2009 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills, Australia, $13 (S) – Rating 86
A light-bodied and easy drinking Pinot offering notes of cherry, plum, spice with hints of oaky vanilla.
Feb 182012
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
Feb 182012
2010 Garnet Pinot Noir, Carneros, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 89
A super-value Pinot Noir, can be found for $15. Very smooth, easy drinker with balanced acidity and flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice and cola. Ready to drink – not for the cellar. Also a good restaurant choice because of the immediate drinkability.
Feb 182012
2009 Salt Lick Cellars Sangiovese Reserve, Samor Vineyards, Driftwood, TX, $35 – Rating 89
Another example of the ever improving wines from Texas. Winemaker Kim McPherson of McPherson Cellars and winegrower/winemaker Jay Knepp of Salt Lick Cellars (Famous Salt Lick BBQ-Austin) worked together to create this beauty. Well-balanced acidity and flavors of smoky cherry, plum, strawberry, spice and vanilla. A very Texas version of this Italian standard. And yes, it pairs quite well with Salt Lick BBQ!
Feb 182012
NV Chocolate Shop The Chocolate Lover’s Wine, Walla Walla, WA, $11 (S) – Rating 88
A few folks have tried to to chocolate infused red wine, but Chocolate Shop got it right. Think dark cherries dipped in rich dark chocolate. Very well integrated with all flavors coming together very nicely. A sweet, but not too sweet wine, it paired well with just about anything you’d dip in chocolate fondue.
Feb 182012
2010 VML Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, CA, $ 25(S) – Rating 90
Available from VML Winery (Healdsburg, Sonoma) and web-order only. A great example of a Russian River Chardonnay. Apple and pear flavors give way to citrus and Meyer lemon. Notes of toasty oak, butterscotch, and creme brulee with a touch of balanced acidity come together in this beautiful Chard.
