Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

MacMurray Ranch, Central Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Apstein
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March 11, 2014
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Though there’s a whiff of non-fruit notes in the nose, the focus here is clearly on ripe red/back fruit flavors.  The wine’s plush texture...
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Foursight Wines, Anderson Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2010
Rich Cook
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March 11, 2014
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This Pinot Noir underwent its aging regimen in one-half second year and one-half third year oak, so barrel influence is in the background, allowing...
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Amalaya, Salta (Argentina) Malbec 2012
Rich Cook
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March 11, 2014
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A nice peppery Malbec with dark fruit, vanilla and spice, food friendly acidity and a long finish at a price that won’t break the...
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Colomé, Valle Calchaqui (Salta, Argentina) Malbec 2011
Rich Cook
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March 11, 2014
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I’ve said it before — I’m not a huge fan of Malbec, though I’ve given enthusiastic reviews to a few pricey bottles recently.  Here’s...
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Tomero, Mendoza (Argentina) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Michael Apstein
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March 11, 2014
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Usually big sized reds, like this one, have big sized tannins to accompany the concentration.  Not here.  This is a big and ripe Cabernet...
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William Hill Estate Winery, North Coast (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Michael Apstein
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March 11, 2014
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William Hill manages to combine cassis-like flavors with undertones of black olive-like note in this nicely balanced Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine.  The tannins are fine...
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Calera, Mt. Harlan (Central Coast, California) Pinot Noir 2009
Robert Whitley
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October 16, 2012
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Jensen is one of the rarest of Calera’s Pinots, with fewer than 300 cases produced in the 2009 vintage. It is also one of...
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Luca Bosio, Barbera d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) 2009
Robert Whitley
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March 11, 2014
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Barbera is a tricky grape variety that can produce unpleasant results because of its naturally high acidity. No such luck with this effort from...
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MacMurray Ranch, Central Cpast (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Robert Whitley
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March 11, 2014
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Not every decent California Pinot must cost $50, at least that’s the message from MacMurray Ranch with its 2012 Central Coast Pinot Noir that...
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Avignonesi, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano (Tuscany, Italy) 2011
Robert Whitley
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March 11, 2014
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Pound for pound, the Vino Nobile consistently delivers the best value in Tuscan red wine. And Avignonesi has for decades been the region’s top...
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Isole e Olena, Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy) 2011
Michael Apstein
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March 4, 2014
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Paolo de Marchi, owner, viticulturist and winemaker at Isole e Olena, makes only two Sangiovese-based wines. This one and his super stellar Cepparello. Since...
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d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale (Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Marguerite Thomas
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March 4, 2014
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I’m the sort of person who can’t just gloss over the name “Stump Jump” without wanting to know what it means.  (Perhaps another way...
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