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 062012
 
2007 Giordano Barolo, Piedmont, Italy, $39 (S) – Rating 90

An engaging nose of black cherry, dark fruit and spice. The palate is rewarded with rich flavors of dark cherry and plum with intriguing notes of chocolate and espresso. After decanting, the supple tannins and zippy acidity make for good food pairing potential. The long finish is highlighted with notes of saddle leather and smoke. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2009 Trione Vineyards & Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir,  River Road Ranch, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Proof that a big flavorful Pinot Noir can be very well-balanced and satisfying. The rich nose is a bit tight at first offering rich notes of dark berry, ripe raspberry, briar and spice. A superb round mouth-feel with supple and well integrated tannins. Flavors of cherry, ripe strawberry and raspberry are dominate with intriguing hints of cola, vanilla and baking spice combining for a mom’s Pinot pie sensation. As the wine opens, the nose becomes richer and the finish becomes more complex with leather and dark spice. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2010 Giordano Collection Primitivo Di Manduria, Apulia Collection, Italy, $14 (S) – Rating 89

Very Zinfandel-like in it’s jammy fruit-forward style. A rich full nose of black fruit, blueberries and spice. A soft, round mouth-feel with juicy flavors of dark berry, blueberry and plum with hints of oaky vanilla and dark spice. A good value and sure to be a party pleaser. Buy This Wine

Dec 042012
 
2005 J Vineyards Vintage Brut, Russian River Valley, CA, $48 (S) – Rating 90

A rich blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir  and Pinot Meunier with deep yeasty notes. Balanced bubbles with a toasty butterscotch nose followed by flavors of red apple and citrus with hints of butterscotch and a kiss of sweetness. Cellar aged for 5 years before the early 2012 release creating a wonderful sparkler with plenty of personality. Buy This Wine

Dec 042012
 
2008 Inman Family Olivet Grange Vineyard (OGV) Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $63(S) – Rating 92

Produced with 5 Pinot Noir clones in a 10 acre vineyard, the wine is complex with an inviting nose of raspberry, plum, cherry and spice. Decant for 30+minutes to develop its full potential. Flavors on the palate include cherry, plum, raspberry and blueberry with notes of cranberry and baking spice. As it opens, notes of briar, smoke and leather add depth in the long finish. Zippy acidity with soft tannins make for good food paring potential. Buy This Wine