Apr 012013
 
2009 Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 90

One heck of a value. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot with a big nose of bright cherry, plum, dark fruit and dark spice. Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and balanced acidity offering flavors of dark cherry, dark fruit, and dark spice with notes of chocolate on the long finish.  Buy This Wine

Apr 012013
 
2010 Moone-Tsai Napa Valley Chardonnay, Bald Mountain Vineyard, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 93

For those who enjoy balanced oak and creamy malolactic flavors, this is an extraordinary Chardonnay. Give it about 15 minutes to fully open. These grapes, from high in Mayacamas Mountains, offer aromas of caramelized pineapple, honeycomb, ripe pear and vanilla. The creamy mouth-feel with a touch of acidity evolves into flavors of red apple, baking spice, vanilla and a hint of yeasty pie crust. No mindless patio sipper – Give this Chardonnay some thought. Buy This Wine

Mar 252013
 
2011 Giordano Prosecco doc, Sparkling Wine, Veneto, Italy, $15 (S) – Rating 90

This is one Prosecco that should not be relegated to a mixer or mimosa. A crisp floral nose with notes of lemon and orange peel. A near perfect level of effervescence with a soft mouth-feel yet mouthwatering acidity.  Dry flavors of citrus with hints of tangerine and lime are enhanced by notes of yeastiness. Buy This Wine

Mar 252013
 
2010 Giordano Nero d’Avola i.g.t. Sicilia Rosso, Sicily, Italy, $10 (S) – Rating 90

Nero d’Avola is the preeminent grape of Sicily and similar in style to New World Syrah/Shiraz displaying the jamminess one would expect from those wines. This Nero d’Avola is no exception with aromas of dark cherry with hints of dark chocolate and spice. A definite jamminess with moderate tannins on the palate offering flavors peppery plum, dark fruit and spicebox. Dark chocolate enhances the long finish. Buy This Wine

Mar 252013
 
2010 Giordano Piedmont Barbera d.o.c. Piemonte, Piedmont, Italy, $11 (S) – Rating 89

This medium-bodied red wine offers up firm tannins that soften in the glass and balanced acidity. The nose entices with notes of dark fruit, leather and spice. The palate will enjoy flavors of cherry, dark fruit, plum and dark spice with just a hint of cassis and leather. A long finish with notes of dark chocolate. Buy This Wine