Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Carol Shelton Wines, Mendocino County (California) Zinfandel 2011
Rich Cook
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March 18, 2014
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This wine came out as the group favorite in a Zinfandel based blend blind tasting I hosted recently — and against some well respected,...
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Kendall Jackson Vineyards & Winery, Sonoma County (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Rich Cook
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March 18, 2014
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This bottling showcases the dark side of Cabernet Sauvignon from California — deep mixed black fruit, fall spice, coffee, dark chocolate and dried earth...
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Geyser Peak Winery, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) 2011
Rich Cook
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March 18, 2014
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This wine delights with aromas of blackberry, red plum, leaf, caramel and a touch of pepper, and delivers on the promise of the nose...
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Geyser Peak Winery, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2012
Rich Cook
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March 18, 2014
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A mineral-driven Pinot Noir that will please those seeking an inexpensive yet elegant bottle that will pair with, not overpower, a meal.  The nose...
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Daou Vineyards, Paso Robles (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Rich Cook
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March 18, 2014
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Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon under 14% alcohol?  I looked twice — it’s true, and it’s great to see.  This crowd pleaser brings rich ripe...
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Castello Banfi, IGT Toscana (Italy) 2010
Michael Apstein
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March 18, 2014
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Castello Banfi, one of the leading producers Brunello di Montalcino, introduced Belnero a few years ago.  It is composed almost exclusively of Sangiovese, though...
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Decoy, Napa County (California) 2011
Michael Apstein
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March 18, 2014
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Decoy is Duckhorn’s little sister winery that focuses on wines that are meant to be consumed immediately after release.  And this supple mid-weight wine...
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La Crema, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Marguerite Thomas
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March 18, 2014
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Sweet, soft and plush, this Pinot Noir’s flavors seems to bulge with like pregnant berries.  The aromas are enticing, but I found the overgenerous...
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Souverain, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Robert Whitley
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March 18, 2014
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This is a remarkable wine given the difficulties of the vintage, but winemaker Ed Killian is one of the best in the business and...
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Poggio Scalette, Alta Valle della Greve IGT (Tuscany, Italy) Sangiovese 2009
Wayne Belding
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March 18, 2014
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Il Carbonaione is a beautiful, layered and luscious rendition of Sangiovese from high elevation vines above Greve in Chianti.  Its pure black cherry, blackberry...
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Luca Bosio, Moscato d’Asti (Piedmont, Italy) 2012
Robert Whitley
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March 11, 2014
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Imagine a picnic on a warm summer day with fresh fruits, aged cheeses or mildly sweet Italian cookies. In this Moscato d’Asti from Luca...
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MacMurray Ranch, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Apstein
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March 11, 2014
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MacMurray Ranch’s Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley offers up more herbal and spice elements, giving it more layers, compared to their Central...
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