90 + Very Good Wine

Jun 032012
 
2011 Abacela Viognier, Estate Grown, Umpqua Valley, OR, $22 (S) – Rating 90

This Oregon Viognier presents aromas of pear and spice. Flavors abound with pear, apple, apricot, pineapple with a hint of honeycomb and minerality. The wine offers up good acidity but still has a pleasantly round mouth-feel. Buy this Wine

Jun 032012
 
2009 Crosby Roamann Cabernet Sauvignon Dark Garden, Napa Valley, CA, $75 (S) – Rating 91

A bold Cabernet with those Napa Cab components we love. A complex nose of smokey cherry is the prelude to flavors of ripe cherry, dark berry, plum, cocoa, black pepper and baking spice. Moderate yet supple tannins add structure and backbone. Decant for at least an hour. Buy This Wine

Jun 032012
 
2008 Ceja Vineyards Carneros Pinot Noir, Carneros, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 90

A rich dense fruit Pinot Noir with a nose of yummy blueberry pie. Dark in the glass with full flavors of blueberry, cherry, chocolate, cola and hints of tobacco box. Medium acidity with well integrated and supple tannins adds to the complexity. Give this wine a little time to open up for the full effect. Buy This Wine

Jun 032012
 
2011 Chamisal Vineyards Stainless Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA, $14 (S) – Rating 92

A favorite in the naked/unoaked Chardonnay genre. Opens with a clean nose of ripe pineapple and floral notes. The palate is presented with flavors of ripe pineapple, citrus, red apple, floral notes and a hint of minerality. The just right level of zippy acidity makes this a wine to enjoy on its own or pairing with lighter dishes. Buy This Wine

Jun 032012
 
2009 Domaine Pouillon Katydid, Horse Heaven Hills, WA, $$24 (S) – Rating 90

A bold GSM blend, 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, offering deep aromas of black fruit, leather, tobacco and dusty dark chocolate. On the palate expect flavors of dark cherry, plum, raspberry, dark cocoa powder, espresso, a hint of Mexican vanilla and baking spice. Enough zippy acidity and tannin to add structure. Buy This Wine