90 + Very Good Wine

Jun 042011
 
2008 Sequana Pinot Noir Dutton Ranch, Green Valley of Russian River Valley, CA $40 (S) – Rating 95

A big-boy Pinot with rich fruit and well-structured tannins made by Pinot Noir specialist James MacPhail . A beautifully complex wine with flavors of dark cherry, plum, raspberries that finish with a touch of oaky caramel. Give this wine your full attention and you’ll be well rewarded.

Jun 032011
 
2009 Patianna Estate Vineyards Chardonnay, Mendocino, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 90

An excellent value Chardonnay that should cost more. Patianna’s certified organic estate vineyards produce a rich wine with a ton of flavor and acidity. Sur lie ageing and a bit of oak create a round lush mouth-feel without adding a stick of butter. Crisp flavors of apple, pear, peach, tropical fruit and vanilla.

Jun 032011
 
2009 Chatom Vineyards Chardonnay, Calaveras County, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 91

A thoroughly enjoyable Chardonnay that you’d expect to cost more. A creamy wine with flavors of vanilla, ripe peaches, red apples with only a hint of oak. Very well balanced lushness and acidity creates a smooth mouth-feel.

Jun 032011
 
2009 MacPhail Family Wines Pinot Noir, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 4.5

How about I just start with “AWSOME!” This is a big rich chewy Pinot that grabs your attention with a complex richness. Great flavors of black cherry, dark fruits and spice in addition to hints of dark coffee and cola. As big as this wine is, it paired beautifully with grilled duck. MacPhail Family Wines

May 312011
 
2008 Deep Sea Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 90

A really delicious creamy, yet crisp Chardonnay. Deep Sea is a full-bodied and complex wine with balanced flavors of tropical fruit married with red apple and toasty oak, fig and subtle spice. This wine has deservedly won it’s fair share of respected awards. Get it while you can.