Bacchus & Beery Wine Blog

Oct 282012
 
2008 Youngberg Hill Jordan Pinot Noir, McMinnville, OR, $40 (S) – Rating 89

A refreshing nose of cherry, blackberries with notes of licorice. This medium-bodied Pinot offers flavors of cherry, blackberry and ripe plum with notes of black spice and a hint of dark chocolate on the finish. Nicely balanced tannins adds to the complexity. The integrated acidity enhances this wine’s food pairing potential.  Buy this Wine

Oct 282012
 
2007 Trione Vineyards & Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Block Twenty-one, Sonoma County, CA, $64 (S) – Rating 94

Wow! A really big Cabernet from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley.  This big boy opens with a rich and spicy nose of blueberry and ripe raspberry. The lush mouth-feel is enhanced with flavors of dark cherry, plum, ripe raspberry, dark spices and just enough earthiness to be interesting. The tannins are a soft and well integrated but still some zippy acidity remains. A classic Bordeaux blend with 10% Merlot and 2.5% each Petite Verdot and Malbec. A long and complex finish. Buy This Wine

Oct 282012
 
2010 Carol Shelton Larson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Carneros, CA, $ 38 (S) – Rating 92

This Carneros Pinot really grabbed my attention. A boisterous nose of dark cherry, strawberry jam with notes of baking spice. Medium-bodied on the palate with flavors of strawberry jam, ripe plum and dark cherry with subtle leathery notes. Structured yet well integrated tannins and soft acidity play nicely in the long finish. 3.5% Petite Sirah in the blend adds an unexpected zip. Buy This Wine

Oct 282012
 
2009 Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvee, Sonoma County, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 88

A good-value go-to red blend. Very easy drinking with soft and inviting tannins. A nice nose of blueberry, cherry and dark spice. On the palate resides the same dark fruit and cherry flavors with added notes of coca, tobacco box and espresso on the finish. Best after decanting for about 15 minutes. Buy This Wine

Oct 282012
 
2010 La Crema Monterey Pinot Noir, CA, $23 (S) – Rating 90

It is hard to find an excellent value Pinot Noir… but here’s a good one. A pleasant nose of blueberry, plum dark spice with interesting notes of bramble and tobacco. Medium bodied with rich flavors of dark cherry jam, blackberry and ripe raspberry with plenty of spicy undertones, hints of leather and minerality. Soft tannins with a touch of acidity round out the wine. Buy This Wine