Red Wine

Oct 032013
 
2011 C. Donatiello Winery Tina Marie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $55 – Rating 92

Small artisan production of only 126 cases aged in 65% neutral oak allowing this Green Valley vineyard to speak. A complex nose of cherry and ripe plum with definite hints of bacon. On the palate,  balanced integrated tannins offer up a silky mouth-feel with vibrant food pairing acidity. Complex  notes of cherry, ripe raspberry, dark chocolate and blackberry with a touch of crispy bacon and terrior earthiness. A long finish with subtle saddle leather notes. Get this wine while you can. Buy This Wine

Oct 022013
 
2011 J Vineyard & Winery Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Estate Grown, Ca, $37 (S) – Rating 90

J is known for their sparklers, but they offer excellent still wines as well. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir, a bit more robust than other Sonoma Coast Pinots. The nose offers up aromas of blackberry, black cherry and rich dark spice. Hints of bramble and leather on the palate with flavors of blackberry, cherry and ripe strawberry. Strawberry becomes more pronounced on the finish as the wine opens. Buy this Wine

Oct 012013
 
2009 Jordan Vineyard and Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Ca, $53 – Rating 92

Consistently a great Cabernet, elegant and medium bodied. A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec at only 13.5% alcohol, it is very approachable with only a short decant. The nose excites with aromas of cherry, raspberry, dark chocolate, a little chili spice. Well integrated flavors, supple tannins and balanced acidity all combined with flavors of plum, dark cherry, raspberry, dusty dark chocolate and baking spice. Definite notes of dark cherry chocolate on long finish. Buy This Wine

Sep 122013
 
2011 Masut Vineyard and Winery Block 1 Pinot Noir, Mendocino County, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 92

Loved this wine. A subtly earthy style with lovely aromas of dark cherry, plum with hints of campfire smoke and leather. Juicy food-pairing acidity and integrated tannins create an intriguing mouth-feel with flavors of black cherry, sour cherry, raspberry and brown spice. Dark cherry and chocolate on the finish. Buy This Wine

 

 

Sep 122013
 
2011 Belle Glos Las Alturas Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterrey County, CA, $44 (S) – Rating 92

For those craving a lush yet balanced style of Pinot Noir, this offering from Belle Glos will not disappoint. A rich and structured nose of dark cherry, plum and jammy spice is a mere prelude to a palate explosion of cherry, blackberry and plum with hints of raspberry and dark chocolate on the long finish. Balanced acidity and supple tannins add complexity. Buy This Wine