Red Wine

Dec 262012
 
2009 Chatom Vineyards “Gitano” Sangiovese, Calaveras County, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 89

Once again a delicious example of CA Sangiovese. A big nose of black cherry, ripe plum and raspberry with intriguing notes of tobacco and spice. Give this wine at least 30 minutes in the decanter for it full potential. Plenty of food pairing acidity and supple tannins with bright flavors of cherry, plum and dark spices. The wine was an excellent pairing with homemade tamales. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2010 Rutherford Wine Company Rhiannon Red Wine, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 89

A rich red blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Barbera. Be patient, the wines needs about 30 minutes to fully open. The nose offers notes of plum, ripe strawberry and spice. Soft tannins and a slightly jammy mouth-feel with fruit forward flavors of dark cherry, blueberry and raspberry jam with complimentary notes of cocoa on the finish. Buy This Wine

 

Dec 062012
 
2007 Giordano Barolo, Piedmont, Italy, $39 (S) – Rating 90

An engaging nose of black cherry, dark fruit and spice. The palate is rewarded with rich flavors of dark cherry and plum with intriguing notes of chocolate and espresso. After decanting, the supple tannins and zippy acidity make for good food pairing potential. The long finish is highlighted with notes of saddle leather and smoke. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2009 Trione Vineyards & Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir,  River Road Ranch, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Proof that a big flavorful Pinot Noir can be very well-balanced and satisfying. The rich nose is a bit tight at first offering rich notes of dark berry, ripe raspberry, briar and spice. A superb round mouth-feel with supple and well integrated tannins. Flavors of cherry, ripe strawberry and raspberry are dominate with intriguing hints of cola, vanilla and baking spice combining for a mom’s Pinot pie sensation. As the wine opens, the nose becomes richer and the finish becomes more complex with leather and dark spice. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2010 Giordano Collection Primitivo Di Manduria, Apulia Collection, Italy, $14 (S) – Rating 89

Very Zinfandel-like in it’s jammy fruit-forward style. A rich full nose of black fruit, blueberries and spice. A soft, round mouth-feel with juicy flavors of dark berry, blueberry and plum with hints of oaky vanilla and dark spice. A good value and sure to be a party pleaser. Buy This Wine