90 + Very Good Wine

Mar 172014
 
Emeritus Pinot Noir 2011, Hallberg Ranch, Russian River Valley, CA, $42 – Rating 94

It seems that each year Emeritus Pinot Noir gets just a little bit better and the 2011 is no exception. This is a very balanced Pinot with enough richness to be interesting yet not overpowering or jammy. The nose is robust offering aromas of strawberry, raspberry, spice and leather. A soft mouth-feel with juicy acidity and balanced tannins. Well integrated flavors of cherry, ripe raspberry, ripe strawberry and a bit of blackberry and spice. A distinct minerality in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Mar 032014
 
JCB No. 69 Rosé, Dry Sparkling Wine, Burgundy, $60 (S) – Rating 90

This is one of my favorite go-to dry sparklers because it has plenty of body, acidity and depth to enjoy with food or all on it’s own. 100% Pinot Noir from Burgundy, salmon-colored with lots of bubbles. Aromas of strawberry and delicate floral notes. An encompassing mouth-feel with crisp acidity and balanced flavors of raspberry, strawberry and bright red cherry. Subtle hints of strawberry jam on finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 272014
 
Distant Cellars Prospect Zinfandel 2010, Fiddletown, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 91

A big step forward from the 2009 freshman effort. A slightly leaner style of Zinfandel blended with a bit of  Alicante Bouschet to create a Zin lover’s flavor profile. A nose of blueberry and black berry with subtle aromas of coffee, chocolate and dark fruit jam. Balanced acidity and tannins combined with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, toasty oak and dark spice. Hints of coffee in the finish with just the tiniest hint of sweetness. Buy this Wine

Feb 272014
 
2009 Castello di Amorosa La Castellana Red Wine, Napa Valley, CA, $88 (S) – Rating 91

A Super-Tuscan blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 15% Sangiovese. Give this baby 30 minutes to an hour in a decanter to reach it’s masculine greatness. A rich bouquet of dark cherry, raspberry and dark spice. A full mouth-feel with balanced tannins and moderate acidity. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, red fruit, toasty vanilla, spice and new oak. A long rich finish with hints of cafe mocha. Buy this Wine