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

Nov 042014
 
Dutton Goldfield Chardonnay Dutton Ranch 2012, Rued Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $50 – Rating 93

Dutton Goldfield Chardonnay100% French oak barrel fermented with full secondary malolactic fermentation. Robust aromas of baked apples, tropicals and spice with a hint of creaminess. A lush mouth-feel with very balanced acidity. Red apple, pear, citrus and tropical fruit flavors with notes of baking spice, minerality and crème brulee. Delicious hints of toffee apples in the finish. Buy This Wine

 

Nov 042014
 
Sequoia Grove Chardonnay 2012, Napa Valley, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 89

Sequoia Grove Chardonnay 2012Fermented in stainless steel tanks and aged in French oak without malolactic fermentation. The result is a plush mouth-feel with balanced acidity with no buttery popcorn to overwhelm. The nose offers notes of apple, pear and baking spice. Flavors of red apple, pear, white peach, Meyer lemon and stony minerality. A bit of spice in the finish. Buy This Wine

 

Nov 032014
 
Alysian Wines Pinot Noir Russian River Selection 2010, Russian River Valley, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

Alysian Wines Pinot Noir Russian River Selection 2010A soft and elegant Pinot Noir on the lighter side with balanced acidity. Ripe cherry and strawberry notes on the nose with floral hints and spice. A crisp mouth-feel offering flavors of red cherry, strawberry, raspberry and brown spice. A touch of white pepper spice in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Nov 032014
 
Rarecat Cabernet Sauvignon Old Toll Hillside Vineyard 2010, Calistoga, Napa Valley, CA, $100 (S) – Rating 93

Rarecat Cabernet Sauvignon Old Toll Hillside Vineyard 2010A big Cabernet that needs to be decanted for a good 45 minutes to an hour to reach it’s full potential. Your patience will be rewarded. Aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate, worn leather and spice with a tender hint of rose. A round mouth-feel with supple tannins and balanced acidity. Rich fruit flavors include black cherry, plum, blackberry, cocoa and dark spice. Spicy espresso in the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

Oct 092014
 
Drnk Wines Pinot Noir Cavers Cuvée 2012, Russian River Valley, CA, $32 – Rating 93

DRNK_Label_PN-RussianRiver_2012-FrntThis Pinot just keeps racking up awards, recently a Double Gold at the 2014 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Aromas of blackberry, ripe strawberry, raspberry, red cherry and plenty of brown spice. Plush on the palate with balanced acidity. Flavors of black cherry, red cherry and a little blackberry with a touch a of white pepper in the finish. Cherry and red licorice on the long finish. Buy This Wine