Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Benziger Family Winery, Sonoma Valley (California) 2011
Michael Franz
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April 29, 2014
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This terrific blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 18% Malbec shows lovely deep color with impressive saturation of pigments, yet the aromatic...
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Folie a Deux, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Franz
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April 29, 2014
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One strikingly clear result of the 2014 San Diego International Wine Competition (at which this wine won a Platinum award) was that the 2012...
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Trentangeli, Rosso Castel del Monte DOC (Puglia, Italy) 2009
Marguerite Thomas
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April 29, 2014
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This wine is tonic for the soul.  A blend of Aglianico (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Syrah (10%), it bursts onto the palate with an...
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Cusumano, Sicilia IGT (Sicily, Italy) Nero d’Avola 2011
Wayne Belding
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April 29, 2014
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The 2011 Sàgana is a bold and powerful red from Sicily.  It shows the extra dimension that fine Nero d’Avola grapes can add to...
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Feudi del Pisciotto, Sicilia IGT (Sicily, Italy) Frappato 2011
Wayne Belding
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April 22, 2014
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The beauty of Sicily’s indigenous Frappato grape is evidenced here.  Aged in both new and used barrels, it’s a delicious combination of floral, fruit...
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Stone House Vineyard, Barossa Valley (South Australia) Shiraz 2009
Michael Franz
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April 22, 2014
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Among this wine’s many virtues, soaring aromatics figure very prominently, as scents of ripe red and black berries are remarkably expressive, with lovely accents...
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Cult X, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) 2011
Michael Franz
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April 22, 2014
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A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec and 10% Merlot, this shows very impressive intensity and drive without coming off as over-extracted or...
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Windsor Oaks, Russian River Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Franz
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April 22, 2014
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This wine gets off to a great start with delicate, understated aromas that foreshadow all of the flavors in a telling and proportional way. ...
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Laurier Vineyards, Los Carneros (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Franz
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April 22, 2014
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This shows impressive balance between dark-toned fruit notes and savory accents, lending a very impressive degree of complexity for such a young wine at...
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Banfi, Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG (Piedmont, Italy) 2013
Rich Cook
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April 22, 2014
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This is a delightful sparkler that makes a dessert on its own or pairs beautifully with berries and cream.  It’s all about the raspberries...
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Alder Springs Vineyard, Mendocino (California) Syrah 2012
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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April 22, 2014
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As a vineyard, the Alder Springs property in remote, northern Mendocino County is a gem of a site whose grapes are used by dozens...
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Purple Moon, California (United States) Shiraz 2012
Robert Whitley
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April 22, 2014
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A dynamite effort in this price range, the Purple Moon Shiraz exhibits concentrated dark-fruit aromas, a core of sweet black-fruited flavor, and sweet, supple...
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