Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

J. Lohr Estates, Paso Robles (California) Syrah 2011
Rich Cook
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October 1, 2013
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A solid value Syrah from Paso Robles.  The aroma profile includes blackberry, blueberry, tar, black and white pepper and mild herbs, all of which...
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J. Lohr Estates, Monterey (California) Valdiguie 2011
Rich Cook
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October 1, 2013
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A ten dollar wine (and that’s full retail) that can handle lots of situations.  It’s great as a stand alone cocktail, and will pair...
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Cougar Vineyard & Winery, Temecula Valley (California) Montepulciano 2010
Rich Cook
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October 1, 2013
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There isn’t a lot of Montepulciano planted in California, and I think I can count the number of domestic 100% varietal bottlings that I’ve...
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Angove, McLaren Vale (Australia) 2012
Marguerite Thomas
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October 1, 2013
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The estate’s founder (in 1886) was William Angove, a medical doctor who began making wine as a tonic for his patients.  While a few...
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Foxen Winery, Santa Maria Valley (California) Pinot Noir 2010
Michael Apstein
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October 1, 2013
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This concentrated Pinot Noir pulls it off without landing in the Pinot Syrah category because underneath all that power is refinement.  Long and layered,...
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Cesari, IGT Veneto (Italy) Corvina 2008
Michael Apstein
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October 1, 2013
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Cesari, who makes lovely Valpolicella from the usual blend of Molinara, Corvina and Rondinella, also makes a wine, which if it were in Tuscany...
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Familia Zuccardi, Mendoza (Argentina) 2010
October 1, 2013
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This wine is what the Familia Zuccardi considers a classic blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, and from two classic areas of Mendoza.  The...
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Zuccardi, La Consulta (Mendoza, Argentina) 2011
October 1, 2013
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The blend of grapes for this wine is 70% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% of Ancellotta, an obscure grape whose home is the...
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Familia Zuccardi, Mendoza (Argentina) Bonarda 2011
October 1, 2013
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The deep ruby-purple color of this wine and the way it stains the glass when swirled presages its richness and concentration.  The wine has...
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Jean-Luc Colombo, Crozes-Hermitage (Rhone Valley, France) 2010
Robert Whitley
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September 24, 2013
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 Jean-Luc Colombo 2010 “Les Fees Brunes” Crozes-Hermitage is a result of Jean-Luc’s stellar stewardship of the vines. Crozes-Hermitage, a few miles up the river...
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Lange Estate Winery, Dundee Hills (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir 2009
Michael Apstein
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October 1, 2013
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Given the limited production of this single vineyard wine, it will be hard to find.  But it’s surely worth the search.  Lange Estate makes...
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Antano, Rioja Reserva (Spain) 2008
Robert Whitley
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September 24, 2013
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 Antano 2008 Rioja Reserva exemplifies the value to be found in Spanish reds, particularly Rioja. This region was the benchmark for quality in post-World...
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