Sep 172012
 
2006 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Bottled, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA,  $45 (S) – Rating 92

Certainly one of the better Napa Cabernets under $50. The wine opens with a rich textured nose of cherry and ripe plum with notes of cedar and leather. A round mouth-feel offering up flavors of cherry, dark fruit, cocoa and plenty of dark spice. Nice Cabernet complexity enhanced by balanced acidity and supple tannins. Decant 30-60 minutes. Buy This Wine

Sep 042012
 
2007 Chatom Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Calaveras County, CA, $26 (S) – Rating 90

A fun and well-priced Cabernet. Opens with a very spicy nose of cherry, oak and leather. Fairly fruit forward offering flavors of cherry, raspberry, baking spice, oaky vanilla and subtle hints of intriguing smokiness with soft tannins. Buy This Wine

Aug 302012
 
2010 Belle Glos Las Alturas Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterrey County, Ca, $41 (S) – Rating 93

A beautifully lush, rich Pinot Noir with a nose of ripe dark fruit, blueberries, earthiness with notes of espresso. The rich mouth-feel is complimented by flavors of blueberry, ripe raspberries, plum, other dark fruit and companion spices. Balanced acidity and supple tannins add to the complexity. Buy This Wine

Aug 302012
 
2010 Hook & Ladder Chardonnay , Russian River Valley, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 88

A toasty nose of pineapple with notes of apricot and caramel. The palate offers a rich mouth-feel and soft acidity with flavors of butterscotch, red apple, honey and hints of cinnamon, oaky vanilla and spice. A well made good-value Chardonnay.    Buy This Wine

Aug 292012
 
2011 The Cusher Rose of Pinot Noir, Merwin Vineyard, Clarksburg, CA, $14 (S) – Rating 88

A solid value patio sipper with a healthy nose of watermelon, raspberry and strawberry. Flavors of ripe watermelon, tart cherry, red berries and citrus with subtle notes of red Jolly Rancher combine with zippy acidity and a hint of sweetness for a summer party favorite or to pair with lighter fare. Buy This Wine