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

Apr 252012
 
2010 Concannon Conservancy Crimson & Clover, Red Table Wine, Livermore Valley, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 89

A super-value blend at $18 but can be found for as little as $12. A great go-to wine blended of 50% Petite Sirah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah and 10% Zinfandel.. Very drinkable upon opening. Expect a nose of spicy black cherry pie. The flavor profile pulls from the best of the varietals used with flavors of black cherry, blackberries, black fruit, a hint of sweetness, pipe tobacco, spice box with silky tannins. Have plenty on hand for that BBQ patio party.

Apr 252012
 
2011 Chamisal Vineyards Rosé, Edna Valley, Ca, $22 (S) – Rating 91

With Rosé season just upon us, I feel lucky to have found this blend of 95% Pinot Noir boosted by 5% Grenache by Chamisal Vineyards so early. A fragrant nose of ripe watermelon and strawberry. Beautifully round favors of strawberry and watermelon with notes of spice. Just enough acidity made the wine pair beautifully with our cedar-plank salmon. A near perfect patio sipper.

Apr 252012
 
2008 Clark-Claudon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown, Napa Valley, CA, $80 (S) – Rating 94

Just an excellent Cabernet from Clark-Claudon Vineyards and the winemaking team of Frederic Delivert and Jean Hoefliger (Alpha Omega Winery). A medium-bodied and elegant Howell Mountain wine from a tough growing year where a late spring frost claimed 50% of the fruit. The wine opens with a rich nose of black cherry enhanced with notes of cedar. The palate is caressed with black cherry, blackberry, cedar and ripe plum supported by integrated tannins and food friendly acidity. Give this lovely a couple of hours to fully express her depth as the notes of cedar give way to softer flavors of chocolate, espresso and cigar box.

Apr 152012
 
NV Happy Bitch Wines Rosé Wine, New York, $10 (S) – Rating 87

Described as Fruity Blend of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir Perfect for Girlfriend Gatherings! Being a guy I was a bit suspect, so I gathered some girls and they did, in fact, enjoy the wine and got a few laughs over the Happy Bitch name. Seriously, the wine is lightly effervescent and slightly sweet with a nose of rhubarb. On the palate expect flavors of strawberry and raspberry, balanced with just enough zippy acidity.

Apr 152012
 
2011 Pedernales Cellars Texas Dry Rosé, Texas, $16 – Rating 90

This dry Rosé blend of Tempranillo, Grenache, and Sangiovese (all Texas fruit) from Pedernales Cellars near Fredericksburg, offers up a nose of strawberry jam. Flavors of strawberry, rhubarb, black cherry, ripe red apple plus a hint of earthiness combined with balanced acidity, make for a excellent wine by any standards.