85 + Good Wine

Nov 132012
 
2009 Lava Cap Winery Vine Hill Pinot Noir, El Dorado, CA, $34 (S) – Rating 89

A lean and clean style of Pinot Noir with a gentle nose of raspberry and cherry. Flavors of raspberry, cherry, strawberry and spice are well integrated with supple tannins and a hint Burgundian earthiness and minerality. Enough acidity to pair well with lighter grilled meats or salmon. Buy This Wine

Nov 112012
 
Distant Cellars is a new family owned (4 brothers and dad) winery. These are their first efforts. They show great potential for future vintages.
2009 Distant Cellars Winery Prospect Zinfandel, Fiddletown, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 87

A blend of Zinfandel from two vineyards (75% estate fruit) with a hint of Alicante Bouschet.  The nose offers notes of cherry, red berries and chocolate coming together with a certain jamminess. Flavors of dark cherry and dark berries are accented with notes of mint, chocolate and dark spice. Let the wine decant to soften the acidity and bold tannins. Buy This Wine

2009 Distant Cellars Winery “Drifter” Red Wine Blend, Amador County, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 3.8

This blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Alicante Bouschet offers a robust nose of dark cherry pie, spice and a little leather giving way to round flavors of dark cherry, ripe raspberry and spice with notes of saddle leather and dark chocolate. Tannins soften with decanting. Buy This Wine

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
 
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 142012
 
2011 Paul Dolan Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Potter Valley, Mendocino, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 88

From organically grown grapes this 100% stainless steel Sauvignon Blanc comes alive with a nose of Meyer lemon creme pie. Crisp flavors are highlighted by kiwi fruit along with Meyer lemon and tropicals. Zippy acidity as you’d expect from stainless steel fermentation with a long Meyer lemon finish. A good value under $20. Buy This Wine