Nov 132012
 
2008 V. Sattui Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 4.1

Everything you could ask for in a Napa Valley Cabernet at this price. From 3 Napa vineyards and blended with just a hint of both Petite Verdot and Cabernet Franc. A rich nose of dark cherry, blueberry, licorice and toasty oak. A full round mouth-feel with an approachable tannin structure offering flavors of black cherry, raspberry, blueberry and spice. Balanced acidity adds complexity. Buy This Wine

Nov 132012
 
2011 Bonterra Vineyards Chardonnay, Mendocino County, CA, $14 (S) – Rating 91

From 100% organically grown grapes. 70% of the wine is fermented in oak with the balance in stainless steel, creating a combination of depth and crispness. Aromas abound of ripe pineapple with notes of butterscotch. Clean flavors include red apple and buttery caramel with notes of Meyer lemon. Well balanced acidity with just a hint of sweetness. A long finish of red apple and intriguing minerality. Buy This Wine

Nov 132012
 
2008 Trione Vineyards & Winery Alexander Valley Red Wine, Geyersville Ranch, Ca, $48 (S) – Rating 92

A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 11% Petite Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. This richly intense wine with plenty of fruit needs at least an hour in the decanter to unfold its true potential. Patience is rewarded with a nose of blueberry, ripe plum, ripe raspberry and jammy pie spice. The complex flavor profile includes notes of blueberry, ripe raspberry, dark cherry, baking spice and toasty oak. Supple tannins and good acidity makes for good winter dish food pairing. A long finish with notes of dark chocolate. Buy This Wine

Nov 112012
 
2009 V. Sattui Winery Quaglia Vineyard Zinfandel, Old Vine Zinfandel, Napa Valley, CA, $42 (S) – Rating 92

From an “old vine” vineyard which includes Petite Sirah and Carignane in the field blend. A beautifully smokey nose with notes of dark berries and spice. A leaner style than some jammy Zins. Very balanced with flavors of dark berry, blueberry, ripe plum, black pepper with notes of cocoa and espresso in the long finish. Patience will be rewarded …Give the wine at least 30 minutes to open up. Buy This Wine

Nov 112012
 
Distant Cellars is a new family owned (4 brothers and dad) winery. These are their first efforts. They show great potential for future vintages.
2009 Distant Cellars Winery Prospect Zinfandel, Fiddletown, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 87

A blend of Zinfandel from two vineyards (75% estate fruit) with a hint of Alicante Bouschet.  The nose offers notes of cherry, red berries and chocolate coming together with a certain jamminess. Flavors of dark cherry and dark berries are accented with notes of mint, chocolate and dark spice. Let the wine decant to soften the acidity and bold tannins. Buy This Wine

2009 Distant Cellars Winery “Drifter” Red Wine Blend, Amador County, CA, $28 (S) – Rating 3.8

This blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Alicante Bouschet offers a robust nose of dark cherry pie, spice and a little leather giving way to round flavors of dark cherry, ripe raspberry and spice with notes of saddle leather and dark chocolate. Tannins soften with decanting. Buy This Wine