90 + Very Good Wine

Feb 172012
 
2010 The Climber Red Wine, Clif Family Winery, CA, $14 (S) – Rating 90

An excellent value red wine blend from Clif Family. A rich blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot boasting flavors blackberries, cherries, tobacco box, vanilla and dark spice. Present and well-integrated tannins add to the structure. A bit lower in alcohol that most reds at 13.9%

Jan 242012
 
2009 V Sattui Winery Black Sears Vineyard Zinfandel, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, CA, $42 (S) – Rating 93

This very rich and well-structured Zinfandel from V. Sattui has a nose of blueberry, spice and leather. The full mouth-feel creates flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, blueberry, spice box, pepper and a hint of smoke. Tannins are present adding complexity, yet very well integrated. From a 25-acre vineyard atop Howell Mountain known for big well-structured wines.

Jan 242012
 
2010 Smith-Madrone Riesling , Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $27 (S) – Rating 92

A magnificent dry Riesling from the land of Cabernet.  This estate grown wine by Smith-Madrone offers up flavors of  stone fruit, green apple, and citrus with an underpinning of minerality. Fresh acidity adds to the complexity.

Jan 242012
 
2009 J Vineyards Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 91

An expressive nose of pineapple cream pie is followed by a rich and round mouth-feel full of  butterscotch, peach, vanilla crème brûlée, Meyer lemon and ripe pineapple with hints of lighter spice. A bit of zippy acidity add to the experience to create a Chardonnay that stand beautifully on its own yet will pair well with lighter fare.

Jan 242012
 
2009 Blanchard Family Red Scarf Blend, Red Wine, Sonoma County, CA, $27 (S) – Rating 90

Loved this intense blend of Cabernet, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel from Blanchard Family Wines. Rich juicy black fruit flavors of cherry, blackberry, plum, cocoa, vanilla with dark spice and a hint of tobacco box. The wine opens quickly with well integrated and soft tannins. A portion of the proceeds from this wine will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.