Jan 022013
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Prestige Cuvee, Brut, Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley, CA, $29 (S) – Rating 91

A pleasingly rich and creamy Brut with a satisfying nose of toasty vanilla. The blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir offers a surprisingly round  mouth-feel with crisp flavors of toast yeast, citrus and vanilla with barely a hint of sweetness. Very subtle notes of blood orange add to the finish. Buy This Wine

Jan 022013
 
2011 Inman Family Russian River Valley Chardonnay, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 91

This Chardonnay offers a lovely combination of rich flavors and crisp acidity. The nose of baked apples and ripe pineapple gives way to flavors of ripe red apple, roasted pineapple, Meyer lemon and intriguing minerality with a hint of creaminess. As the wine opens, subtle yet complex notes of vanilla and caramel dance in the finish. Buy This Wine

Jan 022013
 
2010 Wine Guerrilla Mounts Vineyard Zinfandel, Cypress Block, Dry Creek Valley, CA, $$35 (S) – Rating 92

A beautiful blend of 95% Zinfandel and 5% Petite Sirah all sourced from Mounts Vineyard. A full nose of dark cherry and ripe plum with notes of dark spice, cinnamon and licorice. Rich flavors of dark cherry jam, ripe blackberry, boysenberry and ripe plum are well-integrated with notes of dark spice and supple tannins. As the wine opens, the notes of espresso become enticing. A surprising, yet balanced, level of acidity creates many food-pairing possibilities. Buy This Wine

Dec 262012
 
 Gloria Ferrer Winery Blanc de Noir NV, Carneros, CA, $20 (S) – Rating 91

A fun fruit-forward sparkler made of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The salmon hue offers rich fruit flavors of cherry, raspberry, and ripe strawberry with notes of Meyer lemon and toasted French baguette on the dry finish. An excellent value sparkler for either sipping with friends or pairing with lighter fare. Buy This Wine

Dec 262012
 
2009 Chatom Vineyards “Gitano” Sangiovese, Calaveras County, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 89

Once again a delicious example of CA Sangiovese. A big nose of black cherry, ripe plum and raspberry with intriguing notes of tobacco and spice. Give this wine at least 30 minutes in the decanter for it full potential. Plenty of food pairing acidity and supple tannins with bright flavors of cherry, plum and dark spices. The wine was an excellent pairing with homemade tamales. Buy This Wine