90 + Very Good Wine

Mar 242012
 
2010 Patianna Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino, CA, $17 (S) – Rating 92

Winemaker Mike Lee left this world too soon. He left us however, with this wonderful Sauvignon Blanc from Patti Fetzer’s Patianna Estate. Made from organic grapes, using only stainless steel and no malolactic fermentation, the wine is crisp but still has an enticing soft and round mouth-feel. The nose offers aromas of melon, citrus and a hint of wet stone and crème. Flavors of ripe grilled pineapple, melon, minerality, white stone fruit and honeysuckle combined with balanced acidity and creaminess creates a wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with summer fare.

Mar 232012
 
2008 Lava Cap Winery Reserve Zinfandel, Estate Bottled, El Dorado, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 90

A delicious medium-bodied Zin from Lava Cap Winery. Rich and round Zinfandel flavors of ripe blackberry, plum, black cherry and a touch of oaky vanilla and dark spice. Supple tannins add backbone. This wine screams out for grilled meats or dry-rubbed BBQ.

Mar 202012
 
2008 Patland Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard, Napa Valley, CA, $90 (S) – Rating 92

An elegant yet boisterous Cabernet, this beauty from Patland Estate and famed Stagecoach Vineyards offers up a fruit driven nose of dark cherry, plum and spice. The full-flavored wine coats the plate with dark cherry, blueberry, plum, cocoa and dark spice with subtle hints of saddle leather. Supple tannins and well-integrated oak add depth and finesse.

Mar 202012
 
2009 J Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $32 (S) – Rating 90

A well-balanced and medium-bodied Pinot Noir with ripe fruit flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and strawberry highlighted with notes of spice, black tea, cocoa and hints of oaky vanilla. Supple and unobtrusive tannins add complexity.

Mar 202012
 
2010 Crosby Roamann Eternal Return Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 90

This lightly oaked Sauvignon Blanc by Crosby Roamann opens with a nose of herbal citrus which gives way to a crisp yet soft mouth-feel with flavors of  pear, vanilla, flinty minerality, and Meyer lemon with a bit of zippy acidity. It paired well with broiled scallops. This wine needs to approach room temp before all the flavors come into play.