Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale (Australia) 2009
Rich Cook
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May 13, 2014
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Aromas of tart cherry, leaf, blueberry, fall spice, sweet sage, and medium oak toast become evident after some swirling off of this slightly reduced...
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Château Faizeau, Montagne-Saint-Emilion (Bordeaux, France) 2010
Michael Apstein
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May 13, 2014
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Montagne-Saint-Emilion, a “satellite” appellation of Saint-Emilion, lies adjacent to the north of that revered appellation.  The wines from this satellite are never as grand...
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Guigal, Crozes-Hermitage Rouge (Northern Rhône, France) Syrah 2009
Wayne Belding
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May 13, 2014
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Although newer vintages have been released, the 2009 Guigal Crozes-Hermitage is widely available and should be sought by those who savor the classic Northern...
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Bonny Doon, Monterey County (California) Grenache 2013
Michael Apstein
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May 13, 2014
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Randall Grahm, proprietor of Bonny Doon, is a winemaker who sets his own course and follows it.  Far before lower alcohol wines became the...
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Sans Liege, Santa Barbara County (California) 2011
Rich Cook
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May 13, 2014
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Yes!  Blackberry, blueberry, tar, orange blossom, orange zest, and bright white pepper are all nicely balanced on the nose and the palate, with solid...
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Attilio Ghisolfi, Barolo (Piedmont, Italy) 2008
Rich Cook
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May 13, 2014
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Wines like this deepen my understanding of fans of Barolo.  The nose is vibrant and nuanced all at once, showing cherry, blueberry, flowers, wintermint,...
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Luca Bosio, Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC (Piedmont, Italy) 2009
Rich Cook
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May 13, 2014
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This wine is all about the nose — chocolate, cherry, rose petal, cinnamon and tea with mild toasty notes comingle beautifully in the glass. ...
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Lambert Bridge Winery, Sonoma County (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Linda Murphy
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May 13, 2014
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Forget about the Lambert Bridge wines of 15 years ago, which were competent yet unexciting.  Embrace the new Lambert Bridge, under the ownership of...
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Foppiano Vineyards, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2011
Linda Murphy
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May 13, 2014
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Winemaker Natalie West, a relatively recent addition to the venerable Foppiano brand, shepherded this wine from vine to bottle.  It’s reminiscent of Knott’s Berry...
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Calera, Mt. Harlan (San Benito County, California) Pinot Noir 2011
Rich Cook
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May 13, 2014
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Calera’s 2011 Reed Pinot Noir uses the acidity provided by a very cool and uneven vintage to great advantage, making a very complex bottling. ...
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Château de Chamirey, Mercurey 1er Cru (Burgundy, France) 2010
Michael Apstein
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May 13, 2014
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The Château de Chamirey, one of the finest producers in Mercurey, owns about one-third of Clos du Roi, a 30-acre premier cru vineyard.  They’ve...
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Truchard, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Apstein
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May 13, 2014
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Since the 1940s when Louis M. Martini planted Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the Stanly Ranch in Carneros, California growers have been enthralled by...
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