Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog

Dec 032013
 
2009 Giordano Collection Aglianico Rinforzato Puglia IGT, Apulia, Italy, $ (S) – Rating 89

A rich and enticing nose of smoky dark cherry with lots of spice and notes of balsamic. Give this wine an hour or more to open. The tannins soften nicely over time. Flavors of cherry, plum and dark spice are complimented with hints of strawberry and ripe raspberry on the finish. Good food pairing acidity for that juicy steak. Buy This Wine

Dec 022013
 
2011 Cartograph Wines  – Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, CA, $38 – Rating 91

Very small production of only 55 cases from Roma’s Vineyard near Boonesville, CA. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and a soft mouth-feel. Aromas of cherry, ripe strawberry puree and baking spice. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and cranberry come together with hints of cola in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Dec 022013
 
2011 Amista Vineyards Saini Farms The Hill Block Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, CA, $34  – Rating 90

As a Dry Creek Zinfandel should be. A rich nose of cherry, plum and dark spice with hints of espresso. A leaner style than some with balanced tannins and food-pairing acidity. Flavors of red fruit, dark fruit, raspberry, blackberry and ripe strawberry with notes of espresso in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Dec 022013
 
2010 Papapietro Perry Nunes Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $54 – Rating 93

They say wine is grown in the vineyard. It shows with this wine from Fred and Wendy Nunes’s Russian  River terroir-driven Pinot vineyard. Aromas abound of cherry, raspberry and brown baking spices. Juicy acidity and smooth tannins well suited for food pairing, offering flavors of cherry, blueberry, strawberry and spice with definite notes of cinnamon in the long finish. A wine worth pondering. Buy This Wine

Dec 022013
 
2010 Bohème English Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $49 (S) – Rating 93

A blend of four clones, Dijon 115 & 667, Vosne, Romanee and Calera – each farmed, harvested and fermented separately, then aged two years in neutral French Oak barrels. The nose is plush with aromas of dark fruit, ripe raspberry and black tea. An elegant Pinot Noir ,with both mouth watering acidity and a round mouth-feel. The palate is enticed with flavors of cherry, raspberry, red fruit and lots of spice. Notes of black tea in the finish adds complexity. But This Wine