Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Bonny Doon Vineyard, California (United States) 2010
Robert Whitley
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November 12, 2013
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This is a somewhat rustic wine from Bonny Doon, offering up earthy aromas and ripe black fruits, with somewhat chewy tannins and mature notes...
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Bonny Doon Vineyard, Edna Valley (California) Syrah 2010
Robert Whitley
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November 12, 2013
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This is precisely the sort of red wine I prefer to serve at a holiday feast for family and friends. It’s light on the...
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Robert Talbott Vineyards, Santa Lucia Highlands (California) Pinot Noir 2011
Rich Cook
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November 12, 2013
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A nicely balanced, fruit and spice driven Pinot Noir at a nice price.  Black cherry, cedaryspice, raspberry, and a very mild dry earth note...
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Domaine Chiroulet, Côtes de Gascogne (Gascony, France) 2012
W. Blake Gray
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November 12, 2013
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A sommelier’s version of a Côtes de Gascogne, quite earthy, and successively more interesting with more time in the glass.

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Louis M. Martini, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Robert Whitley
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November 30, 2013
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This ultra-smooth Cabernet Sauvignon from Martini shows well even at this early stage of development, exhibiting layered aromas of blackberry and cassis, with a...
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Don Miguel Gascon, Mendoza (Argentina) 2012
Michael Apstein
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November 5, 2013
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The name says it all.  This blend of Malbec, Bonarda, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon delivers subtly sweet, almost jammy, ripe black fruit flavors enveloped...
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Renwood Winery, Fiddletown (Amador County, California) Zinfandel 2011
Michael Apstein
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November 5, 2013
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With their Fiddletown bottling, Renwood Winery has produced a lush and simultaneously, briary Zinfandel, filled with dark fruit flavors and spice.  It has depth...
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Robert Mondavi, Oakville (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Michael Apstein
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November 5, 2013
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This concentrated and bold — 15% stated alcohol — Cabernet does manage to contain itself.  The breeding of Napa Valley is apparent with rich...
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Cono Sur, Maipo Valley (Chile) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Michael Apstein
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November 5, 2013
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Cono Sur has done it again with their top-of-the-line, “20 Barrels” bottling.  Their 20 Barrels Pinot Noir (previously reviewed) was excellent.  This Cabernet Sauvignon...
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Cloudburst, Margaret River (Australia) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Michael Apstein
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November 5, 2013
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Will Berliner is either a visionary or has beginner’s luck.  An American married to an Australian and settled in Western Australia’s Margaret River area,...
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Antica Fratta, Franciacorta (Lombardy, Italy) 2009
Michael Apstein
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November 5, 2013
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Pierot Bonomi, Antica Fratta’s winemaker, almost apologetically commenting on his Rosé’s pale color notes that rosé “must be drunk with the mouth, not with...
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Sea Smoke Cellars, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Blanc De Noir 2011
Rich Cook
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November 5, 2013
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Renowned Pinot Noir producer Sea Smoke enters the sparkling wine arena with this beautiful bottling.  Winemaker Victor Gallegos first produced a sparkling wine from...
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