Feb 122014
 
2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Vines Zinfandel, Sonoma County, CA, $19 (S) – Rating 90

A fantastic value Zinfandel (blended with 16% Petite Sirah) for under $20. A robust nose of black cherry jam, espresso and dark spice. A soft mouth-feel with balanced acidity and silky tannins. Flavors of dark cherry jam, blackberry, strawberry, plum, espresso, cinnamon and baking spice. Buy This Wine

Feb 122014
 
2011 Dry Creek Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel,  Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 91

A blend of 83% Zinfandel and 17% Petite Sirah for a bit of added spicy punch. Vines averaging 90 years old with low 1-2 ton per acre production. Real Old Vine Zinfandel. An understated nose of plum, spice and hints of briar. Hallmarked by balanced acidity and supple tannins, this is a rich wine with tons of jammy flavor; blackberry, blueberry, ripe strawberry and plum. A definite spiciness with notes of cola and espresso in the finish. Buy This Wine

 

Feb 122014
 
2011 Jekel Vineyards Gravelstone Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, Monterey, CA, $16 (S) – Rating 88

Scents of red apples, pears, tropical fruit and baking spice. A round mouth-feel with juicy acidity from the judicious use of new and neutral oak barrels. Creamy flavors of pear and red apple with a hints of pineapple and vanilla. A nice touch of spice on the finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 122014
 
2010 Mercy Vineyards Cedar Lane Vineyard Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, CA $38(S) – Rating 90

An intriguing nose of strawberry pie enhanced with subtle notes of leather. Juicy yet balanced acidity with soft tannins. Strawberry, raspberry and red cherry are the predominate flavors with notes of cinnamon and earthiness as the wine opens up. Hints of milk chocolate in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 122014
 
2012 MacPhail Family Wines Rose of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, CA, $20 – Rating 90

A full-bodied manly rosé, richer in color than most. The nose offers a bouquet of strawberry and baking spice. A subtle voluptuousness on the palate with balanced acidity. Integrated flavors of strawberry, ripe red cherry, raspberry and spice. Raspberry and a touch of vanilla on the finish. Buy This Wine