90 + Very Good Wine

Feb 102015
 
Alpha Omega Chardonnay Unoaked 2013, Napa Valley, CA, $44 (S) – Rating 93

Alpha Omega Chardonnay Unoaked 2013One of, if not the best Chardonnay, I’ve had in a very long time. If you have turned your back on Chardonnay…this wine may well turn you back around. All Chardonnay, all stainless steel and no malolactic fermentation creates a crisp and clean wine. However, stirring of lees adds ample creaminess and takes the edges the balanced acidity. Aromas of red apple, honeycomb and pie crust give way to flavors of red apple vanilla creme, tropical citrus with a hint of ripe pineapple. A touch of Meyer lemon adds complexity to the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

Feb 092015
 
Lone Madrone Old Hat 2010, Paso Robles, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 91

Lone Madrone Old Hat 2010Blended from 71% Zinfandel and 29% Petite Sirah, this is a big wine with soft tannins and just the right amount of acidity. Blueberry, blackberry, plum and dark spice on the nose. The palate is treated to deep flavors of blackberry, black cherry, plum and brown spice. Cacao with just a hint of spicy cayenne on the finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 092015
 
Gundlach Bundschu Chardonnay 2012, Estate Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, CA, $27 (S) – Rating 91

Gundlach Bundschu Chardonnay 2012A rather balanced Chardonnay offering a plush mouth-feel while retaining juicy acidity. A bouquet of pear, stone fruit, red apple and baking spice. Full flavors of pear, citrus, Meyer lemon along with tropical notes and stony minerality. Stone fruit and spice with just a hint of fruity sweetness in the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

Feb 052015
 
Davis Bynum Sauvignon Blanc Virginia’s Block 2013, Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, $25 (S) – Rating 91

Davis Bynum Sauvignon Blanc Virginia's Block 2013For those who want flavors other than New Zealand grapefruit in a Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is right up your alley. A bouquet  of ripe pineapple, tropicals, cream, spice and minerality. Aged predominately in neutral oak, the wine has a round mouth-feel while maintaining crisp acidity. Flavors of creamy citrus, honeydew melon, pineapple, vanilla and tropicals. Subtle ripe pineapple on the long finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 052015
 
Smith-Madrone Chardonnay 2012, Estate Bottled, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $32 (S) – Rating 92

Smith-Madrone Chardonnay 2012A very balanced Chardonnay offering a plush mouth-feel paired with juicy acidity. Fermented and aged in French oak from dry-farmed estate fruit. Pleasing aromas of red apple, pear and a touch of baking spice. Creamy on the palate with flavors of red apple, pear and tropicals with hints of spice. Vanilla creme in the long finish. Buy This Wine