90 + Very Good Wine

Jan 122013
 
2010 V. Sattui Winery Henry Ranch Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, CA, $39 (S) – Rating 90

This Pinot is a bit tight upon opening but really blossoms after about 30 minutes. A soft nose of black cherry jam and spice is the prelude to a lush and soft mouth-feel with flavors of black cherry, plum, tobacco and baking spice with just enough acidity for good food pairing. Patience is rewarded. Buy This Wine

Jan 032013
 
2009 Ravenswood Zinfandel Belloni Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 91

A co-fermented field blend from this pre-prohibition vineyard of 75% Zinfandel and 25% black berries (Petite Sirah, Carignane and Alicante Bouschet) with an intriguing earthiness and old-vine rustic quality. A rich nose of blueberry, dark spice and notes of espresso. Rich flavors of blueberry jam, ripe raspberry, plum, black fruit and dark spice are married with well-integrated tannins and balance acidity. The long finish offers notes of dark berry, espresso, mocha and tobacco box. Buy This Wine

Jan 022013
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Prestige Cuvee, Brut, Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley, CA, $29 (S) – Rating 91

A pleasingly rich and creamy Brut with a satisfying nose of toasty vanilla. The blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir offers a surprisingly round  mouth-feel with crisp flavors of toast yeast, citrus and vanilla with barely a hint of sweetness. Very subtle notes of blood orange add to the finish. Buy This Wine

Jan 022013
 
2011 Inman Family Russian River Valley Chardonnay, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 91

This Chardonnay offers a lovely combination of rich flavors and crisp acidity. The nose of baked apples and ripe pineapple gives way to flavors of ripe red apple, roasted pineapple, Meyer lemon and intriguing minerality with a hint of creaminess. As the wine opens, subtle yet complex notes of vanilla and caramel dance in the finish. Buy This Wine

Jan 022013
 
2010 Wine Guerrilla Mounts Vineyard Zinfandel, Cypress Block, Dry Creek Valley, CA, $$35 (S) – Rating 92

A beautiful blend of 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah all sourced from Mounts Vineyard. A full nose of dark cherry and ripe plum with notes of dark spice, cinnamon and licorice. Rich flavors of dark cherry jam, ripe blackberry, boysenberry and ripe plum are well-integrated with notes of dark spice and supple tannins. As the wine opens, the notes of espresso become enticing. A surprising, yet balanced, level of acidity creates many food-pairing possibilities. Buy This Wine