced by the Michael Mondavi family, and this wine is one of the brand’s finest.  It hails...
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Concannon Vineyard, Livermore Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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September 9, 2014
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Concannon is an historic California winery but — perhaps because it is in Livermore Valley rather than one of the sexier regions — it...
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Morgan, Monterey (Central Coast, California) Syrah 2012
Robert Whitley
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September 9, 2014
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Morgan’s G 17 is a Syrah in name only. Oh, it meets the legal requirement to place Syrah on the label and sell it...
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Antonio Vallana, Colline Novaresi (Piedmont, Italy) Spanna 2010
Wayne Belding
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September 9, 2014
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Those of us who are old enough can remember the glorious Spannas (a local name for Nebbiolo) from the Antonio Vallana estate that were...
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Pina, Howell Mountain (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Robert Whitley
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September 9, 2014
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This robust mountain Cab from Pina is very tight at this stage, but has every right to improve with a bit more bottle age....
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Vina Robles, Paso Robles (Central Coast) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Robert Whitley
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September 9, 2014
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Paso Robles Cabernet can sometimes go to the dark side, where ultra-ripe flavors and the sensation of heat from high alcohol levels dominate. The...
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Flora Springs, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2012
Robert Whitley
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September 9, 2014
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Merlot continues to be the best value Napa Valley red wine. The evidence is abundant. The latest release from Flora Springs is a case...
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J. Lohr, Monterey County (Central Coast) Pinot Noir 2012
Robert Whitley
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September 9, 2014
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Light and fruity and oh-so-tasty, this is an easy to drink and easy on the wallet Pinot that is perfect for tailgate parties, end-of-summer...
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