Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Peter Lehmann, Barossa (South Australia) 2011
Robert Whitley
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April 22, 2014
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This spicy Shiraz from the Australian heartland is a huge mouthful of wine for the price. It shows layered aromas of black fruits, supple...
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Quintessa, Rutherford (Napa Valley, California) 2008
Robert Whitley
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October 18, 2011
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 Oh wow, does the 2008 Quintessa rock! This vintage is a stunning example of everything this project was meant to be, a Napa Valley...
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Rocca delle Macie, Toscana IGT (Italy) Sangiovese Syrah 2011
Robert Whitley
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April 15, 2014
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This interesting and unusual blend from Rocca delle Macie demonstrates a surprising synergy between Sangiovese, the indigenous red grape of the region, and Syrah,...
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Swanson Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Rich Cook
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April 22, 2014
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This flagship bottling from Swanson has really dialed in classic old school Napa Valley character.  By old school, I mean that it’s got serious...
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Mariposa, Paso Robles (California) Tempranillo 2011
Rich Cook
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April 22, 2014
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Domestic food friendly Tempranillo of this quality is tough to find.  This wine shows bright cherry fruit, vanilla, dill, lemon zest and baking spices...
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Buty Winery, Columbia Valley (Washington) Merlot & Cabernet Franc 2011
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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April 22, 2014
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This blend of Merlot (67 percent) and Cabernet Franc is a very elegant wine — in other words, a wine of smoothness and balance,...
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Buty Winery, Horse Heaven Hills (Washington) 2010
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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April 22, 2014
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A blend of 85 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 15 percent Syrah from the cool 2010 vintage, this is a fascinating wine that delivers the...
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S & G Estate, Paso Robles (California) 2010
Rich Cook
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April 15, 2014
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This wine is a testament to what can be done with Merlot in Paso Robles.  It’s incredibly full bodied, with a deep black and...
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Eberle Winery, Paso Robles (California) Barbera 2011
Robert Whitley
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April 15, 2014
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Barbera has never quite caught on in California for reasons that are not quite clear. Perhaps a skeptical public would be more attracted to...
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Hess Select, Central Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Franz
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April 15, 2014
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This delicious, high-value-per-dollar wine shows an open, expressively fruity nose with dark cherry fruit notes in the lead, but also a savory character that...
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Barrel Oak Winery, Virginia (United States) Petit Verdot 2010
Robert Whitley
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April 15, 2014
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Virginia reds have been coming on strong in recent vintages, as this 100 percent Petit Verdot from Barrel Oak Winery demonstrates. The fruit is...
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Salentein, Valle de Uco (Mendoza, Argentina) 2011
Robert Whitley
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April 15, 2014
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Complex red and fruits dominate this exotic red Bordeaux-style blend. The tannins are silky smooth, and there is tremendous persistence of flavor through the...
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