Red Wine

May 052014
 
St. Rose Pinot Noir Ten Block 2012St. Rose Pinot Noir Ten Block 2012, Nunes Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 92

A real treat of a Pinot made by Fred Nunes in his small winery at the vineyard. Grapes from Nunes Vineyard are used by a number of renown wineries in their single vineyard offerings. This wine is named for the block within the vineyard where these grapes are grown. Aromas of cherry, ripe raspberry and ripe strawberry with hints of chocolate. A full round mouth-feel with excellent acidity. Flavors of cherry, raspberry, oaky vanilla and strawberry with a bit of spicy chocolate on the finish. Buy This Wine

 

May 052014
 
Estate 1856 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011Estate 1856 Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Sonoma County, CA, $32 (S) – Rating 90

A Gold Medal Winner at the prestigious 2014 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  This blend of 98% Cabernet and 2% Petit Verdot is barrel aged for 22 months in French oak. A bouquet of black cherry pie and baking spice with hints of pie crust. Soft mouth-feel with soft tannins and balanced acidity. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, ripe plum, vanilla and earthiness with a bit of dark chocolate in the long finish. Buy This Wine

May 052014
 
Flowers Pinot Noir 2012Flowers Pinot Noir 2012, Sonoma Coast, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 91

A Pinot that pops. Aromas of cherry, ripe strawberry, rhubarb and brow spice. Luxurious on the palate, supple tannins with balanced acidity. Integrated flavors of dark cherry, rhubarb, strawberry and brown spice. Hints of cola in the finish. 11 months on French oak – 25% new. Buy This Wine

May 012014
 
Estate 1856 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve 2011Estate 1856 Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel Reserve 2011, Sonoma County, CA, $42 (S) – Rating 92

Fermented in one-ton lots and aged in French oak, this blend of 98%Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot has a lush mouth-feel with balanced tannins and acidity. Aromas of stewed cherry, ripe strawberry with a little spice mixed in. One the palate, notes of ripe plum, dark chocolate, dark cherry, blackberry and dark spice highlighted with hints of cola and oaky vanilla. Dark chocolate and cinnamon on the long finish. Only 55 cases made. Buy This Wine

 

May 012014
 
Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel McClain Vineyard 2012Wine Guerrilla Zinfandel McClain Vineyard 2012, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Give this Zinfandel, blended with 10% Petite Sirah, a little time to open and reach its full potential. Robust aromas of blackberry, blueberry, brown spice and white pepper. A complex mouth-feel that is a bit leaner than many Zinfandels with juicy acidity but still offers hints of jamminess. Full-bore flavors of cherry, blackberry and boysenberry with notes of espresso and dark spice. Love the dark chocolate and cayenne pepper in the finish. Buy This Wine