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

Jul 072014
 
Van Duzer Pinot Gris 2013, Williamette Valley, OR, $18 (S) – Rating 91

Van Duzer Pinot Gris 2013Stainless steel fermented and sur lie aged creates a round mouth-feel complimented by juicy acidity and a hint of creaminess. A touch of sweetness balances the acidity. A bouquet of citrus, tropicals and a hint of pie crust. Flavors of citrus, tropicals,white peach and honeycomb. White peach, minerality and spice in the long finish. Perfect with lighter summer fare or simply enjoy with a view. Buy This Wine

 

Jul 072014
 
Mercy Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Zabala Vineyard 2013, Arroyo Seco, $20 (S) – Rating 91

Mercy Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc Zabala Vineyard 2013Created solely from the rich and intriguing Musque clone of Sauvignon Blanc; fermented and aged in stainless steel barrels. Aromas of ripe pineapple, spice and honeycomb. A soft mouth-feel with juicy acidity. Complex yet integrated flavors of green apple, pineapple, Asian pear, spice and minerality, honeydew melon and citrus with tropical notes on finish. A real patio pleaser! Buy This Wine

 

Jul 042014
 
MacPhail Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2012,  Sonoma County, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 90

MacPhail Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2012A lovely example of Sonoma coast Chardonnay. The enticing nose offers aromas of red apple, ripe pear and baking spice. Chablis in style, with only the barest use neutral oak results in a crisp Chardonnay with present and balanced acidity. Blended flavors of red apple, pear, Meyer lemon, pineapple and just a hint of butterscotch. Notes of tropicals in the long clean finish. Buy This Wine

Jul 042014
 
Caymus 40th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, CA, $60 (S) – Rating 94

Caymus 40th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon 2012A very impressive wine from an equally impressive vintage. Quite young but opens with an hour or so of decanting. A complex nose of blue and black fruit with hints of baking spice and minerality. A soft mouth-feel with silky tannins and balanced acidity. Big flavors of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, oaky vanilla and brown spice with hints of black pepper and leather on finish. As good as it is now, this wine will only get better with time. Truly a special wine in celebration of the Caymus 40th anniversary. Buy This Wine

 

Jul 042014
 
Thralls Family Cellars Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

Thralls Family Cellars Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012A fruit forward Pinot with a full mouth-feel and balanced acidity. Aromas of red cherry, rhubarb and a hint of cola. The palate is rewarded with a kaleidoscope of bright red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, brown spice and just a touch of white pepper. Subtle notes of cherry pie on the finish. Give this wine at least 30 minutes to open to full potential. Buy This Wine