90 + Very Good Wine

Jul 082012
 
2011 Clark-Claudon Vineyards Wild Iris Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA, $28(S) – Rating 90

A Sauvignon Blanc of the first order. A lovely nose of citrus, pears and hints of green apple. 100% SB including the Musque clone, oak barrels and daily lees stirring results luscious mouth-feel offering flavors of citrus, pear, ripe pineapple and honeycomb with notes of oaky vanilla and spice. Plenty of zesty acidity to pair with lighter summer fare. Buy this Wine

Jul 082012
 
2011 Riverbench Rose’ of Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CA $18 (S) – Rating 90

A super summertime sipper with a spicy nose of strawberry, raspberry and spice. Crisp acidity will get the mouth watering with flavors of strawberry, rhubarb, raspberry, cinnamon and baking spice. This rosé does need a few minutes to open in the glass to reach its full potential. Buy This Wine

Jul 082012
 
2009 Mercy Cedar Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, Ca, $38 (S) – Rating 93

A beautifully drinking wine with a rich nose of dark cherry and raspberry with notes of tobacco box. Fully ripe with clean flavors of cherry, plum, red berry with hints of coca and vanilla. Wonderfully balanced offering mouth watering acidity and supple tannins. Buy This Wine

Jul 052012
 
2011 Chamisal Vineyards Pinot Gris, Estate Bottled, Edna Valley, CA, 24 (S) – Rating 91

This near-perfect patio sipper opens with a subtle nose of red apple which transcends to the palate with flavors of apple pie, pear, white peach, baking spice and a hint of yeastiness. Left on lees for 6 months resulting in a soft round mouth-feel with crisp acidity.

Jul 022012
 
2011 Hogwash Rose, California Rose Wine, Mendocino and Paso Robles, Ca, $16 (S) – Rating 90

A blend of two Grenache vineyards in Mendocino and Paso Robles, the nose offers of notes of watermelon and cherry with memories of Jolly Rancher red candy. Fun crisp flavors of red cherry, strawberry and spicy raspberry are balanced with great food-friendly acidity. Enjoy chilled on the patio or with light summer fare. Buy This Wine