Red Wine

Dec 162013
 
2010 Distant Cellars Drifter Red Blend, Amador County, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 90

A delicious blend of primarily Zinfandel and Syrah with lesser proportions of Cabernet Franc and Alicante Bouschet. Full-on aromas of cherry, milk chocolate and spice. A round mouth-feel with soft tannins and balanced acidity. Plenty of red fruit, black currant, plum and dark chocolate on the palate. A long finish with a hint of smoke and oaky vanilla. Buy This Wine

Dec 162013
 
2010 Trione Vineyard & Winery Pinot Noir, River Road Ranch, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 90

A  plush, fruit forward Pinot Noir that will delight most any Pinot lover. Aromas of cherry, plum and a hint of smoke. Soft on the palate with subtle tannins and delicate acidity. Round flavors of cherry, blackberry, pie spice and raspberry. Notes of cola on the finish. Buy This Wine

Dec 082013
 
2012 William Chris Vineyards Sangiovese, Texas Hill Country, $42  (S) – Rating 89

Texas wines have come a long way with William and Chris often leading the pack. Sangiovese does very well in the Lone Star State and this is an excellent example. An intriguing nose of smoke, cherry and chocolate is the prelude to a fruit driven wine with soft tannins and juicy food-pairing acidity. On the palate, flavors of cherry, strawberry, raspberry and campfire smoke complimented by notes of espresso on the finish. Buy This Wine

Dec 082013
 
2008 Canard Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 91

Has all the characteristics of a very good Napa Valley Cabernet. Estate grown valley floor fruit with a lush aromas of black cherry, pie crust and cinnamon. Muscular on the palate with juicy acidity and balanced tannins. Flavor notes of dark cherry, blueberry, plum, brown spice and cinnamon with notes of cacao on the finish. Think juicy prime rib or dark chocolate for food pairing. Buy This Wine

Dec 052013
 
2010 Silver Buckle Cellars Ranchero Red, Central Coast, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 88

A great go-to red for that next BBQ or pizza party. Look for this wine on sale…sometimes under $15. Blended from Syrah, Merlot and Malbec with a nose of cherry, plum and spice. A soft mouth-feel with just touch of acidity and smooth tannins. Flavors of dark berries, black cherry, spice and dark chocolate. Notes of espresso and cinnamon on the finish. Buy This Wine