90 + Very Good Wine

Dec 262012
 
 Gloria Ferrer Winery Blanc de Noir NV, Carneros, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 91

A fun fruit-forward sparkler made of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The salmon hue offers rich fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry, and ripe strawberry with notes of Meyer lemon and toasted French baguette on the dry finish. An excellent value sparkler for either sipping with friends or pairing with lighter fare. Buy This Wine

Dec 262012
 
Mumm Napa Brut Rosé NV, Napa Valley, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 90

Enjoy this beautiful pink sparkler any time…not just a special occasion wine. A blend of predominately Pinot Noir with a bit of Chardonnay offering flavors of ripe red berry, raspberry and cherry with notes of toasty brioche on the long dry finish. Well-balanced acidity makes for an engaging romantic sipper or excellent food pairing wine. Our pairing with grilled salmon was a big success. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2007 Giordano Barolo, Piedmont, Italy, $39 (S) – Rating 90

An engaging nose of black cherry, dark fruit and spice. The palate is rewarded with rich flavors of dark cherry and plum with intriguing notes of chocolate and espresso. After decanting, the supple tannins and zippy acidity make for good food pairing potential. The long finish is highlighted with notes of saddle leather and smoke. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2009 Trione Vineyards & Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir,  River Road Ranch, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Proof that a big flavorful Pinot Noir can be very well-balanced and satisfying. The rich nose is a bit tight at first offering rich notes of dark berry, ripe raspberry, briar and spice. A superb round mouth-feel with supple and well integrated tannins. Flavors of cherry, ripe strawberry and raspberry are dominate with intriguing hints of cola, vanilla and baking spice combining for a mom’s Pinot pie sensation. As the wine opens, the nose becomes richer and the finish becomes more complex with leather and dark spice. Buy This Wine

Dec 042012
 
2005 J Vineyards Vintage Brut, Russian River Valley, CA, $48 (S) – Rating 90

A rich blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir  and Pinot Meunier with deep yeasty notes. Balanced bubbles with a toasty butterscotch nose followed by flavors of red apple and citrus with hints of butterscotch and a kiss of sweetness. Cellar aged for 5 years before the early 2012 release creating a wonderful sparkler with plenty of personality. Buy This Wine