Dec 262012
 
Mumm Napa Brut Rosé NV, Napa Valley, CA, $24 (S) – Rating 90

Enjoy this beautiful pink sparkler any time…not just a special occasion wine. A blend of predominately Pinot Noir with a bit of Chardonnay offering flavors of ripe red berry, raspberry and cherry with notes of toasty brioche on the long dry finish. Well-balanced acidity makes for an engaging romantic sipper or excellent food pairing wine. Our pairing with grilled salmon was a big success. Buy This Wine

Dec 262012
 
2010 Lange Twins Winery and Vineyards Chardonnay, Estate Grown, Clarksburg, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 89

Rich aromas of green apple and pear with notes of citrus and baking spice. A lean mouth-feel with zippy acidity offering flavors of pineapple, tropicals, green apple and Meyer lemon. Notes of oaky vanilla and minerality complete the finish. An easy drinking Chardonnay. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2010 Rutherford Wine Company Rhiannon Red Wine, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 89

A rich red blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Barbera. Be patient, the wines needs about 30 minutes to fully open. The nose offers notes of plum, ripe strawberry and spice. Soft tannins and a slightly jammy mouth-feel with fruit forward flavors of dark cherry, blueberry and raspberry jam with complimentary notes of cocoa on the finish. Buy This Wine

 

Dec 062012
 
2007 Giordano Barolo, Piedmont, Italy, $39 (S) – Rating 90

An engaging nose of black cherry, dark fruit and spice. The palate is rewarded with rich flavors of dark cherry and plum with intriguing notes of chocolate and espresso. After decanting, the supple tannins and zippy acidity make for good food pairing potential. The long finish is highlighted with notes of saddle leather and smoke. Buy This Wine

Dec 062012
 
2009 Trione Vineyards & Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir,  River Road Ranch, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Proof that a big flavorful Pinot Noir can be very well-balanced and satisfying. The rich nose is a bit tight at first offering rich notes of dark berry, ripe raspberry, briar and spice. A superb round mouth-feel with supple and well integrated tannins. Flavors of cherry, ripe strawberry and raspberry are dominate with intriguing hints of cola, vanilla and baking spice combining for a mom’s Pinot pie sensation. As the wine opens, the nose becomes richer and the finish becomes more complex with leather and dark spice. Buy This Wine