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 rich and somewhat unique Pinot, still in the winning James MacPhail style. Flavors of ripe dark cherry, plum, toasty oak vanilla and plenty of spice with very well integrated tannins adding complexity. Definitely a big-boy Pinot and a real joy to drink.
A full-bodied pinkish colored dry Pinot sparkler. Delicious flavors of juicy strawberry, ripe raspberry, citrus with hints of rhubarb and blood orange. A touch of toasty yeast and honey notes add to the complexity. Don’t wait for a celebration to pour this lovely. Paired beautifully with salmon, grilled rare .
A beautiful dry Rosé of 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache. Flavors of strawberry, raspberry, bright cherry and spice with a hint of rhubarb. We paired with grilled salmon and strawberry laced salad for a delicious meal . Can’t wait to sip and share on the patio during a warm summer afternoon.
Clean, crisp without a hint of oak. Winemaker Cindy Cosco’s Passaggio Chardonnay is pure chard with lean flavors of Meyer lemon, pineapple, minerality and citrus. The zippy acid component makes it great foodie wine. Pair with white sauces and seafood. We paired it with herb roasted chicken… yummy!
Third generation winemakers Ben and Jake Fetzer’s inaugural effort under the Masut Vineyard label is a winner! Long on finesse and bright fruit with flavors of black cherry, blueberry, ripe cranberry, spice with hints of oaky vanilla. All estate fruit from a 23-acre vineyard, only 800 cases. Ranked #50 on Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 list for 2011.
