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
Big, balanced and utterly delicious! This Chardonnay by Rob Lloyd (former winemaker at Rombauer) is full blown California with beautifully integrated notes of vanilla, oak and butter. A rich and round mouth-feel with flavors ripe apple, ripe pineapple, tropicals with hints of honeycomb, butterscotch and vanilla creme. To it’s credit, a touch of zippy acidity adds to the complexity.
A golden medium-bodied yet crisp Chardonnay from Kunde Family Estate. The soft nose of baked apples gives way to flavors of ripe pineapple, tropical fruit, apricots, vanilla spice, butter and again, baked apples. A very enjoyable and food friendly wine.
An excellent value Chardonnay. We have seen it priced as low as $10 and that’s one heck a a deal for a Chardonnay of this character. The experience begins with a nose of ripe red apples followed by a rich and round mouth-feel full of pear, apple, honeycomb, spice, soft vanilla oak and buttery creme.
Por que No? “Why not?” from Tres Sabores Winery is a balanced blend of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet, and Petit Verdot that is an easy drinking party or BBQ wine. Sure to be a crowd pleaser. The nose is rich with dark berries and spice while the palate is full of dark cherry, ripe plum, toasty oak and soft tannins.
A bit leaner and softer than many chewy-spicy Petite Sirahs. That said, the flavors of ripe blackberries, black fruit, ripe plums with mocha overtones and a touch of spicebox are enticing. Balanced tannins add to the structure.
