Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Vaza, Rioja (Spain) 2011
Robert Whitley
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January 28, 2014
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If you are interested in bang for the buck, this straightforward Rioja Cosecha from Vaza should do nicely. This wine is fresh and clean,...
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Handley Cellars, Anderson Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2010
Robert Whitley
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January 28, 2014
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Anderson Valley over the past decade or so has emerged as one of the world’s most promising terroirs for Pinot Noir. The cool coastal...
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Greenhill Winery & Vineyards, Virginia (United States) 2009
Robert Whitley
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January 28, 2014
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This is an excellent example of a domestic sparkling wine that’s not trying to be Champagne. With green apple and citrus aromas, it is...
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Louis M. Martini, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet 2010
Robert Whitley
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January 28, 2014
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Martini has been producing outstanding Napa Valley Cabernet for as long as I’ve been alive, so it’s no surprise it would pop up with...
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Maryhill Winery, Columbia Valley (Washington) Syrah 2011
Robert Whitley
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January 28, 2014
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Washington’s growing reputation for world-class Syrah is hardly a fluke, and this gem from Maryhill is a fine example of the genre. It is...
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Black Box, California (United States) Merlot 2012
Robert Whitley
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January 28, 2014
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Sometimes a wine consumer must think outside the box. Or drink outside the box. Or something like that. The price on this wine, it...
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Villa Vallecito Vineyards, Sierra Foothills (California) Barbera 2010
Robert Whitley
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January 28, 2014
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Barbera from the New World unlike Barbera from northern Italy, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The grape variety typically exhibits high levels...
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Williamsburg Winery, Virginia (United States) Cabernet Franc 2010
Robert Whitley
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January 28, 2014
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Cabernet Franc is frequently disparaged because it can produce wines that are somewhat green and often tanninc. Not so the Cab Franc made in...
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The Four Graces, Dundee Hills (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2011
Robert Whitley
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January 28, 2014
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An elegant Pinot, this vintage of Black Family Estate from The Four Graces recently took a platinum award at the fifth annual Winemaker Challenge...
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Sandeman, Douro Valley (Portugal) 2011
Robert Whitley
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January 21, 2014
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Sandeman’s 2011 vintage Port shows a broad palate, with ultra-ripe fruit and mellow tannins, a vintage Port well suited for near-term consumption. With flavors...
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Ata Rangi, Martinborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Apstein
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January 21, 2014
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Martinborough on New Zealand’s Northern Island and Central Otago on the Southern Island are the places for Pinot Noir in that, although you’d get...
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Allan Scott Family Winemakers, Marlborough (New Zealand) Pinot Noir 2011
Michael Apstein
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January 21, 2014
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Allan Scott was among the early pioneers in Marlborough showing how that region could excel with Sauvignon Blanc.  He is now showing what the...
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