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 092013
 
2010 Giordano Collection Nebbiolo Maestri Italiani doc, Piedmont, Italy, $17 (S) – Rating 89

A fruit forward red wine with old world charm and earthiness. The nose entices with notes of ripe cherry and plum with hints of raspberry and spice. The palate is treated to flavors of dark cherry, plum and spice. Soft tannins make this a very enjoyable and easy drinking red wine. Certainly a party pleaser. Buy This Wine

Mar 092013
 
2010 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 92

A truly crafted Chardonnay with an enchanting nose of baked apples, ripe citrus and even notes of grilled pineapple. Crisp flavors of ripe red apples, caramel and baking spice with subtle notes of oaky vanilla. Add a touch of minerality combined with perfectly balanced acidity and you have one heck of a wine. But one would expect nothing less from the Smith brothers. Buy This Wine

Mar 092013
 
2009 Martin Estate Bacchanal, A Napa Valley Red Wine, CA, $48 (S) – Rating 90

A big red blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum and dark berries with notes of leather and cocoa. On the palate expect flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and plum with lots of dark spice and hints of white pepper. The tannins are well defined and notes of espresso add complexity to the finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 262013
 
2010 Giordano Collection Tuscany i.g.t. Toscana Rosso, Tuscany, Italy, $13.50 (S) – 91

A Super Tuscan at a super price. This traditional blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet is rich and deep with aromas of red cherry, blackberry, dark spice, oaky vanilla and camp smoke. Very fruit-forward with moderate tannins offering notes of dark cherry, plum and dark fruit with intriguing hints of  dark chocolate and leather in the long finish. It is simply a “cuddle up by the fire” kind of wine. Buy This Wine

Feb 262013
 
2011 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 88

A pleasant nose of Meyer lemon, cream, green apple and vanilla. A round mouth-feel with notes of tartness. Flavors of Meyer lemon, tropical citrus, and green apple are followed by a vanilla creamy finish. Enough crisp minerality for good foodie possibilities. Buy This Wine