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
This wine from Kunde Estate harkens back to a rustic old world style rarely seen from Sonoma. The medium-bodied blend of Barbera, Syrah, and Zinfandel with a touch of Sangiovese offers up earthy flavors of blackberry, blue fruit, dark spice with smokey oak and supple tannins. Great with grilled or BBQ meats or a meaty pizza.
A very expressive Cabernet that needs at least 2 hours to fully open. Patience will be rewarded with rich fleshy fruit and flavors of dark cherry, blackberries, dark fruit, ripe plum, spice with espresso and cocoa on the finish. Well-integrated, yet sturdy, tannins add to the complexity.
An excellent example of California Viognier from Lava Cap Winery and a wonderful Chardonnay alternative. Rich flavors of ripe pineapple, honeysuckle, vanilla and peach enhanced by a touch of crême brulée and minerality. A bit of zippy acidity adds complexity and makes for better food pairing.
Hawk and Horse has created one of the better Lake County Cabernets. Full-bodied with bold black cherry and blackberry flavors accentuated with notes of cocoa, toasty oak and dark spices. Well integrated and supple tannins add to the complexity and depth. Both Demeter Biodynamic and CCOF Organic certified.
This select blend from MacPhail Family Wines is a bit shy so give it a little time to open up to really see the subtle complexity shine through. A medium-bodied yet rich Pinot Noir with a rustic nose of smokey cherry, cinnamon and cola gives way to jammy flavors of blueberry, dark cherry, rhubarb, spice-box and cola. Should get even better over 2012-2014.
