Mar 092013
 
2010 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 92

A truly crafted Chardonnay with an enchanting nose of baked apples, ripe citrus and even notes of grilled pineapple. Crisp flavors of ripe red apples, caramel and baking spice with subtle notes of oaky vanilla. Add a touch of minerality combined with perfectly balanced acidity and you have one heck of a wine. But one would expect nothing less from the Smith brothers. Buy This Wine

Feb 262013
 
2010 Giordano Collection Tuscany i.g.t. Toscana Rosso, Tuscany, Italy, $13.50 (S) – 91

A Super Tuscan at a super price. This traditional blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet is rich and deep with aromas of red cherry, blackberry, dark spice, oaky vanilla and camp smoke. Very fruit-forward with moderate tannins offering notes of dark cherry, plum and dark fruit with intriguing hints of  dark chocolate and leather in the long finish. It is simply a “cuddle up by the fire” kind of wine. Buy This Wine

Feb 262013
 
2011 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 88

A pleasant nose of Meyer lemon, cream, green apple and vanilla. A round mouth-feel with notes of tartness. Flavors of Meyer lemon, tropical citrus, and green apple are followed by a vanilla creamy finish. Enough crisp minerality for good foodie possibilities. Buy This Wine

Moone-Tsai Howell Mountain Hillside Blend 2009

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Feb 262013
 
2009 Moone-Tsai Howell Mountain Hillside Blend, Napa Valley, Ca, $85 (S) – Rating 91

A huge fragrant nose of black fruit, licorice, dark spice and eucalyptus. A powerful blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet, typical of Howell Mountain fruit. The wine excites the palate with big flavors of black fruit, black cherry, espresso and cacao with definite earthy notes. Plenty of food pairing acidity to give a med-rare filet a run for its money. Buy This Wine

Feb 232013
 
2011 Giordano Chianti Tuscany d.o.c.g., Italy, $15 (S) – Rating 90

A delicious and very approachable Chianti with bouquet of black cherry and briar with intriguing notes of smoke. The invitingly soft mouth-feel offers flavors of dark cherry, ripe plum with notes of chocolate and espresso. The balanced acidity creates wonderful food pairing opportunities for many Italian dishes. Buy This Wine