Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Maquis, Colchagua Valley (Chile) 2009
Michael Franz
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September 24, 2013
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This is the seventh vintage of this wine that I’ve tasted, and every release has been excellent.  The suggested retail price has doubled across...
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Jean-Luc Colombo, Cotes-du-Rhone (France) 2010
Robert Whitley
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September 24, 2013
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 Jean-Luc routinely treats his Cotes-du-Rhone wines with the same respect and attention to detail he gives to his top crus, and that is apparent...
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Jean-Luc Colombo, Coutes-du-Rhone (France) 2011
Robert Whitley
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September 24, 2013
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 This southern Rhone blend of grenache, syrah and mourvedre is a bit of a masterpiece considering the price. It exhibits the firm structure and...
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Esporao, Alentejo DOC (Portugal) 2009
Robert Whitley
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September 24, 2013
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 Esporao 2009 Reserva is a suggestion from a somewhat forgotten corner of wine’s global landscape. We drink sweet, fortified wines from Portugal. We drink...
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Dutton Goldfield, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2011
Robert Whitley
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September 24, 2013
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 Dutton Goldfield Freestone Hill Vineyard Pinot is for those big spenders who just love mind-bending Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. For my money this...
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Alexander Valley Vineyards, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County) Merlot 2010
Robert Whitley
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September 24, 2013
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 Alexander Valley Vineyards 2010 Estate Merlot ably demonstrates the synergy the merlot grape seems to have with the varied appellations of Sonoma County. From...
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J. Lohr, Monterey (California) Valdiguie 2011
Robert Whitley
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September 17, 2013
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Valdiguie was once widely and incorrectly marketed as gamay, the red grape variety seen in the Beaujolais district of Burgundy. It is true there...
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Roth Estate, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County) Merlot 2010
Robert Whitley
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September 17, 2013
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This latest Roth Estate Merlot is typical of Merlot from the warm Alexander Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king. That’s not necessarily a bad...
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Joseph Phelps, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Michael Apstein
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September 17, 2013
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Phelps is one of the great names for Napa Valley Cabernet.  They don’t disappoint with their 2010.  It delivers everything–dark fruit, herbs, even a...
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Cakebread Cellars, Anderson Valley (Mendocino County, California) Pinot Noir 2011
Michael Apstein
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September 17, 2013
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Cakebread, known for their Napa Valley wines, has expanded to the cooler, more Pinot Noir friendly, Anderson Valley for their foray with the varietal. ...
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Domaine Lionnet, Cornas (Rhône Valley, France) 2010
September 17, 2013
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Ludovic Izerable, winemaker at Domaine Lionnet, is from Grenoble in the Haute Savoie.  He married Corinne Lionnet, whose family has been growing grapes since...
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Etienne Bécheras, St. Joseph (Rhône Valley, France) 2010
September 17, 2013
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This estate grows several fruits, grapes amongst them.  The wines are full and ripe.  This wine has floral and mineral notes on the nose...
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