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

Jul 082012
 
2010 Carmel Road Pinot Noir, Monterey, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 88

A fruity nose of dark cherry, plum and spice. On the palate expect flavors of cherry, plum and blackberries with notes of tobacco, chocolate and pepper spice. Balanced acidity and soft tannins make for a pleasant mouth-feel. A good value go-to Pinot. Buy this Wine

Jul 082012
 
2011 Riverbench Rose’ of Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, CA $18 (S) – Rating 90

A super summertime sipper with a spicy nose of strawberry, raspberry and spice. Crisp acidity will get the mouth watering with flavors of strawberry, rhubarb, raspberry, cinnamon and baking spice. This rosé does need a few minutes to open in the glass to reach its full potential. Buy This Wine

Jul 082012
 
2011 Starmont Chardonnay, Napa Valley, Ca, $20 (S) – Rating 88

A very nice for the price Chardonnay opening with a nose red apple, ripe pineapple and spice. Flavors abound with red apple, pear, ripe pineapple, tropicals, citrus, oaky vanilla, baking spice, minerality and just enough buttery goodness to round out the mouth-feel without being overpowering. Buy This Wine

Jul 082012
 
2009 Mercy Cedar Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, Ca, $38 (S) – Rating 93

A beautifully drinking wine with a rich nose of dark cherry and raspberry with notes of tobacco box. Fully ripe with clean flavors of cherry, plum, red berry with hints of coca and vanilla. Wonderfully balanced offering mouth watering acidity and supple tannins. Buy This Wine

Jul 052012
 
2011 Chamisal Vineyards Pinot Gris, Estate Bottled, Edna Valley, CA, 24 (S) – Rating 91

This near-perfect patio sipper opens with a subtle nose of red apple which transcends to the palate with flavors of apple pie, pear, white peach, baking spice and a hint of yeastiness. Left on lees for 6 months resulting in a soft round mouth-feel with crisp acidity.