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 bigger style yet delicious of Pinot Noir that delivers aromas of dark cherry with hints of smoke and dark chocolate. A silky mouth-feel with balanced tannins and acidity. Fruit forward flavors of dark cherry, dark fruit, dark chocolate (a reoccurring dark flavor theme) with a touch of brown spice. A touch of saddle leather in the long finish. Buy this Wine
A well rounded dry Pinot Noir rosé offering a crisp nose of strawberry, cranberry and just a hint of rhubarb. The lighter salmon color is reminiscent of the rosés of Provence. Lively flavors greet the palate with red cherry, strawberry and cranberry with floral notes of rose petal in the finish. Perfect acidity for pairing with lighter summer meals. Buy This Wine
Originally tasting room only, now in limited distribution. A wonderful Chardonnay priced well below other AO Chards without a step down in flavor. The nose offers enticing notes of red juicy apple and caramel with hints of spice. The same sensations of red juicy apple, caramel and spice are present on the palate with added flavors of ripe pear and just a subtle touch of crème brûlée. The creamy mouth-feel has the right balance of acidity. Buy This Wine
This Pinot Noir blends grapes from California’s premier Pinot growing regions, 51% Monterey County, 28% Santa Barbara County & 21% Sonoma County. A very rich and plush mouth-feel with fully ripe berry flavors. This beauty needs at least 15 minutes to open to its full potential. The opening act is an appealing nose of blackberry, blueberry and spice. The palate is then treated to a wine with balanced acidity offering flavors of blueberry, blackberry and dark cherry with notes of spice and cola on the long finish. As it opens, subtle notes reminiscent of blueberry pie entice. Buy This Wine
Gavi is a crisp white wine made from the Cortese grape grown in the southeast region of Piedmont. Gavi may be my wine find of the summer. A perfectly refreshing patio sipper or for pairing with lighter summer fare. Similar to CA Sauvignon Blanc (no grapefruit flavor), this beauty opens with a nose of pineapple and citrus balanced with a little pear. The palate is treated to flavors of green apple, pineapple and hint of pear with integrated minerality. Lower alcohol at 12% is a bonus. Buy This Wine
