Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Sans Liege Wines, Paso Robles (Central Coast) Grenache 2011
Rich Cook
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September 2, 2014
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Unlike this winery’s “En Gedi” bottling, the Pickpocket is a more typical California expression of Grenache. It’s got very forward raspberry jam aromas accompanied...
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CrossBarn by Paul Hobbs, Anderson Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2012
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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September 2, 2014
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This is a well-priced and very drinkable Pinot Noir from a California winemaker whose influence extends wide as both a producer and an importer. ...
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Pina, Yountville (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Rich Cook
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September 2, 2014
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I haven’t tasted the Piña wines since the 2008 vintage, and I’ve missed them. This bottling is delightful, showing bright blackberry, raspberry, plum, fall...
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Columbia Winery, Columbia Valley (Washington) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Robert Whitley
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September 2, 2014
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This 2012 Cab from Columbia Winery shows off the exceptional value to be found in Washington reds. It has more complexity, weight and grip...
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William Hill, Central Coast (California) Merlot 2012
Robert Whitley
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September 2, 2014
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Soft and supple, the Central Coast Merlot from William Hill will be a crowd-pleaser with grilled wings and brats at tailgate parties this fall....
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Byron, Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara County) Pinot Noir 2012
Robert Whitley
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September 2, 2014
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This solid, no nonsense Pinot from Byron is nicely structured, with good weight and mouthfeel, pleasing red-fruit aromas, and a spice note that is...
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Edna Valley Vineyard, Central Coast (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Robert Whitley
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September 2, 2014
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This value Can from Edna Valley delivers juicy, ripe fruit in abundance with smooth tannins. It’s built for the near term, which makes it...
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Aril, Atlas Peak (Napa Valley, California) Syrah 2009
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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August 26, 2014
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In a blind tasting, this wine is intriguing because it can seem rather European in style.  The wine’s complex, concentrated aroma speaks of fresh...
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Sartori, Rosso Veronese IGT (Veneto, Italy) 2010
Michael Apstein
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August 26, 2014
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Though made entirely from Corvina Veronese, the most prized grape of Valpolicella, and grown in the mandated area, Regolo can not be labeled Valpolicella...
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Sartori, Valpolicella Classico Superiore (Veneto, Italy) 2011
Michael Apstein
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August 26, 2014
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Andrea Sartori refers to their Valpolicella Classico as “the disappearing version” because so many producers are abandoning it for a wine made using the...
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Dutton-Goldfield, Dutton Ranch (Russian River Valley, California) Zinfandel 2012
Rich Cook
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August 26, 2014
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Morelli Lane is a ridge-top vineyard near Occidental where this dry farmed Zinfandel was planted over 100 years ago.  It’s handled deftly by Dan...
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Clau de Nell, IGT Vin de Pays du Val de Loire (France) Grolleau 2012
Michael Apstein
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August 26, 2014
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The Oxford Companion to Wine notes that Grolleau, a local red grape of the Loire, “produces extremely high yields of relatively thin, acid wine...
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