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Paint Horse Winery, Sonoma Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Michael Franz
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April 20, 2010
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 Beautifully ripened, this is a fruit-driven Cabernet–but also one that shows some nice aromatic and flavor nuances that aren’t immediately suggestive of fruit.  Nevertheless,...
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Rafael Palacios, Valdeorras (Galicia, Spain) 2008
Michael Apstein
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April 13, 2010
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 With Alvaro Palacios in Priorat and Rioja, Ricardo Palacios in Bierzo, and now with Rafael in Valdeorras, a DO in northwestern Spain, the Palacios...
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Argento, Mendoza (Argentina) Bonarda 2008
Gerald D. Boyd
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April 6, 2010
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Bonarda, an Italian grape, is a widely-planted variety in Argentina, although some experts suggest that the Argentine version may, in fact, be more closely...
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Concha y Toro, Chile (South America) Carmenere 2008
Gerald D. Boyd
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April 6, 2010
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The trio of Concha y Toro Chilean reds – Carmenere, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon — from the ‘Devil’s Cellar’ represent good value and pleasant drinking. ...
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Artezin, Mendocino/Amador/Sonoma Counties (California) Zinfandel 2008
Marguerite Thomas
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April 6, 2010
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One of the interesting things about this wine is that the grapes have been sourced from three different California viticultural districts:  41% come from...
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Concha y Toro, Chile (South America) Merlot 2008
Gerald D. Boyd
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April 6, 2010
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Aged in American oak and stainless steel tanks, this deep purple hued Merlot shows up-front berry and herbal aromas with an earthy back note. ...
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Concha y Toro, Chile (South America) Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Gerald D. Boyd
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April 6, 2010
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Despite the addition of 10% Carmenere, which in theory should soften the Cabernet and brighten the overall character of the wine, I found this...
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Beckmen Vineyards, Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara County, California) Syrah 2008
Michael Apstein
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April 6, 2010
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Beckman’s Estate Syrah rarely disappoints.  This one certainly doesn’t.  Beckman has combined the peppery and plumy aspects of this Janus-like grape into an intriguing...
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Tablas Creek Vineyard, Paso Robles (California) 2008
Paul Lukacs
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April 6, 2010
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A blend of Grenache (42%), Syrah (20%), Counoise ((20%) and Mourvedre (17%), this offering from one of California’s preeminent Rhône Ranger wineries is certainly...
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Girasole Vineyards, Mendocino County (California) Pinot Noir 2008
Paul Lukacs
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March 30, 2010
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 Made with organically-grown grapes, this is a soft, light-bodied expression of Pinot Noir, without any of the heat or heaviness that mars so many...
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Frank Family Vineyards, Carneros (California) Pinot Noir 2008
Michael Franz
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March 30, 2010
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 Frank Family Vineyards is turning out an impressive range of wines that seems to shine regardless of which grape variety is involved.  This Pinot...
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Villa San Juliette Winery, Paso Robles (California) Merlot 2008
Michael Franz
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March 23, 2010
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 Ripe and juicy and very tasty in a straightforward way, this Merlot shows very pure fruit notes recalling both black and red berries.  Oak...
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