Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Alta Maria Vineyards, Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara County) Pinot Noir 2010
Robert Whitley
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December 10, 2013
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Within the realm of bargain-priced Pinot Noir, which includes anything under $30, there is an ocean of inoffensive wine that does little to stir...
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Chateau Greysac, Medoc (Bordeaux, France) 2009
Michael Apstein
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December 10, 2013
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 Château Greysac, a consistently value-packed wine, is one of the most widely available Bordeaux in the U.S. marketplace. The 2009 is particularly successful because...
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Laetitia, Arroyo Grande Valley (Central Coast, California) Pinot Noir 2012
Michael Apstein
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December 10, 2013
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 Laetitia could be considered a pioneer in Arroyo Grande Valley having planted their vineyards over 30 years ago.  They make a line of distinctive...
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Joseph Phelps, Napa Valley (California) 2009
December 3, 2013
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Insignia has been a wine that I could enjoy at almost any point in its development, whether just released or aged for years.  The...
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Beaulieu Vineyard, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
December 3, 2013
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An exceptional performer, one of year’s best releases in any category, the 2010 BV Georges de Latour shows brilliant red currant aromas and flavors,...
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Perrin Family L’Oustalet, Rhône Valley (France) 2011
Marguerite Thomas
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December 3, 2013
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This is a perfect example of how the price / quality ratio often makes little sense when it comes to wine. This enticing example,...
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Georges Duboeuf, Beaujolais Nouveau (Burgundy, France) 2013
Marguerite Thomas
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December 3, 2013
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“Less is more” is a catchphrase that might be applied to Beaujolais Nouveau as well as to modernist architecture.  Characteristically, the wines have less...
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Laurel Glen, Sonoma Mountain (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
December 3, 2013
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Laurel Glen makes wines of balance; a cooler-climate alternative to stereotypical big, fruity California red wines.  The complex nose shows both dark fruits of...
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Diamond Creek Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
December 3, 2013
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Earth dominates this wine with clay and mineral highlights on a restrained nose.  The wine is closed at the moment, needing time in bottle...
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Cru Wine Company, Santa Lucia Highlands (California) Pinot Noir 2012
Rich Cook
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December 3, 2013
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A solid value Pinot Noir with a big cherry cola nose joined by hints of cinnamon and cardamom.  The palate delivers on the promise...
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Christian Lazo Winery, Paso Robles (California) Zinfandel 2009
Rich Cook
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December 3, 2013
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Here’s a big, full-bodied Zinfandel that doesn’t go over the top.  Dill, mixed berries, rhubarb and fall spices are well integrated in both aroma...
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Nickel & Nickel, Rutherford (Napa Valley) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Robert Whitley
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December 3, 2013
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Winemaker Darice Spinelli’s deft hand with Cabernet Sauvignon is in evidence, as is the quality of the fruit off of this Rutherford district vineyard....
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