85 + Good Wine

Oct 072011
 
2009 Francis Ford Coppola Winery Chardonnay, Rosso & Bianco Collection, Unoaked Chardonnay, CA, $11 (S) – Rating 89

An excellent Chardonnay and an exquisite price. A surprisingly rich and round mouth-feel for an un-oaked and no malo wine. Rich flavors of apple, fig, citrus, honeycomb and ripe mango. Clean and crisp enough to please and un-oaked palate while still providing enough depth for those who prefer a little barrel aging.

 

Sep 162011
 
2009 Wyndham Estate Bin 222 Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, $9 (S) – Rating 87

A heck of a value Chardonnay. Nice buttery flavors of apple, melon, stone fruit and pineapple citrus with hints of toasty oak vanilla. The creaminess is balanced with some zesty acid and a touch of spice.

Sep 162011
 
2009 Swanson Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Napa Valley, CA, $21 – Rating 89

A beautifully balanced un-oaked Pinot Grigio with layers of crisp round flavors of pear, peach, stone fruit and honeydew melon with a touch of spice. Enough zingy acidity to pair well with lighter fare. Just an excellent example of the wine this grape can be, from Swanson Vineyards

Sep 052011
 
2007 Elkhorn Peak Pinot Noir, Napa Valley, CA, $34 (S) – Rating 89

This multiple award winner from Elkhorn Peak Cellars is certainly one of the better Napa Valley Pinots. Lots of dark cherry flavor enhanced by blackberry, raspberry, vanilla, spice and earthiness in this fruit-foward wine. The blend of seven Pinot clones adds to the layered complexity.

Sep 052011
 
2009 Stoneleigh Vineyards Marlborough Pinot Noir, New Zealand, $15 (S) – Rating 88

A medium bodied Pinot Noir that offers a good value. Well balanced flavors of dark cherry, plum, spice, raspberry, red berry fruit with soft tannins combined with hints of smoke and cola. An easy drinker and very approachable.