90 + Very Good Wine

May 012013
 
2008 Ceja Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $50 (S) – Rating 91

Very approachable with just a short decant. The nose entices with notes of dark cherry, plum, blueberry and dark spice with hints of leather. A full mouth-feel with balanced tannins offering flavors of cherry, blackberry and dark spice with espresso in the long finish. Good acidity for pairing with a grilled steak. Buy This Wine

May 012013
 
2010 V. Sattui Winery Reserve Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, Ca, $49 (S) – Rating 91

From 4 unique blocks in the Henry Ranch Vineyard on the Napa side of Carneros. Only 158 cases made. A robust nose of black cherry, spice and leather with just a hint of coca. Leaner than many Carneros Pinots with balanced acidity and supple tannins. Flavors of black cherry, plum, cassis, and dark spice with subtle tobacco notes on the long finish. Buy This Wine

Apr 222013
 
2010 Wine Guerrilla Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel, Block E44, Sonoma Valley, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 90

A monster fruity Zinfandel with just the right touch of acidity for food pairing. It paired beautifully with a charcoal grilled flat-iron streak. A robust nose of black fruit, blackberry, plum and boysenberry with a hint of spice. Big flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, blackberry and dark spice with a soft tannin structure. Notes of espresso in the long finish. Give it about an hour to fully open. Buy This Wine

Apr 172013
 
2012 Cass Winery Viognier, Estate Grown, Paso Robles, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 91

An excellent food pairing wine, crisp mouth-watering acidity with enough balance to enjoy solo. A fresh nose of citrus, tangerine and pineapple with just a hint of lime leading to a tantalizing flavor profile including citrus, pear , ripe pineapple and a note of honeycomb. The tiny kiss of sweetness on the finish balances the acidity. Buy This Wine