85 + Good Wine

Mar 162012
 
2010 Lava Cap Winery Sauvignon Blanc, El Dorado, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 89

A nose of ripe pineapple with hints of toasty oak. Richer and rounder than many Sauv. Blancs, this wine from Lava Cap Winery coats the palate with flavors of pineapple creme, melon, toasty oak and baking spice with just a hint of crisp acidity…somewhat chardonnay-esque.

Mar 162012
 
2009 Peju Chardonnay Persephone Vineyard, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 89

A medium-bodied Chardonnay offering up a nose of apple pie and baking spices.  A fairly round mouth-feel with flavors of apple pie, baking spices, ripe red apple, roasted pineapple, lime, and tropicals with well-balanced  acidity.

Feb 292012
 
2007 Chatom Vineyards “Gitano” Sangiovese, Calaveras County, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 89

A lovely example of CA Sangiovese from Chatom Vineyards. Opens with a nose of cherry and dark spice and offers up flavors of smokey cherry, dark spice, vanilla and cigar box. The zippy acidity helped the wine pair wonderfully with our spicy Chorizo hamburger with smoked cheddar cheese and guacamole whip.

Feb 182012
 
2007 Stephen’s Cellar Encell Vineyard Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo County, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 88

A rich Pinot Noir with flavors of ripe dark cherry, blueberry with hints of toasty oak vanilla combined with soft tannins and subtle notes of minerality. The complexity shows the longer it opens in your glass. A very enjoyable wine from Stephan’s Cellar.

Feb 182012
 
2009 Bridlewood Estate Winery Chardonnay, Monterrey County, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 87

A good value Chardonnay, can be found for under $10. Ripe tropical flavors blend with apple and peach with notes of honeysuckle and creamy vanilla. Slightly sweet on the finish.