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

Aug 302012
 
2010 Hook & Ladder Chardonnay , Russian River Valley, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 88

A toasty nose of pineapple with notes of apricot and caramel. The palate offers a rich mouth-feel and soft acidity with flavors of butterscotch, red apple, honey and hints of cinnamon, oaky vanilla and spice. A well made good-value Chardonnay.    Buy This Wine

Aug 302012
 
2011 Quady Winery Red Electra Mosato, California Orange Muscat Wine, $13 (S) – Rating 90

Sometimes nothing hits the spot at then end of the evening like a small glass of sweet wine. Quady Red Electra with only 5% alcohol can be the perfect nightcap. A sweet blend of red and orange muscat with a soft effervescence and flavors of summer red fruit. The website suggests additional use such as sorbets and granities. Buy This Wine

Aug 292012
 
2011 The Cusher Rose of Pinot Noir, Merwin Vineyard, Clarksburg, CA, $14 (S) – Rating 88

A solid value patio sipper with a healthy nose of watermelon, raspberry and strawberry. Flavors of ripe watermelon, tart cherry, red berries and citrus with subtle notes of red Jolly Rancher combine with zippy acidity and a hint of sweetness for a summer party favorite or to pair with lighter fare. Buy This Wine

Aug 292012
 
2010 Hess Collection Chardonnay Napa Valley, CA $22 (S) – Rating 89

100% Chardonnay fermented in both stainless steel and predominately neutral oak. A lovely nose of pear and citrus gives way to soft flavors of apple, citrus and baking spice with notes of pear, vanilla and toasty pie crust. Partial malolactic fermentation adds a roundness to the mouth-feel while maintaining balanced acidity. Buy This Wine

Aug 292012
 
2008 Hawk and Horse Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County, CA, $65 (S)- Rating 89

This dark rich Cabernet (98% Cabernet & 2% Merlot) with a definite European earthiness offers a nose of black cherry, dark fruit, cedar and leather. Upon opening, the tannins were a bit heavy but became more integrated and supple after 45 minutes of decanting. On the palate expect flavors of dark berries, cherry, black plum, blackberry, oaky spice, black coffee and earthy goodness.Demeter Biodynamic and CCOF Organic certified. Buy This Wine