Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Clau de Nell, Anjou (Loire Valley, France) 2012
Michael Apstein
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August 26, 2014
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Here is an example of a wine that far exceeds the reputation of its appellation.  Though there are well known appellations for red wines...
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Clau de Nell, Anjou (Loire Valley, France) Cabernet Franc 2012
Michael Apstein
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August 26, 2014
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Anne Claude Leflaive, who runs Domaine Leflaive, perhaps the most celebrated producer of white Burgundy, and her husband, Christian Jacques, purchased this domaine in...
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Bookcliff Vineyards, Grand Valley (Colorado) Syrah 2012
Wayne Belding
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August 26, 2014
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Syrah can take many forms.  From the New World, Syrah is most often a dense, powerful wine.  From its Colorado vineyards, Bookcliff has crafted...
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Robert Craig Winery, Napa Valley (California) 2011
Rich Cook
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August 26, 2014
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Another fine vintage of this bottling.  Everything is here — blackberry, black cherry, currants, dried herbs, fall spice, mild roasted coffee and baker’s chocolate...
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Fog Crest Vineyard, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2012
Rich Cook
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August 26, 2014
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A lovely, refined Pinot Noir from a relatively new player in Sonoma.  Black cherry, rhubarb, mild fall spice, damp earth and kirsch are present...
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Sans Liege Wines, Santa Barbara County (California) Grenache 2011
Rich Cook
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August 26, 2014
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This is a very spicy, earthy expression of Grenache.  It’s got plenty of alcohol, but so do almost all of the California versions of...
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Ponzi Vineyards, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2011
Michael Apstein
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August 26, 2014
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Dick Ponzi was one of the Oregon wine pioneers when he and his wife established their winery and vineyard in 1970.  At the time,...
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Grgich Hills Estate, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Robert Whitley
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August 26, 2014
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In so-called "off" vintages I liken Grgich to Bordeaux’ Chateau Latour, which has the remarkable capacity to excel even when growing conditions aren’t ideal....
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Hawk & Horse Vineyards, Red Hills (Lake County) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Robert Whitley
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August 26, 2014
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Proprietor Mitch Hawkins has built a solid track record in recent vintages with Cabernets from Lake County that can rival those made in the...
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Fog Crest Vineyard, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2012
Robert Whitley
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August 19, 2014
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Fog Crest is a new player on the Russian River Pinot scene and judging from this effort a reasonable Pinot lover would have to...
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Castello Banfi, Brunello di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) 2008
Michael Apstein
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August 19, 2014
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As much as I like Banfi’s Rosso from the Poggio alle Mura vineyard, their Brunello from that vineyard shows why Brunello is one of...
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Castello Banfi, Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) 2011
Michael Apstein
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August 19, 2014
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The best Rosso di Montalcino, such as this one, can truly be considered “baby” Brunello. Though they lack the complexity of Brunello, they are...
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