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

Apr 302014
 
Estate 1856 Bordeaux blendEstate 1856 Bordeaux Blend 2011, Sonoma County, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 92

A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec and 12% Petite Verdot. Each variety and clone were fermented separately and hand punched followed by 2 years in French oak. A rich nose of dark berries, blackberry and tobacco box. Textured flavors with a full mouth-feel, good food-pairing acidity and supple tannins. On the palate, flavors of dark berries, black cherry, ripe plum, cherry and spice. Dark mocha on long and transformative finish. Double Gold Medal – 2013 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Buy This Wine

Apr 222014
 
belle glos pinot noir blancBelle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc 2012, Brugioni Vineyard, Sonoma County, CA, $18 – Rating 92

A truly manly rosé with body and depth highlighted by a deeper salmon color that most rosés. Rich aromas of strawberry, red cherry and spice. A round mouth-feel with solid food pairing acidity. A real depth of integrated flavors including red cherry, strawberry, minerality, spice and white pepper. A long finish of ripe strawberry with hints of watermelon. Buy This Wine

Apr 212014
 
Dancing Coyote RoseDancing Coyote Rosé 2012, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Clarksburg, CA, $12 (S) – Rating 88

A soft mouth-feel with equally soft acidity. The nose is bouquet of strawberry, raspberry and spice accented with floral notes. Somewhat off-dry on the palate with sweet notes of strawberry, raspberry and bright cherry. A bit of sweet cherry on the finish. No oak or malolactic fermentation. Buy This Wine