Wine Reviews

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

Oct 072011
 
2009 Francis Ford Coppola Winery Chardonnay, Rosso & Bianco Collection, Unoaked Chardonnay, CA, $11 (S) – Rating 89

An excellent Chardonnay and an exquisite price. A surprisingly rich and round mouth-feel for an un-oaked and no malo wine. Rich flavors of apple, fig, citrus, honeycomb and ripe mango. Clean and crisp enough to please and un-oaked palate while still providing enough depth for those who prefer a little barrel aging.

 

Oct 042011
 
2006 S. C. Pannell Shiraz Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia, $40 (S) – Rating 91

This beautiful blend of 55% Shiraz and 45% Granache, available from WineChateau.com , is a rich mouth-full of dark berries, black cherry and blackberry enhanced with pepper and spicebox with wisps of gentle smoke. The supple tannins add backbone without bite.

Sep 162011
 
2009 Wyndham Estate Bin 222 Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, $9 (S) – Rating 87

A heck of a value Chardonnay. Nice buttery flavors of apple, melon, stone fruit and pineapple citrus with hints of toasty oak vanilla. The creaminess is balanced with some zesty acid and a touch of spice.

Sep 162011
 
2009 Swanson Vineyards Pinot Grigio, Napa Valley, CA, $21 – Rating 89

A beautifully balanced un-oaked Pinot Grigio with layers of crisp round flavors of pear, peach, stone fruit and honeydew melon with a touch of spice. Enough zingy acidity to pair well with lighter fare. Just an excellent example of the wine this grape can be, from Swanson Vineyards

Sep 052011
 
2009 St Rose 777 Pinot Noir, Nunes Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 91

This is a unique offering of  777 Pinot Noir clone from Fred Nunes of Nunes Vineyards under their own wine label St. Rose Pinot Noir. Often considered a blending clone, this 777 Pinot offers up an rustic yet artistic flare. Rich well-balanced flavors of dark cherry and spice layered with plum with hints of smoke and saddle leather. A complex medium-bodied Pinot with supple tannins that will reward your attention.