Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews
Michael Apstein
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September 9, 2014
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The Yarra Valley, just northeast of Melbourne, is a cool region, nicely suited for Pinot Noir, which can lose delicacy if the weather’s too...
Michael Apstein
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September 9, 2014
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This is real Merlot and shows what that grape, when handled properly, can do.  Very aromatic, it conveys ripe black cherry-like fruitiness and a...
Michael Apstein
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September 9, 2014
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Denser, more herbal and less fruity than their Merlot, this wine is quintessential expression of Napa Valley Cabernet.  At this stage the tannins make...
Marguerite Thomas
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September 2, 2014
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Typical of good Cabernet Sauvignon from mountain vineyards, this wine is tight and firm, with flavors that make one think of wild berries, herbal...
Michael Apstein
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September 2, 2014
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Yes, you read the price correctly — $100 for a bottle of Beaujolais.  But to associate this wine with conventional image of Beaujolais —...
Michael Apstein
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September 2, 2014
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Ever since the Parinet family purchased this iconic property in 2009, they have been making marvelous wine.  They focus solely on wine from Moulin-à-Vent,...
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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September 2, 2014
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This is a Heidi Barrett Cabernet Sauvignon, which is to say that expectations run high, because Barrett is one of the most renowned Cabernet...
Michael Apstein
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September 2, 2014
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The grapes for Animo, (“spirit,” in Italian), come from the family’s vineyard atop Atlas Peak.  Michael Mondavi, one of the sons of the late,...
Michael Apstein
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September 2, 2014
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This marvelous Cabernet, approachable now, combines elegance with power.  Not as concentrated as Chateau Ste. Michelle’s rendition from the Cold Creek Vineyard, this release...
Rich Cook
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September 2, 2014
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Much domestic Sangiovese leaves me flat. Lots of wineries have tried to make it with this grape, but just can’t seem to match the...
Rich Cook
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September 2, 2014
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This is a bright, peppery GSM with a beautiful nose of cherry, spice and wild flowers. It’s very lively on the palate, with a...
Rich Cook
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September 2, 2014
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There’s nothing adversarial about this bold Mourvedre. It’s nice and meaty on the nose, with elements of plum, pepper and granite minerality. Vibrant acidity...