Cass Viognier 2013, Paso Robles, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 91Looking for an alternative to Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc? Here’s the answer. A crisp mouth-feel with juicy food pairing acidity. The nose offers aromas of pineapple, citrus, minerality and hints of lime. On the palate, flavors of Meyer lemon, pineapple, white peach and enticing minerality. The same hint of lime from the nose carries over to the finish. Buy This Wine
Flowers Pinot Noir 2012, Sonoma Coast, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 91A Pinot that pops. Aromas of cherry, ripe strawberry, rhubarb and brow spice. Luxurious on the palate, supple tannins with balanced acidity. Integrated flavors of dark cherry, rhubarb, strawberry and brown spice. Hints of cola in the finish. 11 months on French oak – 25% new. Buy This Wine
Estate 1856 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve 2011, Sonoma County, CA, $42 (S) – Rating 92Fermented in one-ton lots and aged in French oak, this blend of 98%Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot has a lush mouth-feel with balanced tannins and acidity. Aromas of stewed cherry, ripe strawberry with a little spice mixed in. One the palate, notes of ripe plum, dark chocolate, dark cherry, blackberry and dark spice highlighted with hints of cola and oaky vanilla. Dark chocolate and cinnamon on the long finish. Only 55 cases made. Buy This Wine
Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel McClain Vineyard 2012, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 92Give this Zinfandel, blended with 10% Petite Sirah, a little time to open and reach its full potential. Robust aromas of blackberry, blueberry, brown spice and white pepper. A complex mouth-feel that is a bit leaner than many Zinfandels with juicy acidity but still offers hints of jamminess. Full-bore flavors of cherry, blackberry and boysenberry with notes of espresso and dark spice. Love the dark chocolate and cayenne pepper in the finish. Buy This Wine
Estate 1856 Bordeaux Blend 2011, Sonoma County, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 92A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and 12% Petite Verdot. Each variety and clone were fermented separately and hand punched followed by 2 years in French oak. A rich nose of dark berries, blackberry and tobacco box. Textured flavors with a full mouth-feel, good food-pairing acidity and supple tannins. On the palate, flavors of dark berries, black cherry, ripe plum, cherry and spice. Dark mocha on long and transformative finish. Double Gold Medal – 2013 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Buy This Wine
