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

Buena Vista Winery The Count Founder’s Red Wine 2008

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Jan 132013
 
2008 Buena Vista Winery The Count Founder’s Red Wine, Sonoma, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 89

An excellent Go-To $20 red blend at a value price. Blended from Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, the winemaker pulled the best attributes of each. A nose of black cherry and dark chocolate is the prelude to this crowd-pleasing wine with soft tannins and a touch of fruitiness. Flavors are reminiscent of dark chocolate covered black cherries, ripe plum, blackberry and dark spice with notes of espresso on the long finish. Buy this Wine

Buena Vista Winery Chardonnay 2009

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Jan 132013
 
2009 Buena Vista Winery Chardonnay, Carneros, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 4.0

A lush full mouth-feel (typical Carneros Chardonnay body) with plenty of acidity to keep things interesting, especially at the $20 price point. An intriguing nose of apple, pear and citrus with notes of caramel and a hint of nuttiness. The palate is treated to flavors of pear and pineapple with added notes of caramel and minerality. Great with food or as a stand-alone sipper. Buy This Wine

Jan 122013
 
2008 Mutt Lynch Winery “mbf” Petite Sirah, Perotti Vineyard, Dry Creek, Sonoma Coast, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 89

An dark inky wine with aromas of jammy black fruit and spice. The wine offer big flavors of black cherry, blackberry, dark spice with notes of tobacco and cinnamon. The long finish offers up hints of espresso. Integrated tannins and acidity make this Petite more food friendly than some…  Buy This Wine

Jan 122013
 
J Vineyards & Winery Cuvée 20 Brut NV 25th Anniversary, Sonoma, CA, $26 (S) – Rating 92

The J Vineyards & Winery Cuvée 20, is in my opinion, one of the consistent great values in CA sparkling wine and the 25th Anniversary offering is no exception. Crisp and intriguing with a nose of apple, citrus and brioche. An elegant and full mouth-feel offering flavors of red apple, pear and minerality with a hint of sweet yeastiness and notes of caramel. The food pairing possibilities are limitless. Buy This Wine

Jan 122013
 
2010 V. Sattui Winery Henry Ranch Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, CA, $39 (S) – Rating 90

This Pinot is a bit tight upon opening but really blossoms after about 30 minutes. A soft nose of black cherry jam and spice is the prelude to a lush and soft mouth-feel with flavors of black cherry, plum, tobacco and baking spice with just enough acidity for good food pairing. Patience is rewarded. Buy This Wine