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

V. Sattui Winery Quaglia Vineyard Zinfandel 2009

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Nov 112012
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Quaglia Vineyard Zinfandel, Old Vine Zinfandel, Napa Valley, CA, $42 (S) – Rating 92

From an “old vine” vineyard which includes Petite Sirah and Carignane in the field blend. A beautifully smokey nose with notes of dark berries and spice. A leaner style than some jammy Zins. Very balanced with flavors of dark berry, blueberry, ripe plum, black pepper with notes of cocoa and espresso in the long finish. Patience will be rewarded …Give the wine at least 30 minutes to open up. Buy This Wine

Distant Cellars Winery – Amador County, CA

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Nov 112012
 
Distant Cellars is a new family owned (4 brothers and dad) winery. These are their first efforts. They show great potential for future vintages.
2009 Distant Cellars Winery Prospect Zinfandel, Fiddletown, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 87

A blend of Zinfandel from two vineyards (75% estate fruit) with a hint of Alicante Bouschet.  The nose offers notes of cherry, red berries and chocolate coming together with a certain jamminess. Flavors of dark cherry and dark berries are accented with notes of mint, chocolate and dark spice. Let the wine decant to soften the acidity and bold tannins. Buy This Wine

2009 Distant Cellars Winery “Drifter” Red Wine Blend, Amador County, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 3.8

This blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Alicante Bouschet offers a robust nose of dark cherry pie, spice and a little leather giving way to round flavors of dark cherry, ripe raspberry and spice with notes of saddle leather and dark chocolate. Tannins soften with decanting. Buy This Wine

Youngberg Hill Jordan Pinot Noir 2008

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Oct 282012
 
2008 Youngberg Hill Jordan Pinot Noir, McMinnville, OR, $40 (S) – Rating 89

A refreshing nose of cherry, blackberries with notes of licorice. This medium-bodied Pinot offers flavors of cherry, blackberry and ripe plum with notes of black spice and a hint of dark chocolate on the finish. Nicely balanced tannins adds to the complexity. The integrated acidity enhances this wine’s food pairing potential.  Buy this Wine

Trione Vineyards & Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

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Oct 282012
 
2007 Trione Vineyards & Winery Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Block Twenty-one, Sonoma County, CA, $64 (S) – Rating 94

Wow! A really big Cabernet from Sonoma’s Alexander Valley.  This big boy opens with a rich and spicy nose of blueberry and ripe raspberry. The lush mouth-feel is enhanced with flavors of dark cherry, plum, ripe raspberry, dark spices and just enough earthiness to be interesting. The tannins are a soft and well integrated but still some zippy acidity remains. A classic Bordeaux blend with 10% Merlot and 2.5% each Petite Verdot and Malbec. A long and complex finish. Buy This Wine

Carol Shelton Larson Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010

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Oct 282012
 
2010 Carol Shelton Larson Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, Carneros, CA, $ 38 (S) – Rating 92

This Carneros Pinot really grabbed my attention. A boisterous nose of dark cherry, strawberry jam with notes of baking spice. Medium-bodied on the palate with flavors of strawberry jam, ripe plum and dark cherry with subtle leathery notes. Structured yet well integrated tannins and soft acidity play nicely in the long finish. 3.5% Petite Sirah in the blend adds an unexpected zip. Buy This Wine

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