Jan 122013
 
2008 Mutt Lynch Winery “mbf” Petite Sirah, Perotti Vineyard, Dry Creek, Sonoma Coast, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 89

An dark inky wine with aromas of jammy black fruit and spice. The wine offer big flavors of black cherry, blackberry, dark spice with notes of tobacco and cinnamon. The long finish offers up hints of espresso. Integrated tannins and acidity make this Petite more food friendly than some…  Buy This Wine

Jan 122013
 
J Vineyards & Winery Cuvée 20 Brut NV 25th Anniversary, Sonoma, CA, $26 (S) – Rating 92

The J Vineyards & Winery Cuvée 20, is in my opinion, one of the consistent great values in CA sparkling wine and the 25th Anniversary offering is no exception. Crisp and intriguing with a nose of apple, citrus and brioche. An elegant and full mouth-feel offering flavors of red apple, pear and minerality with a hint of sweet yeastiness and notes of caramel. The food pairing possibilities are limitless. Buy This Wine

Jan 122013
 
2010 V. Sattui Winery Henry Ranch Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, Napa Valley, CA, $39 (S) – Rating 90

This Pinot is a bit tight upon opening but really blossoms after about 30 minutes. A soft nose of black cherry jam and spice is the prelude to a lush and soft mouth-feel with flavors of black cherry, plum, tobacco and baking spice with just enough acidity for good food pairing. Patience is rewarded. Buy This Wine

Jan 032013
 
2009 Ravenswood Zinfandel Belloni Vineyard, Russian River Valley, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 91

A co-fermented field blend from this pre-prohibition vineyard of 75% Zinfandel and 25% black berries (Petite Sirah, Carignane and Alicante Bouschet) with an intriguing earthiness and old-vine rustic quality. A rich nose of blueberry, dark spice and notes of espresso. Rich flavors of blueberry jam, ripe raspberry, plum, black fruit and dark spice are married with well-integrated tannins and balance acidity. The long finish offers notes of dark berry, espresso, mocha and tobacco box. Buy This Wine

Jan 022013
 
2009 Ceja Vineyards Vino de Casa, Red Wine, Napa Valley, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 89

A real “Go-To” red blend with enough acidity to compliment most any meal or just enjoy while cooking with friends. A fun nose of blueberry, plum and dark berry fruit. Fruit forward flavors of blueberry, blackberry and raspberry with notes of spice and smoke are balanced with soft tannins and mouth-watering acidity on the long finish. Paired perfectly with Mexican chorizo stuffed mushrooms! Buy This Wine