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

May 012012
 
2009 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, CA, $44 (S) – Rating 92

A rich, intense and complex Pinot that will grab your attention. The nose is full of plum and cinnamon with notes of tobacco box. The palate is rewarded with round flavors of plum, raspberry, dark cherry, cooking spice, cinnamon, nutmeg with hints of oaky vanilla and underpinned by balanced acidity and soft tannins.

May 012012
 
2010 Artezin Zinfandel, Mendocino County, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 91

A beautifully rich blueberry nose. Billed accurately as a “Zinny Zin,” Artezin is a rich fruit forward Zinfandel that offers a mouthful of cherry, a lot of blueberry, baking spices and blackberry with a little acidity highlighted by subtle tannins. 10% Petite Sirah in the blend adds a little spicy punch.

Apr 262012
 
2011 Trinchero Mary’s Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Calistoga, Napa Valley, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 90

A fun Sauvignon Blanc, perfect for a sunny afternoon. A soft nose of herbal citrus with a hint of orange. The palate is caressed with pineapple, notes of stone fruit, tropicals, banana, citrus and clean river stone combining to create a round mouth-feel with moderate acidity. 100% Sauvignon Blanc – 100% Stainless steel fermentation

Apr 262012
 
2009 Desert Wind Vineyard Sangiovese, Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, WA, $18 (S) – Rating 89

An impressive American Sangiovese from Desert Wind Winery. Blended with a 5% stew of Cabernet, Merlot and Barbera, the bright nose offers strawberry, spice and cherry.  Flavors of ripe dark cherry, strawberry and little spice enhanced by soft tannins, make this a very easy drinking departure from the ordinary red wine.

Apr 252012
 
2010 Masút Vineyard and Winery Pinot Noir, Mendocino, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

An excellent sophomore effort from 3rd generation winemakers Ben and Jake Fetzer at Masút Vineyard. A full-on nose of rich black cherry pie with hints of espresso. Very rich and ripe on the palate with flavors of cherry, coffee, ripe strawberry, plum, notes of coca and plenty of integrated spice. Soft tannins accentuated with a touch of acidity round out this well made Pinot.