90 + Very Good Wine

Apr 032014
 
Giordano WineGiordano Barbera d’Asti d.o.c.g. 2010, Piemonte Collection, Piedmont, Italy, $14 (S) – Rating 90

Update from our March 2013 Review.

This wine has matured nicely with another year in the bottle. It still needs a bit of time to open but only about 20 minutes for full effect. Aged in Slovenian oak barrels, the wine offers a rich nose of floral notes, dark cherry and a hint of spice and smoke. Medium-bodied with good food pairing acidity and balanced tannins. Well integrated flavors of dark cherry, plum and spice with a touch of chocolate. Earthy notes of forest floor make for an intriguing finish. Buy This Wine.

Apr 022014
 
Giordano WineGiordano Fiano i.g.t. 2012, Apuliae Collection, Puglia, Italy, $11 (S) – Rating 90

A superb crisp patio sipper. Reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc in texture and mouth-feel. Floral aromas combine with notes of Meyer lemon creme and ripe pineapple are enticing. Light-bodied with juicy acidity. Flavors of Meyer lemon, tangerine and green apple. Think sunny Saturday afternoon with friends. Will pair well with lighter fare, salads and creamy cheeses. The 2011 vintage was a Gold Medal winner.  Buy This Wine

Mar 252014
 
Macauley Chardonnay 2012 – Dutton Ranch, Russian River Valley, CA, $48  – Rating 91

Limited production of only 180 cases. Fermented sur lie in equal parts concrete, stainless steel and neutral oak barrels. In the glass, a rich golden hue with aromas of red apple, citrus and baking spice. A balanced mouth-feel offering enough crisp acidity to food pair or enjoy solo. Flavors of red apple, pear and tropicals with just a hint of lime, spice and minerality. Pleasant notes of grilled pineapple and citrus on the long finish. Buy This Wine

Mar 242014
 
C donatiello wineC. Donatiello Pinot Noir 2012, Bucher Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $55 – Rating 93

Another excellent Pinot Noir from this outstanding Russian River Valley vineyard. Aromas abound of cherry, blueberry, red fruit and earthy spices. A soft and round mouth-feel but in a leaner style with balanced acidity. Integrated flavors of red cherry and chocolate with notes of strawberry, raspberry and spice. Interesting hints of espresso in the long finish. Great as a food accompaniment or just to enjoy for its own sake. Buy This Wine

Mar 172014
 
Broman Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Napa Valley, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 90

Sourced from two Napa vineyards. 100%Sauvignon Blanc fermented and aged in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation. Crisp and vibrant with a nose lemon creme, pineapple and citrus.  A touch of creaminess on the palate with balanced acidity giving way to flavors of pineapple, citrus and minerality with a hint of lime zest in the finish. Buy This Wine