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
Castello di Amorosa Chardonnay 2011, Napa Valley, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 90For those who enjoy traditional California Chardonnay with oaky creaminess in the right proportions, this Chardonnay delivers. A nose of red apples and baking spice with hints of pie crust. Balanced acidity with a soft mouth-feel give way to flavors of red apple, pear and spice with subtle notes of toasty vanilla and caramel. Buy This Wine
Alpha Omega Chardonnay 2011, Napa Valley, CA, $65 (S) – Rating 92A sophisticated and balanced style of Chardonnay with all the flavors and aromas enjoyed by those who love oaked Chardonnay without getting overblown. The nose is a bouquet of red apple, pear, Meyer lemon and tropicals highlighted with notes of oaky vanilla. A lush and creamy mouth-feel with balanced acidity offering flavors of red apple, caramel, citrus, minerality, toasty brioche and vanilla. Subtle hints of toffee on the finish. Buy This Wine
Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel 2012 Forchini Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 93A field blend with about 95% Zinfandel with some Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Alicante Bouchet from 100+ year old vines; creating an awesome zinfandel. Winemaker Bruce Patch let’s this old vineyard have a true voice. A robust nose with aromas of red cherry, ripe strawberry, cacao and tobacco leaf. Not overtly jammy with supple tannins and round acidity. The palate will be treated to integrated flavors of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry and brown spice. Cherry and dark chocolate in the long finish. Only 200 cases produced. Buy This Wine
Estate 1856 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Sonoma County, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 91Very small boutique producer, this lot was only 75 cases. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. Rich bouquet of dark fruit and spice with subtle hints of soy sauce. A soft mouth-feel featuring supple tannins and balanced acidity. On the palate rest flavors of dark chocolate, dark cherry, plum, caramel and spice with mocha in the long finish. Buy This Wine
St. Rose Pinot Noir Ten Block 2012, Nunes Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 92A real treat of a Pinot made by Fred Nunes in his small winery at the vineyard. Grapes from Nunes Vineyard are used by a number of renown wineries in their single vineyard offerings. This wine is named for the block within the vineyard where these grapes are grown. Aromas of cherry, ripe raspberry and ripe strawberry with hints of chocolate. A full round mouth-feel with excellent acidity. Flavors of cherry, raspberry, oaky vanilla and strawberry with a bit of spicy chocolate on the finish. Buy This Wine
