May 062014
 
Estate 1856 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010Estate 1856 Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Sonoma County, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 91

Very small boutique producer, this lot was only 75 cases. A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot. Rich bouquet of dark fruit and spice with subtle hints of soy sauce. A soft mouth-feel featuring supple tannins and balanced acidity. On the palate rest flavors of dark chocolate, dark cherry, plum, caramel and spice with mocha in the long finish. Buy This 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
 
Cass Viognier 2013Cass Viognier 2013, Paso Robles, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 91

Looking for an alternative to Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc? Here’s the answer. A crisp mouth-feel with juicy food pairing acidity. The nose offers aromas of pineapple, citrus, minerality and hints of lime. On the palate, flavors of Meyer lemon, pineapple, white peach and enticing minerality. The same hint of lime from the nose carries over to the 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