Red Wine

Aug 092012
 
2007 August Ridge Vineyards Jovial, Estate Grown, Paso Robles, CA, $42 (S) – Rating 89

A big Super-Tuscan blend of 64% Sangiovese, 16% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of dark berries, black cherry, tobacco box and a hint of campfire smoke. The palate flavors remind me of black cherry pie with plenty of dark spice combined with rustic notes of cinnamon, saddle leather and smoke. Plenty of acidity to pair with flavorful red meat or game dishes.

Aug 092012
 
2009 Chamisal Vineyards Pinot Noir, Estate Bottled, Edna Valley, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 89

A subtle wine with a nose of  spicy cherry, raspberry and saddle leather. Well integrated flavors of cherry, red fruit and plum.  Soft notes of leather, spice and espresso add complexity. Zippy acidity creates real food pairing potential. Buy This Wine

Jul 172012
 
2009 Mercy Zabala Vineyard Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 91

A  beautiful nose of cherry, ripe plum, spice and leather. Upon opening the palate is greeted with flavors of blueberry, cherry and plum with hints of raspberry. However, as the wine opens to its full potential the flavors move towards rich dark cherry and spice with notes of cola and earthiness. The long finish is complimented by balanced acidity and supple tannins.

Jul 102012
 
2010 Belle Glos Taylor Lane Pinot Noir, Sonoma County, CA, $41 (S) – Rating 93

A consistently good example of how delicious coastal single-vineyard CA Pinot Noir can be. Full-bodied yet elegant flavors of of dark cherry, ripe raspberry, cola with rich notes of blueberry and baking spice. The long finish is enhanced by silky tannins and balanced acidity. Buy This Wine

Jul 102012
 
2008 Sawyer Cellars Bradford Meritage, Red Wine, Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA, $46 (S) – Rating 91

A rich blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, this wine calls out for a warm fireplace and a cold night. A spicy nose of  dark cherry, tobacco and blueberry gives way to a full palate of dark berry, black cherry, leather and smoke with fairly soft tannins yet good acidity. Paired wonderfully with chorizo topped steak.