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

Dunn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Savignon

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Jan 042011
 
2002 Dunn Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, CA, $95 — Rating 98

A Napa Valley winemaker once told me that winemakers on Howell Mountain winemakers are “in their own world up there.” If that’s true, then Randy Dunn’s Howell Mountain Cabernets are out of this world. The 2002 is no exception. Big Chewy Fruit, Big Tannins and Big Oak without big alcohol are beautifully balanced into a wine that commands your attention and contemplation. Be patient, this big cab need some time to breathe for maximum pleasure.

Vertical, the Follow-up to Sideways – A Review

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Jan 032011
 

Can Miles stop his life from sliding “Sideways” so that for once, he can stand “Vertical”?

Review Vertical the Follow-up to Sideways Vertical, by Rex Pickett, takes place seven years after Sideways. Miles and Jack have had a complete reversal of fortunes. Miles’s bestselling book, Shameless, which is no doubt Sideways, became a hit movie while romanticizing Pinot Noir and bashing Merlot. His new found Hollywood and wine-world fame and riches has devolved Miles into a shameless caricature of his Shameless character. Jack is now a divorced parent, the result of his continued philandering. Continue reading »

Artesa Pinot Noir

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Dec 312010
 
2007 Carneros, CA, $22  Rating — 92

Artesa could be our new go-to California Pinot.  Rich flavors of dark cherry, currant, chocolate with a hint of tobacco leaf. Soft tannins added to the silkyness on the palate. Another Artesa wine that will impress your friends without breaking the bank.

Artesa Chardonnay

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Dec 312010
 
2009 Carneros, CA  $17 — Rating  92

A fantastic Chardonnay from our favorite Chardonnay AVA. 65% barrel fermentation adds structure and 50% secondary fermentation creates a lush creamy mouth-feel. Too elegant to be called a butter-bomb, Artesa has a wonderful balance of oak and butter (butterscotch). Tastes more like a $30 wine.

Parducci True Grit Petite Sirah

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Dec 312010
 
2007 Mendocino County, Ukiah, CA (S) $20  — Rating 86

Big and bold, few varietals have the “True Grit” of Petite Sirah. The 2007 offering by Parducci is no exception. These Mendocino County grapes produce a rich deeply purple wine. Much like Rooster Cogburn, the big fruit, black pepper and tannins are not for the faint of heart. Let this gunfighter cool his heels in your decanter for at least 30 minutes before taking aim on your palate.

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