Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog

Jan 202014
 
2012 Siduri Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, CA, $28 – Rating 90

A blend of Pinot Noir from six esteemed Russian River Valley vineyards, in some cases using whole berry fermentation. The nose entices with aromas of blueberry jam and a hint of campfire smoke. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity, this wine responds to a bit of decanting. Flavors of blueberry, cherry, cola and spice with subtle earthy notes. A touch of cinnamon and leather in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Jan 202014
 
2011 Novy Family Wines Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, CA, $18 – Rating 89

A well made zinfandel with a bit of complexity. Aromas of blueberry and black cherry with subtle notes of leather. Medium-bodied with a soft mouth-feel and a touch of acidity. Rich Zinfandel flavors of blackberry, black cherry, blueberry and cacao with hints of cinnamon spice and caramel. 15.1% alcohol yet well balalnce. Buy This Wine

 

Jan 202014
 
2011 Kutch Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA, $43 – Rating 91

Meticulous winemaking is Jamie Kutch’s hallmark.  25% whole clusters, 7-day cold soak, native yeast fermentation, resting 10 months sur lie in a combination of 70%/30% new/used oak barrels. Enticing aromas of dark cherry pie with notes of leather and cinnamon spice. Mouthwatering acidity with deep flavors of dark cherry, dark chocolate, cinnamon and baking spice with hints of briar. Dark chocolate on the long finish. Buy This Wine

Jan 172014
 
2009 Smith-Madrone Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 94

Blended of Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Merlot 8% & Cabernet franc 8%, this is one of the best under $50 Napa Cabernets I’ve found. With only 13.9% alcohol, it proves that lower alcohol Cabernets can be rich and complex. From 37 year old dry-farmed vines planted at 1800 feet elevation on Spring Mountain. When first poured, this wine offers a leaner style with juicy acidity. However, after 30 minutes in the decanter or glass the full bounty of fruit and expression steps forward. Aromas of dark cherry with notes of leather and earthiness. Enough acidity to be a good food pairing Cabernet… But I preferred to enjoy it solo. Once fully open, rich flavors of dark cherry, blueberry, blackberry, black pepper spice, supple tannins and notes of toasty oak abound. Dark chocolate highlights the long finish . Buy This Wine

Jan 142014
 
2011 Smith-Madrone Vineyard & Winery Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 91

Another outstanding effort, especially for those Chardonnay drinkers who prefer balanced oak and acidity. A subtle nose of mom’s apple pie. The red apple notes extend to the palate and round mouth-feel complemented with flavors of ripe pineapple and oaky vanilla. Again, red apple on the finish with hints of baking spice and cinnamon. Buy This Wine