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 full-bodied Pinot Noir that once again shows that Mendocino is definitely Pinot country. Aromas of dark cherry, raspberry, stewed plums with hints of chocolate and smoke. Supple tannins and balanced acidity enhance black cherry, plum, dark spice and cacao flavors, with just just a touch of cola on the palate. Earthy dark chocolate in the very long finish. Buy This Wine
For those who want flavors other than New Zealand grapefruit in a Sauvignon Blanc, this wine is right up your alley. A bouquet of ripe pineapple, tropicals, cream, spice and minerality. Aged predominately in neutral oak, the wine has a round mouth-feel while maintaining crisp acidity. Flavors of creamy citrus, honeydew melon, pineapple, vanilla and tropicals. Subtle ripe pineapple on the long finish. Buy This Wine
A very balanced Chardonnay offering a plush mouth-feel paired with juicy acidity. Fermented and aged in French oak from dry-farmed estate fruit. Pleasing aromas of red apple, pear and a touch of baking spice. Creamy on the palate with flavors of red apple, pear and tropicals with hints of spice. Vanilla creme in the long finish. Buy This Wine
With nearly every vintage I review, I state that Smith-Madrone Cabernet is one of the best Napa Cabs under $50. This wine is no exception. Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, blueberry,raspberry and brown spice. Dry farmed estate fruit, high on Spring Mountain gives this wine a lush mouth-feel with present acidity and supple tannins. Well integrated flavors of black cherry, plum, blackberry and tobacco box with a little blueberry with pepper spice. Intriguing espresso and dark chocolate on long finish. Buy This Wine
A very balanced style of Zinfandel. On the nose, notes of black fruit and plum with hints of espresso and campfire smoke. Smooth on the palate with balanced acidity and soft tannins. Plenty of flavor highlighted by black cherry, blackberry, ripe cherry and brown spice. Smokey cherry on the finish. Buy This Wine
