Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Frisson, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Robert Whitley
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June 17, 2014
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It’s certainly no surprise when a Napa Valley Cabernet turns out to be a show-stopper, but occasionally the producer raises an eyebrow. Frisson is...
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Cougar Crest Estate Winery, Walla Walla Valley (Washington) 2010
Michael Franz
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June 17, 2014
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 This blend of 40% Merlot, 25% Malbec, 20% Petite Verdot and 15% Cabernet Franc is strikingly expressive in aroma and flavor, with dark-toned fruit...
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August Ridge Vineyards, Paso Robles (Central Coast, California) 2009
Michael Franz
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June 17, 2014
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 This interesting blend of 62% Sangiovese, 18% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon shows impressive complexity–especially in aromatic terms–which is attributable in part to its...
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Karelas, Achaia (Greece) 2011
Robert Whitley
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June 17, 2014
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The Pelagos Red is a blend of the international grape variety Merlot and the indigenous grape Mavrodaphne, an intriguing combination that delivers complex red-...
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La Rochelle Winery, Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County, California) Pinot Noir 2010
Michael Franz
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June 17, 2014
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 Admirably complex, with a delectable streak of sweetness braced by a bright beam of acidity, this is a Pinot that is at once alluring...
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D & L Carinalli Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2010
Robert Whitley
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June 17, 2014
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This inexpensive Russian River Valley Pinot is structured and elegant, shows delicate red-fruited aromas, and a thread of minerality that sets it up as...
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ZD Wines, Carneros (Napa Valley) Pinot Noir 2012
Robert Whitley
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June 17, 2014
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ZD has long been among the Napa Valley’s classiest wineries, famous for its elegant Chardonnay and show-stopping Pinots. The 2012 Founder’s Reserve Pinot represents...
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Wynns Coonawarra Estate, Coonawarra (South Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Wayne Belding
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June 10, 2014
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New World Cabernet Sauvignon rarely achieve the degree of elegance and liveliness on the palate of the Wynns bottling.  Drawn from the famous terra...
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Marziano Abbona, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2010
Michael Franz
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June 10, 2014
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I’ve loved this wine for years, but I’ve never tasted a rendition that could match this stunningly beautiful 2010, which stood out immediately in...
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Cerulli Spinozzi, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Colline Teramane (Abruzzo, Italy) 2008
Michael Apstein
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June 10, 2014
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 Cerulli Spinozzi’s Torre Migliori has all of the concentration that Montepulciano d’Abruzzo is known for, but with a complexity and elegance that is rarely...
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Cerulli Spinozzi, Colli Aprutini IGP (Abruzzo, Italy) Pecorino 2013
Michael Apstein
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June 10, 2014
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It’s not just a cheese.  Pecorino (from “pecora,” the word for sheep in Italian) is also a grape native to Abruzzo and Marche, regions...
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Stroppiana Oreste, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2010
Michael Franz
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June 10, 2014
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I’ve had my eye on this producer for several years, as the quality of the wines has been impressive and consistently improving.  This terrific...
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