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

Mar 212013
 
Giordano Toscana Rosso i.g.t. Selvato, Tuscany, Italy, $13 (S) – Rating 89

A big but friendly red blend with a nose of bright dark red fruit and raspberry with spicy aromas. Give this medium bodied wine some time to open to its full potential. The palate will be rewarded with flavors of bright cherry and ripe raspberry with a heap of dark spice and hints of oaky vanilla on the finish. The balanced acidity and soft tannins create endless food pairing possibilities. Buy This Wine

Mar 202013
 
2009 La Rochelle Donum Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir , Carneros, Sonoma County, CA, $75 (S) – Rating 94

Very limited production – 115 cases… Buy Now! 100% Donum clone Pinot Noir. A big Pinot with full on aromas of ripe raspberry, cherry and spice with just a hint of campfire smoke. The wine itself is complex on the palate with bright cherry flavors complimented by dark cherry and ripe raspberry with just a hint of Dr. Pepper in the finish. Plenty of acidity combined with well integrated tannins adds to the experience and aging potential. A superior Carneros Pinot. Buy This Wine

Mar 202013
 
2011 Ca’ Momi Winery Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Ca, $20 (S) – Rating 88

An enjoyable Chardonnay with a nose of citrus and grilled pineapple with just a hint of red apple. Balanced acidity and slightly creamy with flavors of tropicals, citrus and pineapple combined with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel Just a touch of of apple on the finish. Buy This Wine

Mar 202013
 
2009 Ceja Vineyards Pinot Noir, Carneros, CA, $50 (S) – Rating 90

A rich and deep Pinot that needs some time to open to its full splendor. The jammy nose is full of blueberry, raspberry jam and spice with just a nuance of smoke. Medium to full-bodied with good acidity and soft tannins offering flavors of cherry, blueberry, raspberry, ripe plum and dark spice.  It’s a baby…This will will only improve over the next few years. Buy This Wine

Mar 202013
 
2011 Smith-Madrone Riesling, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $27 (S) – Rating 91

One of the last Napa Riesling vineyards…and its a good one. Beautifully dry, offering a bouquet of citrus and pineapple with subtle notes of white peach. Crisp and clean on the palate with flavors of pineapple and citrus with intriguing hints of green apple and terroir-centric minerality. Perfect food pairing acidity. Try lighter spicy fare…Was divine with our spicy lemon shrimp. Buy This Wine