90 + Very Good Wine

Jan 142014
 
2012 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 94

A very complex Pinot Noir that held my attention. A deeply rich nose of blueberry, blackberry and campfire smoke. A lush mouth-feel with food-pairing acidity (I preferred to contemplate it on its own). Developed flavors of black cherry and blueberry with a touch of earthiness. Notes of ripe raspberry and cola in the long finish. Very small production at a good price. Buy this Wine while you can.

Jan 022014
 
2010 Nicholas Allen Wines Carte Blanche Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA $125 (S) – Rating 94

A powerhouse Cabernet, rich, dense, layered and complex from winemaker Luc Morlet. Very young so decant for at least an hour.  10% Petit Verdot in the blend adds texture and complexity. Intriguing aromas of dark cherry, plum, oak, leather and a bit of tobacco. Supple/Velvety tannins and a bit of cult-wine jamminess with flavors of black cherry, blueberry and ripe plum accented with notes of leather and dark spice. Smokey cherry and mocha in the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

Jan 022014
 
2012 Smith Madrone Vineyard & Winery Riesling, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $27 (S) – Rating 92

This 40 year old Spring Mountain Riesling vineyard is one of the few left in Napa Valley, producing a consistently excellent dry wine year after year. Enjoy its excellent food pairing qualities or on its own. A robust nose with aromas of white peach, pineapple and wet stone. A round mouth-feel balanced with juicy acidity and just a kiss of sweetness. Integrated flavors of ripe pineapple, honeycomb, apricot, red apple, minerality and pear. Buy This Wine

Jan 022014
 
2010 Swanson Vineyards Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $75 (S) – Rating 92

A complex yet soft nose of stewed cherries, dark cherry jam and espresso bean. Beautifully dark red, medium-bodied with perfect food pairing acidity. This blend of Cabernet and Merlot shows with integrated tannins offering flavors of black cherry, plum and dark fruit with notes of vanilla, cedar, dark spice and dark chocolate. Decant for 30-60 minutes for full expression. Buy This Wine

Jan 022014
 
2012 Bucher Vineyard Three Sixty Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $50 (S), Rating – 93

A wonderful Pinot that is drinking well upon release with a short decant, only to get even better with time. A lush nose of dark cherry with hints of cinnamon and allspice. Created with Siduri winemaker Adam Lee, the wine has a round mouth-feel while retaining it’s juicy acidity. Bright fruit flavor with integrated notes of cherry, strawberry and raspberry with definite minerality and brown spice. The flavors remain vibrant in the very long finish. Buy This Wine