Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Cobb, South Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2009
Marguerite Thomas
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October 29, 2013
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There is little doubt that this young wine will be even better if you have the patience to wait for it to mature, but...
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Man Vintners, Coastal Region (South Africa) Pinotage 2011
Marguerite Thomas
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October 29, 2013
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For American wine drinkers Pinotage can be a bit of an acquired taste.  Some call Pinotage’s slightly foreign flavor “funky,” others describe it as...
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Bonny Doon Vineyard, Central Coast (California) Grenache 2012
Robert Whitley
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October 29, 2013
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Technically the 2012 vintage of Clos de Gilroy is a Grenach-Syrah-Mourvedre (GSM in the lingo of the wine trade) blend, but with the majority...
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Robert Craig Winery, Howell Mountain (Napa Valley, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Rich Cook
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October 29, 2013
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Another solid Cabernet Sauvignon from Robert Craig.  This one has forward blackberry, cassis, tobacco, dried herbs, pepper and a sexy raspberry note on the...
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Buglioni, Valpolicella (Veneto, Italy) 2011
Rich Cook
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October 29, 2013
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It’s not every day that I get to sample a sparkling Molinara.  100% varietal, this wine has a very bright strawberry nose — it...
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Sterling Vineyards, Central Coast (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Rich Cook
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October 29, 2013
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This budget-minded Cabernet Sauvignon shows correct varietal character, with aromas and flavors of blackberry, cassis, dried herbs, mild bell pepper and allspice.  It has...
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Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Rich Cook
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October 29, 2013
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Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon under thirty dollars is almost non-existent, and to find one with this kind of pedigree is a rare find indeed. ...
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Clos du Val, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2010
Michael Apstein
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October 22, 2013
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Clos du Val, one of the pioneer Napa Valley wineries, fortunately has never varied from it style that values finesse over power.  Admirable restraint...
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Truchard Vineyards, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Pinot Noir 2011
Rich Cook
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October 22, 2013
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Winemaker Sal De Ianni shows a deft hand with Carneros Pinot Noir with this fine bottling.  Cherry, strawberry, rhubarb, mild damp earth, cardamom and...
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Alamos, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2011
Rich Cook
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October 22, 2013
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A little pricier than the “regular” bottling, this wine delivers a little more stuffing.  Forward aromas of white pepper and blackberry are undergirded with...
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Buglioni, Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore (Veneto, Italy) 2009
Robert Whitley
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October 22, 2013
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Buglioni’s ripasso is a complex wine that offers intense dark-fruited flavors, robust body and a long, spicy finish that shows hints of fennel, balsamic...
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Spagnol, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG (Veneto, Italy) 2012
Michael Franz
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October 22, 2013
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Spagnol elects not to write “Millesimato” on the label of this wine but the year does appear, and this is a truly Brut wine,...
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