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
A big Syrah from Patland Estate Vineyards. A robust nose of smokey cherry jam followed by flavors of cherry, plum, dark spice, tobacco box and mocha with well-integrated medium tannins and hints of smoke on the long finish.
A bit heavier than other MacPhail Wines offerings with rich and complex flavors of cherry, raspberry, plum, dark spice with hints of cola and oaky smoke. Supple tannins add and integrated backbone.
A nice nose of spicy cherry and notes of tobacco box. This Paul Dolan medium-bodied Cabernet made of 100% organically grown grapes offers flavors of dark rich cherry, dark spice, ripe plum, black pepper, cassis, dark spice and again, notes of tobacco box. Softer tannins make this Cab very approachable soon after opening.
A lovely example of CA Sangiovese from Chatom Vineyards. Opens with a nose of cherry and dark spice and offers up flavors of smokey cherry, dark spice, vanilla and cigar box. The zippy acidity helped the wine pair wonderfully with our spicy Chorizo hamburger with smoked cheddar cheese and guacamole whip.
The first word that came to mind was simply delicious. This blend of 30% each Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah with 10% Zinfandel has a nose of cherry chocolate. Rich fruit and soft tannins offer up those same cherry and dark cocoa powder flavors with spicy notes and hints of vanilla and smoke. A great red wine at the price from Lava Cap.
