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 182013
 
2012 John Anthony Vineyards Church Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Carneros, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 93

A truly extraordinary Sauvignon Blanc from an intimate Carneros vineyard. A delicious blend of juicy acidity and minerality with a creamy mouth-feel. Opens with bouquet of baked pineapple and tropical aromas with distinct notes of flinty minerality. Balanced on the palate offering flavors of ripe pineapple, citrus and minerality with subtle hints of apricot and honeysuckle. Meyer Lemon is the star of the long finish. Buy This Wine

Jun 132013
 
2010 Dry Creek Vineyard Foggy Oaks Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 90

Barrel fermented with 85% malolactic fermentation, this Chardonnay is a winner at $20. The nose is reminiscent of mom’s apple pie with warm notes of yeast and nutmeg. As it opens more tropical and citrus aromas come forward. Balanced acidity and creaminess with flavors of red apple, pear, caramel, vanilla and baking spice with subtle notes of ripe pineapple on the finish. Buy This Wine

Jun 122013
 
2012 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA, $22(S) – Rating 91

A refreshing wine on a warm summer evening, interesting enough to stand alone and inviting enough to pair with fresh summer fare. Expressive aromas of baked pineapple and white peach with floral notes to round out the experience. Mouth-watering acidity for excellent food-pairing with creamy yet crisp flavors of ripe pineapple, tropicals, Meyer lemon and minerality with hints of lime in the finish. Buy This Wine

Jun 122013
 
2011 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, CA, $44 (S) – Rating 92

There are some wines where the description should begin and end with yummy or delicious without all the deconstructed tasting notes… this is one of those wines. A flamboyant fruit-forward Pinot Noir with an enticing nose of blackberry and baked cherries with notes of blueberry. Robust flavors of dark cherry pie, blackberry and ripe raspberry followed by vanilla and baking spice on the long finish. An excellent balance of jamminess and acidity. Buy This Wine

Jun 122013
 
2011 Wine Guerrilla McClain Vineyard Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Wine Guerrilla just does Zinfandel right. A rather complex offering with a perfect balance between Zinfandel flavor and texture. The 3.5 acre vineyard was planted using cuttings from a 120-year-old Zinfandel vineyard nearby. A robust nose of black cherry, ripe plum and leather with hints of cocoa. Full-flavored without going too jammy. Great food-paring acidity with notes of black cherry, black plum and cocoa with a touch of spice and espresso in the long finish. Buy This Wine