90 + Very Good Wine

Dec 272011
 
2009 Lava Cap Reserve Chardonnay, El Dorado, CA, $19(S) – Rating 90

Barrel fermented to perfection in French oak . This Lava Cap Chardonnay offers up a beautiful nose of baked apple, spice, citrus,and cream. A rich and round mouth feel, with flavors of ripe apple, toasty oak vanilla, toffee and tropical citrus.

Dec 192011
 
2008 Mer Soleil Chardonnay, Barrel Fermented, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA, $22 – Rating 90

Though unoaked Chardonnay seems to be in vogue… Mer Soleil Chardonnay is a beautiful balance between fruit and soft French oak creating a delicious blend of flavors, including red apple, pineapple, tropical citrus, butterscotch, toasty vanilla and a subtle touch of coconut. This rich wine provides a satisfying and full mouth-feel with just enough acidity to create a harmonious balance.

Dec 192011
 
2009 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $48 (S) – Rating 95

A powerhouse Pinot Noir full of rich complexities and nuance. The wine comes alive in the glass with a nose of bright fruit, tobacco and leather. This full-bodied baby is layered with flavors of dark berry, dark cherry, rhubarb, plum, cocoa, leather highlighted by a hearty splash of spicebox and complimented by soft tannins with balanced acidity. A real treat from Freeman Vineyard.

Dec 022011
 
2009 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 92

This blend of five Sonoma Coast vineyards by Freeman Winery offers up a restrained yet robust Pinot Noir. Patience and decanting will be rewarded with a delicious Pinot that opens with flavors of blue fruit, cherry, dark berries, spice and bramble. As the wine opens, more delicate and interesting flavors of rose, black tea, minerality and pepper add to the complexity. A very artfully constructed wine.

Dec 022011
 
2010 Mollydooker Gigglepot Cabernet Sauvignon, South Australia, $49 (S) – Rating 92

Hard to believe a 2010 Cabernet is this drinkable and approachable this early. Mollydooker’s Gigglepot is sure to put a smile on your face. Super lush and rich with deep flavors of blackberry, black fruit, black cherry, rich leather and toasty oak vanilla enhanced by supple tannins and a spicy backbone make this a wine to remember and savor. With all Mollydooker Wines to do the Mollydooker Shake to bring out the full flavor profile.