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
Corison Cabernet is the elegant restrained style of Napa Cabernet that I fell in love with years ago. Cathy Corison has created a very well balanced with soft tannins that envelope your tongue without biting. At 13.8 alcohol, the dark rich fruit is alive and powerful without being fruity. An expensive wine at $70, but luxury has its price.
The other night I was in the mood for a great Pinot and friend suggested Benovia Sonoma Coast. This is a very well made Pinot Noir that has a juicy mouthfeel and is very well balanced. Just a damn nice Pinot.
Very nice Zinfandel for the price. Good rich Zinny flavors although a bit lighter and less complex than some from Dry Creek. Good food pairing Zin.
Orogeny from the Green River Valley in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma, is a big meaty Pinot Noir. One that we enjoy often. The flavors of dark fruit and spice are nicely balanced when at cellar temperature. Not so balanced if it gets warm. Often we are able to find Orogeny in restaurants at a very reasonable markup. Plus isn’t the word Orogeny just fun to say? Serve with duck or roasted turkey.
Do you remember the old 7-UP ads from 1975 for the UnCola? If Napa wineries are best regarded for their cabernets, then Benessere is the Un-Cabernet; specializing in Italian varietals.
I have to say that when these winery samples arrived at my office I wasn’t jumping around with excitement. My past experience with Italian wines has been uneventful, at best. I know many of you love them but until I tasted these wines from Benessere I was not on the bandwagon. While I may not bang a drum for Italian wines as a whole, I will bang a gong for these beauties. Continue reading »
