Red Wine

Dec 282011
 
2009 MacPhail Family Wines Vagon Rouge, Anderson Valley, CA, $56 (S) – Rating 91

This select blend from MacPhail Family Wines is a bit shy so give it a little time to open up to really see the subtle complexity shine through. A medium-bodied yet rich Pinot Noir with a rustic nose of smokey cherry, cinnamon and cola gives way to jammy flavors of blueberry, dark cherry, rhubarb, spice-box and cola. Should get even better over 2012-2014.

Dec 272011
 
2008 Sullivan Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon , Estate Bottled, Rutherford, Napa Valley, CA, $56 (S) – Rating 91

A striking example of Napa – Rutherford Cabernet. Be patient and decant for at least an hour. You’ll be rewarded with a powerful yet balanced Cabernet with flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, plum, cocoa, spice box and just a hint of the famous Rutherford dust. Well integrated tannins complete this beauty from Sullivan Vineyards.

Dec 272011
 
2007 Stephen’s Cellar and Vineyard Pinot Noir Stromside Vineyard , San Luis Obsipo County, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 3.9

This Pinot from Stephen’s Cellar  opens with a nose of blue fruit, tobacco leaf, and cinnamon. The wine is very well-balanced offering up rich flavors of cherry, dark berry, blueberry, oaky vanilla and cinnamon with a touch of rustic earthiness.

Dec 212011
 
2009 The Crossings Pinot Noir Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand, $19 (S) – Rating 87

A light-bodied fun and easy drinking Pinot Noir at a good price. A real crowd pleaser at your next party. Soft well integrated flavors of red cherry, blueberry, cranberries with a touch of spice lead to a satisfy medium finish.

 

Dec 212011
 
2009 Francis Ford Coppola Votre Sante Pinot Noir, CA, $14(S) _ Rating 88

An easy drinking and excellent value Pinot Noir. The big nose of cherry and spice gives way to a lighter bodied style of Pinot. Flavors of red cherry, spicebox, tea leaves, raspberries with a hint of blackberry and cinnamon are well balanced with a touch of tannin.