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
This affordable sparkling wine from J Vineyards is another reason why bubbles should be an every day affair. A crisp nose of lemon, tropicals and yeasty brioche. Bright acidity with a plush mouth-feel gives way to notes of Meyer lemon, tropicals, citrus, pear and flaky croissant. Elegant minerality in the long finish. Buy This Wine
An excellent example of dry California Gewurztraminer. A fragrant nose of white peach, stone fruit and honeysuckle. Balanced on the palate with just a bit of acidity. Flavors of grapefruit, citrus, stone fruit, honeysuckle, spice and minerality. Notes of honey and a pleasant spiciness on the finish. Buy This Wine
Very balanced in contrast to some overly jammy style Zinfandels. A blend of 77% Zinfandel (90+year-old vines) and 23% Petite Sirah adding some peppery pop. Robust aromas of dark fruit, plum, blackberry and brown spice. Rich on the palate with balanced acidity and supple tannins. Flavors of blackberry, plum, ripe raspberry and dark spice. An elegantly long finish with plenty of spice and hints of cocoa. Buy This Wine
A beautifully balanced chardonnay with a delicate nose of red apple, citrus and hints of wet stone. Barrel fermented and aged in French Oak (20% new) creating just enough acidity in the round mouth-feel. On the palate, flavors of red apple, pear, Meyer lemon, vanilla and pie spice. A super-long finish offering notes of nutty caramel and brioche. Buy This Wine
Think cold winter’s day, a blanket and a fireplace. This is the perfect big wine to share. Be patient however as this Petite Sirah take at least an hour to open to full potential. A robust nose of smokey cherry, blueberry and spice. A palate full of black cherry, blackberry, ripe raspberry, oaky vanilla, dark chocolate and brown spice. As one should expect from a Petite, it offers a full mouth-feel with big tannins and bright acidity. Dark cherry and peppery spice on the finish. Buy This Wine
