Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Villa Sandi, Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG (Veneto, Italy) 2012
Michael Franz
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October 22, 2013
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This is a complete wine regardless the absence of overt sweetness, and a very powerful argument on behalf of DOCG Brut Prosecco.  The aromas...
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Jean Claude Boisset, Beaune 1er Cru (Burgundy, France) 2011
Michael Apstein
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October 22, 2013
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Jean Claude Boisset has reinvented itself over the last decade, going from a Burgundy négociant focusing on quantity to one now focusing on quality. ...
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Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley (Washington) Syrah 2011
Michael Apstein
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October 22, 2013
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Chateau Ste Michelle has the uncanny ability to consistently turn out character-filled wines at excellent prices.  This Syrah delivers a bit of both sides...
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Frei Brothers, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2011
Michael Apstein
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October 22, 2013
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This bright Pinot Noir showcases the ripe sweet fruit of the Russian River Valley.  Concentrated, but not over the top into the Pinot Syrah...
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Trefethen Vineyards, Oak Knoll District (Napa Valley, California) Merlot 2010
Linda Murphy
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October 22, 2013
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Unfortunately, too many California Merlots don’t smell or taste like Merlot.  Too much Cabernet Sauvignon blended with Merlot can obliterate the latter’s underbrush and...
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Freemark Abbey, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2011
Robert Whitley
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October 22, 2013
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Freemark Abbey is best known for its long-lived Cabernet Sauvigon, so its Merlot is often overlooked. This vintage is lighter than some, but the...
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Roth Estate, Sonoma Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2011
Robert Whitley
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October 22, 2013
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Roth’s 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot is a reflection of the spotty vintage. Light in color and without a good deal of weight on the...
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d’Arenberg, McLaren Sand Hills (McLaren Vale, South Australia) Grenache 2010
Michael Franz
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October 15, 2013
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 Before you’d plunk down $85 for a bottle of Grenache, I’d guess you’d need assurance that what you’d be getting would be comparable to...
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Swedish Hill Vineyard, Finger Lakes (New York) Riesling 2012
Rich Cook
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October 15, 2013
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A beautifully balanced Riesling that has great complexity and an incredibly long finish that grows in intensity after your palate is empty.  Aromas of...
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La Bastide Saint Dominique, Côtes du Rhône (Rhône Valley, France) 2011
Michael Franz
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October 15, 2013
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 This special bottling will cost half again as much as La Bastide Saint Dominique’s regular bottling of Côtes du Rhône, which is also quite...
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Alex Gambal, Beaune 1er Cru (Burgundy, France) 2011
Michael Apstein
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October 15, 2013
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The Gambal team, led by winemaker Geraldine Godot who joined Gambal in 2009, has captured the “flavor without weight” character of red Burgundy with...
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Casey Flat Ranch, California (United States) 2009
Rich Cook
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October 15, 2013
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If you are starting to feel the fall weather and are breaking out the slow cooker for stews and other comfort foods, this wine...
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