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Decoy, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2008
Paul Lukacs
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October 19, 2010
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 A substantial Merlot, with a well-defined structure, firm tannins, and good length on the palate, this wine stands as a counterpoint to the bevy...
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Hawley, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) Late Harvest Zinfandel 2009
Marguerite Thomas
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October 19, 2010
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 Hawley is a tiny, family-owned and run winery nestled in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley.  This late harvest wine has many of the bold flavor...
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Bodegas Fariña, Vina de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon (Castilla y León, Spain) 2009
Michael Apstein
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October 12, 2010
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 In addition to this wine, Bodegas Fariña also produces the Dama de Toro line from, not surprisingly, the Toro region.  Though this one and...
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Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier, Victoria (Australia) Shiraz-Viognier 2008
Michael Franz
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October 12, 2010
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 This impressive wine is a cooperative venture between the Rhône’s Michel Chapoutier and Napa’s Anthony Terlato.  Those who are accustomed to Shiraz from the...
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Dama de Toro, Toro (Castilla y León, Spain) Tempranillo 2009
Michael Apstein
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October 12, 2010
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 Though the muscular signature of wines from Toro is apparent, this wine remains lively and well balanced.  There’s an engaging combination of spice, earthy...
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Casa Silva, Colchagua Valley (Chile) Carmenère 2008
Michael Apstein
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October 12, 2010
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 This stylish Carménère balances ripe black fruit flavors with an alluring savory quality characteristic of the varietal.  The combination gives it delightful complexity, as...
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Penfolds, Adelaide (South Australia, Australia) Shiraz 2008
Paul Lukacs
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October 12, 2010
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 Offering excellent value, this is a substantial red wine, full of juicy fruit but balanced and focused, with layered secondary flavors that hit at...
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Don Miguel Gascón, Mendoza (Argentina) Malbec 2009
Michael Franz
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October 12, 2010
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 There’s a risk that this consistently strong wine will be overshadowed by the Riserva stablemate from 2008 that now joins it in US markets,...
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Rodney Strong, Russian River Valley (Sonoma County, California) Pinot Noir 2008
Paul Lukacs
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October 5, 2010
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 From a winery that often does not get the respect that its wines indicate it deserves, this reserve Pinot offers pretty cherry fruit enhanced...
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Bonny Doon Vineyard, Central Coast (California) 2009
Robert Whitley
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October 5, 2010
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 As I taste this wine I am reminded of many of the delicious reds I’ve enjoyed from various AOCs of the Languedoc over the...
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Cupcake Vineyards, Barossa Valley (South Australia) Shiraz 2008
Robert Whitley
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October 12, 2010
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 This is the money grape in the Barossa, so the better wines can be quite expensive. Cupcake offers a classic example of Barossa Shiraz,...
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Cupcake Vineyards, Central Coast (California) Pinot Noir 2008
Robert Whitley
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October 12, 2010
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 This lightly colored Pinot won’t impress with its appearance, an indication perhaps that there might not be much flavor in the glass. Looks can...
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