85 + Good Wine

Aug 092012
 
2009 Chamisal Vineyards Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, Edna Valley, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 89

A subtle wine with a nose of  spicy cherry, raspberry and saddle leather. Well integrated flavors of cherry, red fruit and plum.  Soft notes of leather, spice and espresso add complexity. Zippy acidity creates real food pairing potential. Buy This Wine

Aug 092012
 
2010 Acrobat by King Estate Winery Pinot Gris, OR, $12 (S) – Rating 89

A clean and crisp patio sipper with plenty of flavor, a hint of sweetness and balanced acidity. The nose is reminiscent of pineapple creme offering the palate flavors of ripe pineapple, melon, pear and citrus with subtle notes of honeysuckle all wrapped up with a soft mouth-feel. Buy This Wine

Jul 292012
 
2011 Riverbench Bedrock Chardonnay, Estate Grown and Bottled, Santa Maria Valley, Ca, $24 (S) – Rating 89

A lovely balance of stainless steel fermentation crispness and malolactic fermentation roundness. The nose opens with notes pear and tropical fruits. The palate experience flavors of apple, pineapple pear and lots of crisp tropicals. Sur-lies aging adds to the creamy soft mouth-feel. Plenty of crisp acidity to pair with lighter summer fare. The finish could be longer.

Jul 092012
 
2010 Sawyer Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA, $22(S) – Rating 89

A soft and round SB with neutral oak aging. Aromas of apple with notes of caramel. Subtle apple and caramel extend to the palate with pear and citrus and hints of apricot. A touch of zippy acidity rounds out the wine. Buy This Wine

Jul 082012
 
2009 Carol Shelton Coquille Blanc, White Rhone-style blend, Paso Robles, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 89

An interesting blend of Rhone varieties, 57% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 18% Viognier that presents aromas of tropicals, white peach and notes of honey. A creamy mouth-feel with flavors of apple pie, pineapple, peach, and almond with a vanilla spiciness on the back palate. Buy This Wine