90 + Very Good Wine

May 312011
 
2005 Ramazzotti Raffinto Reserve, Sonoma County, CA $60 (S) – Rating 92

A wonderful Super Tuscan Blend by Ramazzotti of 60% Sangiovese, 16% Cabernet, 12% Merlot with a touch of Syrah and Cabernet Franc. Delicious, rich and complex with flavors of black cherry and blackberry with well structured and integrated tannins.

May 152011
 
2007 Whistling Dog Pinot Noir, NSV Estate, Eola – Amity Hills, OR, $19 (S) – Rating 4.1

At under $20 Whistling Dog is one heck of a Pinot value! Medium bodied with flavors of cherry, red berries and a hint of musky smoke give this wine an artistic and rustic feel rarely found at this price point. Beautifully balanced with a satisfyingly long finish. Get it while you can.

May 152011
 
2008 Cinnabar Mercury Rising Red Wine, Paso Robles, CA, $21 (S) – Rating 4.1

Looking for a great red wine at a great price? Cinnabar Mercury Rising is it!  A rich Bordeaux blend of blackberry, dark red cherry, dark berry jam with a touch of leather, sweet oak, smoke and mocha on the finish with nicely integrated tannins make this one of the better wine values I’ve had in a while. Serve to your friends or keep a case as your go-to red.

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May 152011
 
2007 Robert Biale Party Line Petite Sirah, Napa Valley, CA, $24 – Rating 4.1

Robert Biale VineyardsParty Line Petite Sirah is a wonderfully bold wine that makes me wonder again why this varietal has not caught fire. Rich with black fruit, blackberries, toffee, and spice, integrated with soft tannins;  this is a big enjoyable wine. Take it to your next BBQ and you’ll be the wine king.  Also… try this wine with a rich New Orleans sausage gumbo.

May 152011
 
2009 Deep Sea Viognier, Santa Barbara County, CA, $26 (S) – Rating 4.0

Bring on the summer. This Viognier by Deep Sea Wines is an elegant yet sexy wine ready for the patio. The flavors of stone fruit, pear, white peach, riverstone and a flinty minerality are well integrated with a soft floral nose into a wine you won’t ignore. Partial oak aging adds to the complexity and adds a richness to the mouthfeel.