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

Dec 262012
 
 Gloria Ferrer Winery Blanc de Noir NV, Carneros, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 91

A fun fruit-forward sparkler made of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The salmon hue offers rich fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry, and ripe strawberry with notes of Meyer lemon and toasted French baguette on the dry finish. An excellent value sparkler for either sipping with friends or pairing with lighter fare. Buy This Wine

Dec 262012
 
2009 Chatom Vineyards “Gitano” Sangiovese, Calaveras County, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 89

Once again a delicious example of CA Sangiovese. A big nose of black cherry, ripe plum and raspberry with intriguing notes of tobacco and spice. Give this wine at least 30 minutes in the decanter for it full potential. Plenty of food pairing acidity and supple tannins with bright flavors of cherry, plum and dark spices. The wine was an excellent pairing with homemade tamales. Buy This Wine

Dec 262012
 
Mumm Napa Brut Rosé NV, Napa Valley, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 90

Enjoy this beautiful pink sparkler any time…not just a special occasion wine. A blend of predominately Pinot Noir with a bit of Chardonnay offering flavors of ripe red berry, raspberry and cherry with notes of toasty brioche on the long dry finish. Well-balanced acidity makes for an engaging romantic sipper or excellent food pairing wine. Our pairing with grilled salmon was a big success. Buy This Wine

Dec 262012
 
2010 Lange Twins Winery and Vineyards Chardonnay, Estate Grown, Clarksburg, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 89

Rich aromas of green apple and pear with notes of citrus and baking spice. A lean mouth-feel with zippy acidity offering flavors of pineapple, tropicals, green apple and Meyer lemon. Notes of oaky vanilla and minerality complete the finish. An easy drinking Chardonnay. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2010 Rutherford Wine Company Rhiannon Red Wine, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 89

A rich red blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Barbera. Be patient, the wines needs about 30 minutes to fully open. The nose offers notes of plum, ripe strawberry and spice. Soft tannins and a slightly jammy mouth-feel with fruit forward flavors of dark cherry, blueberry and raspberry jam with complimentary notes of cocoa on the finish. Buy This Wine