Red Blends

Nov 172013
 
2009 Dry Creek Vineyards The Mariner, Dry Creek Valley Red Wine, Meritage, Dry Creek, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 91

A bold Bordeaux inspired blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, 10% Malbec, 5% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Delicious with juicy acidity and silky tannins. Aromas of black fruit, plum, black, cherry and a lot of black spice. On the palate, well integrated flavors of dark cherry, plum, blackberry and tobacco box with lovely hints of espresso on the finish. Buy This Wine

Nov 172013
 
2011 Conundrum Wines California Red Wine, Napa Valley, CA, $22 (S) – Rating 89

A very easy-drinking wine consisting of a “non-traditional” bled of grape varieties.  A vibrant nose of dark fruit, dark chocolate covered cherries with hints of smoke. The flavors are a rich combination of dark cherry, plum and chocolate with notes of ripe raspberry on the finish. Soft tannins, a bit a acidity and the slightest touch of sweetness add to the complexity. Sure to be a holiday crowd-pleaser on its own and paired with tomato dishes or turkey dinner left-overs. Buy This Wine

Mar 202013
 
2008 Ravenswood Pickberry Red Wine, Single Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain, CA, $50 (S) – Rating 92

A single-vineyard blend of 59% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. Aromas of blackberry, blueberry, black cherries and a heap of peppery spices combine for a rich and luxurious nose. A deep and somewhat complex wine offering flavors dark berry fruit, ripe plums, blackberry and ripe blueberry with a nice earthiness component. Moderate but well integrated tannins with moderate acidity. Pleasant hints of espresso in the finish. Be patient…let this wine open for at least an hour. Buy This Wine

Mar 092013
 
2009 Martin Estate Bacchanal, A Napa Valley Red Wine, CA, $48 (S) – Rating 90

A big red blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot. The wine opens with aromas of dark cherry, plum and dark berries with notes of leather and cocoa. On the palate expect flavors of dark cherry, raspberry and plum with lots of dark spice and hints of white pepper. The tannins are well defined and notes of espresso add complexity to the finish. Buy This Wine

Moone-Tsai Howell Mountain Hillside Blend 2009

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Feb 262013
 
2009 Moone-Tsai Howell Mountain Hillside Blend, Napa Valley, Ca, $85 (S) – Rating 91

A huge fragrant nose of black fruit, licorice, dark spice and eucalyptus. A powerful blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet, typical of Howell Mountain fruit. The wine excites the palate with big flavors of black fruit, black cherry, espresso and cacao with definite earthy notes. Plenty of food pairing acidity to give a med-rare filet a run for its money. Buy This Wine