Ratings Explained
84 & Below – Not Posted ‘cause we won’t drink it
85 + A good wine. Buy if the price is right
90 + A very good wine, in our humble opinion
95 + An awe inspiring wine – Possibly life altering
All wine reviews are based solely on the personal tastes of the authors.
Disclosure: Samples are designated by an “S” beside the wine reviewed.
We’re still objective. Robert Parker doesn’t buy his wines either
A bouquet of red apple and ripe pineapple with notes of vanilla and pie crust. On the palate, a lush mouth-feel with balanced acidity. Integrated yet delicate flavors of red apple, Meyer lemon, tropical citrus, wet stone and a hint of pear. Vanilla crème in the on long finish. Buy this Wine
From an emerging Napa Valley winery with an experienced hand on the wheel in Cary Gott. An expressive nose of black cherry, blackberry, ripe plum, vanilla and black pepper. Lush on the palate, complete with silky tannins and balanced acidity. Give this youngster at least 30-60 minutes to fully open for flavors of black cherry, ripe plum, blackberry, oaky vanilla and plenty of spice. Intriguing notes of tobacco box on long finish.
A gold medal winner at the North of the Gate Wine Competition. Aromas of cherry and strawberry with hints of raspberry and spice. The wine is highlighted by a round mouth-feel, soft tannins and balanced acidity. The palate is treated to flavors of blueberry, cherry, strawberry, vanilla, a little leather and spice with hints of dark chocolate on finish. Buy This Wine
Monticello Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Napa Valley, CA, $32 (S) – Rating 90A robust nose of ruby red grapefruit, Meyer lemon, tropicals and bright spice. Bright acidity complimented by soft textures. Meyer lemon, ruby red grapefruit, citrus, spice and green apple flavors abound. Plenty of spice, citrus and tropical notes in the finish. Buy This Wine
Give this beauty a little time to open up in a decanter and you will be well rewarded. A well-rounded bouquet of dark red fruit, stewed cherries and spice. Medium-bodied with silky tannins and bright acidity which is easily enjoyed solo or as a versatile food pairer. On the palate, notes of cherry, pomegranate, ripe raspberry and ripe strawberry. Quite spicy on long finish. Buy This Wine
