May 082013
 
2010 Buena Vista Winery Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 89

Very easy drinking and immediately approachable. Excellent restaurant choice…good price…no decanting required. A rich nose of black cherry, dark spice and dark chocolate. A jammy mouth-feel but interestingly lean on the finish with soft tannins and balanced acidity. Flavors of cherry and plum with a bit of raspberry and spice with espresso on the finish. Buy This Wine

May 082013
 
2012 William Chris Vineyards Trebbiano Toscano, Texas Hill Country, Texas, $30 (S) – Rating 89

This quaint winery in Hye, Texas continues to impress. Think warm sun-drenched afternoon under the Hill Country oaks with a refreshingly chilled  glass of local wine….you get the picture. A subtle nose of Meyer lemon with distinctive floral notes is the prelude to this crisp white wine. The palate is tempted with a blend of Meyer lemon and honeysuckle with notes of orange zest on the finish. Buy This Wine

May 082013
 
2012 Solaro Estate Reserve Tempranillo , Texas High Plains, Texas, $38 (S) – Rating 90

An excellent example of Texas Tempranillo. Medium-bodied with mouth-watering acidity. I’m talkin’ BBQ food pairing. An impressive nose of dark cherry and camp smoke with notes of tobacco. Flavors of dark cherry, ripe raspberry with hints of dark cola and tobacco box. Soft tannins with black cherry on the long finish. Buy This Wine

May 012013
 
2011 Ca’ Momi Winery Zinfandel, Napa Valley, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 90

Lower in alcohol than many Zinfandels -13.9%. A jammy nose of spicy blueberry pie with hints of chocolate. Intense berry flavors of blueberry, blackberry and a little raspberry. Surprisingly crisp acidity with easy tannins. A long finish with notes of very dark chocolate and bacon. Buy This Wine

May 012013
 
2008 Ceja Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $50 (S) – Rating 91

Very approachable with just a short decant. The nose entices with notes of dark cherry, plum, blueberry and dark spice with hints of leather. A full mouth-feel with balanced tannins offering flavors of cherry, blackberry and dark spice with espresso in the long finish. Good acidity for pairing with a grilled steak. Buy This Wine