85 + Good Wine

Apr 182013
 
2009 Buena Vista Winery Pinot Noir, Carneros, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 89

An excellent value Pinot Noir with a rich, round and soft texture. A bouquet of red plum and raspberry with notes of herb and espresso. Soft tannins with flavors of red berry fruit, plum raspberry and ripe strawberry. An intriguing franco-earthiness in the finish. Buy This Wine

Apr 162013
 
2009 Castello di Amorosa Napa Valley Sangiovese, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 89

The rustic nose of cherry, leather and briar brings back thoughts of the amazing Castello di Amorosa itself. A blend of 90% estate Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. Medium-bodied with plenty of juicy acidity and firm tannins. Flavors of red cherry, dark spice and raspberry with hints of chocolate on the finish. Be patient…It takes a while for this Sangio to fully open. Buy This Wine

Mar 252013
 
2010 Giordano Piedmont Barbera d.o.c. Piemonte, Piedmont, Italy, $11 (S) – Rating 89

This medium-bodied red wine offers up firm tannins that soften in the glass and balanced acidity. The nose entices with notes of dark fruit, leather and spice. The palate will enjoy flavors of cherry, dark fruit, plum and dark spice with just a hint of cassis and leather. A long finish with notes of dark chocolate. Buy This Wine

Mar 252013
 
2010 Giordano Nebbiolo Langhe d.o.c., Piedmont, Italy, $15.50 (S) – Rating 88

Looking for a cold winter night wine, this Nebbiolo from Piedmont fits the bill with its aromas of dark cherry, leather and spice. The food pairing acidity will work well with winter stews and meats. Medium bodied with flavors of black cherry, ripe raspberry and dark fruit. The long finish offers subtle notes of root beer. Buy This Wine

Mar 252013
 
2010 Giordano Barbera d’Asti d.o.c.g. Piemonte Collection, Piedmont, Italy, $14 (S) – Rating 89

Be patient with this big red wine. She needs at least an hour to show her full beauty. A rich nose of dark fruit, plum, cassis and dark spice is the prelude to a medium-bodied wine with soft tannins. Italian earthiness combines with flavors of dark cherry, black currant and plum with hints of leather and spice. Try pairing with grilled sausage. Buy This Wine