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 magnificent dry Riesling from the land of Cabernet. This estate grown wine by Smith-Madrone offers up flavors of stone fruit, green apple, and citrus with an underpinning of minerality. Fresh acidity adds to the complexity.
An expressive nose of pineapple cream pie is followed by a rich and round mouth-feel full of butterscotch, peach, vanilla crème brûlée, Meyer lemon and ripe pineapple with hints of lighter spice. A bit of zippy acidity add to the experience to create a Chardonnay that stand beautifully on its own yet will pair well with lighter fare.
Loved this intense blend of Cabernet, Syrah, Sangiovese, and Zinfandel from Blanchard Family Wines. Rich juicy black fruit flavors of cherry, blackberry, plum, cocoa, vanilla with dark spice and a hint of tobacco box. The wine opens quickly with well integrated and soft tannins. A portion of the proceeds from this wine will be donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.
The very light style Pinot from Anam Cara Cellars offers up soft flavors of cherry, blueberry, raspberry and light spice. An easy drinker with soft tannins and understated oaky influences, the result of aging in predominately older barrels.
Upon opening the bottle the aromas start with a nostalgic creamy cinnamon roll but as it opens, notes of tropical and pineapple come through. A medium-bodied Chardonnay, this offering from Malibu Rocky Oaks offers up flavors of red apple, tropicals, ripe pineapple, oaky vanilla, creme brulee and soft spice. A touch of acidity adds depth.
