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

Aug 272011
 
2009 Sequana Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, CA $32 (S) – Rating 90

Rich and complex with deep silky flavors of red cherry, raspberry and spice with a touch of rich saddle leather. Well balanced fruit with supple tannins add to the depth, creating a Pinot Noir that stands beautifully on its own or as a compliment to your meal. Another excellent offering by winemaker James MacPhail.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog

Aug 272011
 
2009 Concannon Conservancy Chardonnay, Livermore Valley, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 89

An excellent value Chardonnay with full flavors of peach, red apple with hints of melon and lemon zest. Well balanced creaminess and acidity with oaky hints of vanilla and butter. While the wine shows gentle traits of oak aging, they are subtle enough to appeal to those who prefer stainless chardonnays. Check out this video from fourth generation winemaker John Concannon.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog

Aug 242011
 
2009 Charity Case Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA, $12 (S) – Rating 89

Charity Case Sauvignon Blanc is more lush and full-bodied than many Sauv. Blancs. A lovely round mouth-feel of creamy ripe pineapple, apricot, citrus and melon with hints of vanilla and soft oak. Looking for an alternative the grapefruity, grassy New Zealand style? Charity Case is a delicious choice, at an excellent price, that also supports Napa county charities serving children and families.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog

Aug 242011
 
2009 Rombauer Vineyards Chardonnay, Carneros, CA, $31 – Rating 91

I’ll admit it, my guilty pleasure…butter and oak in a well-made Chardonnay. Rombauer has been the iconic standard bearer of this genre forever. Call it too big or overblown… I call it a delicious. The rich Carneros fruit produces well rounded flavors of tropical fruit, honeydew, ripe pear, peach and red apple that are enhanced by vanilla from toasty oak and decadent hints of creamy butter. A wine friend recently called Rombauer “Cougar Crack”… These cats obviously know a thing or two about good chardonnay! Rombauer Chardonnay paired wonderfully with grilled lemon-pepper chicken served with melons and berries topped with poppy seed dressing.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog

Aug 172011
 
2009 Pope Valley Winery Sangiovese Bella Rosa, Napa Valley, CA, $11 (S) – Rating 88

A very enjoyable Sangiovese Rosé.  Deep translucent ruby color with flavors of ripe strawberry, rhubarb with a hint of cola and spice. Just yummy on a warm summer evening. Big enough to pair with grilled chicken or salmon. This offering by Pope Valley Winery just goes to show how versatile and interesting American Sangiovese can be.

Wine Reviews by Bacchus and Beery Wine Blog