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

Jun 032014
 
Mumm Napa Brut RoseMumm Napa Brut Rose NV, Napa Valley Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley, CA $24 (S) – Rating 90

A festive go-to sparkler. Predominately Pinot Noir with a small amount of Chardonnay blended in. A soft mouth-feel with balanced acidity combined with a soft nose offering hints of rose pedal, raspberry, strawberry and yeasty pie crust. On the palate, flavors of red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, spice and a touch of rhubarb. No need to wait to celebrate to enjoy these bubbles. Buy This Wine

Jun 032014
 
Clark Claudon Wild_IrisClark Claudon Wild Iris Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Napa Valley, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 93

A beautifully balanced blend of Sauvignon Blanc clone 1 and Musque clone. Fermented in a combination of stainless steel, French acacia and French oak barrels with stirred lees for four months. Aromas of Meyer lemon, cream and minerality with a hint of spice. A soft round mouth-feel with balanced acidity and creaminess. Flavors of red apple, Meyer lemon, ripe pineapple and wet stone. Pineapple crème in the long finish. Buy This Wine

May 202014
 
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2010Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Alexander Valley, CA, $53 (S) – Rating 92

A vibrant wine from a cooler growing season. Like the vintages before, Jordan Cabernet is approachable as soon as the bottle opens but still benefits from at least 30 minutes of decanting. Blended from 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Vivid aromas of blueberry, blackberry pie spice and tobacco box. A lush mouth-feel with balanced acidity and supple tannins. Flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, mocha, dark spice with hints of oaky vanilla and espresso in the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

May 202014
 
Russian River Vineyards Pinot Noir Fratti Lane 2012Russian River Vineyards Pinot Noir, Fratti Lane 2012, Russian River Valley, CA $55 (S) – Rating 91

An expressive single vineyard Pinot Noir from the Green Valley section of the Russian River Valley. Rich aromas of red berry, blueberry and raspberry with hints of mocha and espresso. Soft tannins and mouth-feel yet still holding on to some crisp acidity. Well integrated flavors of cherry, raspberry and a little rhubarb. Espresso on the long finish. Only 50 cases made. Buy This Wine

 

May 202014
 
Russian River VineyardsRussian River Vineyards Chardonnay 2012, Sonoma Coast, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 90

Aged in French oak creating a round and creamy mouth-feel with balanced acidity. Aromas of red apple, spice, ripe pear and toasty vanilla. The palate is greeted with typical Sonoma Coast flavors of red apple, pear, toasty vanilla and hints of caramel. Notes of tropicals and citrus highlight the finish. Buy This Wine