Red Wine

Feb 172012
 
2008 Concannon Conservancy Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 88

A super-value Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium to full-bodied sporting flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, plum and spice with whiffs of chocolate and vanilla. Big fruit with big yet well-integrated tannins make for a nice wine at the price.

Feb 172012
 
2009 MacPhail Family Pinot Noir Toulouse Vineyard, Anderson Valley, CA, $49 (S) – Rating 94

Let’s start with mouth-wateringly delicious. Anderson Valley fruit, this offering from MacPhail Family Wines is slightly lighter-bodied than some others but still rich with flavors of cherry, plum, rhubarb, and cola. A touch of spice and acidity added to the supple tannin structure combine to produce an excellent food pairing Pinot Noir. Read: Interview with James MacPhail

Feb 172012
 
2010 The Climber Red Wine, Clif Family Winery, CA, $14 (S) – Rating 90

An excellent value red wine blend from Clif Family. A rich blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot boasting flavors blackberries, cherries, tobacco box, vanilla and dark spice. Present and well-integrated tannins add to the structure. A bit lower in alcohol that most reds at 13.9%

Feb 142012
 
2009 Lander-Jenkins Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Spirit Hawk, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 88

One heck of a good value for an every day approachable Cabernet sipper. Very fruit forward, flavors of juicy blackberry and ripe plum with a touch of spice and very soft tannins. Pop it with a steak and your friends will be happy.