90 + Very Good Wine

Dec 162013
 
2010 Trione Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir, River Road Ranch, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 90

A  plush, fruit forward Pinot Noir that will delight most any Pinot lover. Aromas of cherry, plum and a hint of smoke. Soft on the palate with subtle tannins and delicate acidity. Round flavors of cherry, blackberry, pie spice and raspberry. Notes of cola on the finish. Buy This Wine

Dec 082013
 
2008 Canard Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 91

Has all the characteristics of a very good Napa Valley Cabernet. Estate grown valley floor fruit with a lush aromas of black cherry, pie crust and cinnamon. Muscular on the palate with juicy acidity and balanced tannins. Flavor notes of dark cherry, blueberry, plum, brown spice and cinnamon with notes of cacao on the finish. Think juicy prime rib or dark chocolate for food pairing. Buy This Wine

Dec 052013
 
2009 Trione Vineyards & Winery Geyerville Ranch Red Wine, Alexander Valley Appellation,  CA, $48 (S) – Rating 92

This classic Bordeaux blend of 69% Cabernet, 12% Merlot, 7% Petite Verdot, 6 % Malbec and 6% Cab Franc is elegantly powerful with a delicious balance of fruit, acidity and jaminess. Decant for 30-45 minutes for full flavor development. Enticingly rich nose with abundant aromas of ripe dark fruit, spice and blueberry with notes of dark chocolate and espresso. Soft yet apparent tannins with layered flavors of dark cherry, plum brown spice and blueberry. Notes of espresso in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Dec 032013
 
2010 Giordano Chianti docg Riserva , Tuscany, Italy, $ (S) – Rating 90

A superb go-to red wine blend of 90% Sangovese and 10% Canaiolo that will pair with anything from pizza to tomato sauces and lighter meats. A full nose offering aromas of dark cherry, camp smoke and spice. The wine has a soft and juicy mouth-feel with plenty of fruit. Lower in alcohol at 13%, give it at least 30 to decant for full enjoyment. Well integrated tannins with flavors of cherry, plum and oaky vanilla. Buy This Wine

Dec 022013
 
2011 Cartograph Wines  – Anderson Valley Pinot Noir, CA, $38 – Rating 91

Very small production of only 55 cases from Roma’s Vineyard near Boonesville, CA. Medium-bodied with balanced acidity and a soft mouth-feel. Aromas of cherry, ripe strawberry puree and baking spice. Flavors of cherry, raspberry and cranberry come together with hints of cola in the long finish. Buy This Wine