90 + Very Good Wine

May 012012
 
2011 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier, California, $14 (S) – Rating 90

Each year a favorite go-to summer sipper at a great price. 79% Chenin Blanc provides crisp acidity while 21% Viognier adds structure and depth. Opens with a nose of lemon creme pie combined with flavors of pineapple, tropicals, Meyer lemon, stone fruit, light spice, floral herbal notes and a hint of flintiness with a touch of sweetness. Try with spicy Thai food.

May 012012
 
2009 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, CA, $44 (S) – Rating 92

A rich, intense and complex Pinot that will grab your attention. The nose is full of plum and cinnamon with notes of tobacco box. The palate is rewarded with round flavors of plum, raspberry, dark cherry, cooking spice, cinnamon, nutmeg with hints of oaky vanilla and underpinned by balanced acidity and soft tannins.

May 012012
 
2010 Artezin Zinfandel, Mendocino County, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 91

A beautifully rich blueberry nose. Billed accurately as a “Zinny Zin,” Artezin is a rich fruit forward Zinfandel that offers a mouthful of cherry, a lot of blueberry, baking spices and blackberry with a little acidity highlighted by subtle tannins. 10% Petite Sirah in the blend adds a little spicy punch.

Apr 262012
 
2011 Trinchero Mary’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Calistoga, Napa Valley, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 90

A fun Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for a sunny afternoon. A soft nose of herbal citrus with a hint of orange. The palate is caressed with pineapple, notes of stone fruit, tropicals, banana, citrus and clean river stone combining to create a round mouth-feel with moderate acidity. 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 100% Stainless steel fermentation

Apr 252012
 
2010 Masút Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir, Mendocino, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

An excellent sophomore effort from 3rd generation winemakers Ben and Jake Fetzer at Masút Vineyard. A full-on nose of rich black cherry pie with hints of espresso. Very rich and ripe on the palate with flavors of cherry, coffee, ripe strawberry, plum, notes of coca and plenty of integrated spice. Soft tannins accentuated with a touch of acidity round out this well made Pinot.