90 + Very Good Wine

Oct 142012
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Petite Sirah, Napa Valley, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Petite Sirah, in my opinion, never seems to get its due. This wine is a great example of Napa Valley Petite Sirah. A rich nose of blackberry pie with notes of smoke and leather. Jammy spicy flavors of cherry, blackberry and ripe plum along with hints of black pepper, smoke and minerality. The tannins are softer than many Petite Sirahs making it all the more approachable. Only 150 cases…Get it while you can. Buy This Wine

Oct 102012
 
2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 90

An enjoyably crisp SB with a nose of Meyer lemon, citrus and honeysuckle. Stainless steel fermentation lets the fruit speak with flavors of Meyer lemon, honeysuckle and tropicals with notes of minerality and white peach as the wine opens. Well-balanced and refreshing with crisp acidity for good food pairing. The addition of 3% Sauvignon Musque in the blend rounds out the mouth-feel a touch. Buy This Wine

Oct 102012
 
2009   Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $30 (S)  – Rating 91

A lighter body than many super jammy Zins with an enticing nose of spicy cherry, blackberry and smoke.  A blend of 86% Zinfandel and 14% Petite Sirah from vines that average over 90 years old. The palate offers well integrated flavors of cherry, blueberry, leather, dark spice and tobacco box with notes of espresso and cocoa in the long finish. There is a definite undertone of earthiness that adds complexity. Buy This Wine

Oct 012012
 
2009 Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir, Estate Grown & Bottled, Santa Maria Valley, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 90

Good value Pinot Noir is often hard to come by, this offering by Cambria is a consistent exception to the rule. A bright nose of spicy cherry and plum. A lighter bodied Pinot with some cool climate acidity offering flavors of cherry, red fruit, raspberry and plum with hints of cola and spice. An easy drinker with fine integrated tannins. Buy This Wine

Oct 012012
 
2008 Nickel & Nickel C. C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Rutherford, CA, $95 (S) – Rating 92

Opens with a robust nose of blueberry and plum. The full mouth-feel in this 100% Cabernet is accentuated with flavors of dark cherry and dark berry fruit with complex notes of espresso, chocolate and toasty oak. Definite hints of typical Rutherford earthiness combined with well-integrated tannins add character in the long finish. Buy This Wine