Wine Reviews

An archive of all wine reviews

Silver Oak, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
July 30, 2013
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Time-tested and consumer-loved, the Silver Oak Alexander Valley shows plenty of American oak and red currant flavors. The wood and fruit dance well together,...
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Sojourn, Sonoma Coast (Sonoma County) Pinot Noir 2011
Robert Whitley
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August 6, 2013
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The Sojourn Gap’s Crown from this vintage is forward, supple and ready to drink now. It offers a burst of bright raspberry and red...
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Bella, Sonoma County (California) Zinfandel 2010
Robert Whitley
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July 30, 2013
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Having been a harsh critic of modern Zinfandel with its elevated alcohol levels and overripe, jammy flavors, it’s only fair that I stand up...
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Dierberg, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Pinot Noir 2010
Linda Murphy
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July 30, 2013
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Sports the signature Sta. Rita Hills Pinot character of firm tannic structure, dark-berry fruit and black tea, and adds to that inviting rose petal,...
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DeMartino, Choapa Valley (Chile) Syrah 2011
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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July 30, 2013
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De Martino, one of Chile’s finest producers, is situated in the Maipo region.  The grapes for this wine, however, come from Choapa Valley, 250...
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Weingut Graf Neipperg, Württemberg Qualitatswein (Germany) Lemberger Trocken 2011
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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July 30, 2013
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You could confuse this Lemberger — aka Blaufrankish — for a Pinot Noir because of its sour cherry and black cherry fruit, but it...
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P.J. Valckenberg, Rheinhessen Qualitatswein (Germany) Pinot Noir 2012
Mary Ewing-Mulligan
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July 30, 2013
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This unoaked Pinot Noir from Germany is a completely different rendition of what we mostly find behind Pinot Noir labels.  It is pale in...
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Benessere Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Zinfandel 2009
Rich Cook
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July 30, 2013
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This is a big wine that delivers big fruit and spice in a complex, dry style.  Aromas of bramble, black cherry, plum, vanilla and...
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Bravium, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Pinot Noir 2011
Rich Cook
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July 30, 2013
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This vineyard is adjacent to Stanly Lane in Carneros and is planted with three Pinot Noir clones: Swan, 115, and Pommard.  The vintage was...
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Bravium, Mendocino Ridge (California) Pinot Noir 2011
Rich Cook
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July 30, 2013
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This is the biggest wine of the three 2011 Pinot Noir offerings from Derek Rohlffs of Bravium, but it’s big in a very elegant...
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Dow’s, Oporto (Douro Valley, Portugal) 2011
July 30, 2013
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The wine of the vintage, the super incredible Dow’s has outdone itself. Drawn from some of Douro’s best vineyards, this effort is all one...
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Saucelito Canyon Vineyard, San Luis Obispo County (California) Zinfandel 2012
Rich Cook
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July 23, 2013
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Estate Zinfandel specialist Saucelito Canyon produces this bottling as their first release of the vintage each year to keep their fans happy as they...
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