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 big Pinot Noir that needs some time to open up. Riverbench Estate Pinot Noir will reward your patience with a vividly burgundy colored wine, rich flavors of dark cherry, plum and dark fruit. We particularly enjoyed the hint of smokiness that added to the wine’s complexity. A big Pinot to pair with big flavors.
Another lovely wine by Ceja Vineyards. The Carneros fruit offers great body and structure. 100% barrel fermented and sur lie aged (no malolactic fermentation) for 11 months, this Chardonnay has a full bodied richness, balance and creaminess that is food friendly but still satisfying to the palate when enjoyed by itself.
This extremely versatile food friendly blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Syrah, 20% Cabernet is one of the better “House Wines” we’ve tasted. The nose is a pleasant blend of dark cherries, cocoa and spice. The dark red fruit flavors and minerality are well integrated with subtle tannins. The Pinot Noir adds to a very satisfying finish. Ceja Vineyards call this their breakfast, lunch and dinner wine. I’ll have a glass with Ranchero Eggs and smoked bacon, please.
Recently, we had the opportunity to sample a delicious Paso Robles Cabernet (Red Zeppelin) and powerful Monterey Petite Sirah (Black Zeppelin) from Red Zeppelin Winery. We also were able to chat with owner, winemaker and self professed “party animal” Stillman Brown.
Red Zeppelin Wi
nery (yes, the name is a play on the classic rock band) on the Central Coast was started in 2003 as an offshoot of Jory Winery which Stillman co-founded nearly ten years earlier. Stillman, a reformed political science major at Cal, has no formal viticulture education. However, early into our conversation it was apparent his wine making knowledge is vast and leans towards the scientific. That said, Stillman is a very funny, eclectic and sometimes absurd force of personality. His trademark salutation “Elvis died for your sins,” is a line only a man who goes by the nickname Swilly Idle (he somewhat resembles Billy Idol) could pull off with a straight face. Continue reading »
Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay was a truly delightful New Zealand Syrah. A lighter style, this wine is soft, round and more food friendly than most Syrahs. Well balanced and fruit forward with flavors of blackberry and spice. A great wine to enjoy with friends and conversation. At $13 retail it’s a deal. Beware of big restaurant mark-ups on this wine.
