Smith-Madrone Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

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Jan 172014
 
2009 Smith-Madrone Vineyard & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $45 (S) – Rating 94

Blended of Cabernet Sauvignon 84%, Merlot 8% & Cabernet franc 8%, this is one of the best under $50 Napa Cabernets I’ve found. With only 13.9% alcohol, it proves that lower alcohol Cabernets can be rich and complex. From 37 year old dry-farmed vines planted at 1800 feet elevation on Spring Mountain. When first poured, this wine offers a leaner style with juicy acidity. However, after 30 minutes in the decanter or glass the full bounty of fruit and expression steps forward. Aromas of dark cherry with notes of leather and earthiness. Enough acidity to be a good food pairing Cabernet… But I preferred to enjoy it solo. Once fully open, rich flavors of dark cherry, blueberry, blackberry, black pepper spice, supple tannins and notes of toasty oak abound. Dark chocolate highlights the long finish . Buy This Wine

Smith-Madrone Vineyard & Winery Chardonnay 2011

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Jan 142014
 
2011 Smith-Madrone Vineyard & Winery Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 91

Another outstanding effort, especially for those Chardonnay drinkers who prefer balanced oak and acidity. A subtle nose of mom’s apple pie. The red apple notes extend to the palate and round mouth-feel complemented with flavors of ripe pineapple and oaky vanilla. Again, red apple on the finish with hints of baking spice and cinnamon. Buy This Wine

Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir 2011

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Jan 142014
 
2011 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

Hard to believe this is the initial winemaking effort from this renown vineyard used by many respected Pinot producers. Aromas of blueberry with hints of cinnamon and earthiness. Rich flavors red cherry, ripe strawberry and blueberry with subtle notes of terroir, brown and cinnamon spice. Soft on the palate with balanced acidity.  A touch of leather and espresso in the finish. Buy This Wine

Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

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Jan 142014
 
2012 Bucher Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 94

A very complex Pinot Noir that held my attention. A deeply rich nose of blueberry, blackberry and campfire smoke. A lush mouth-feel with food-pairing acidity (I preferred to contemplate it on its own). Developed flavors of black cherry and blueberry with a touch of earthiness. Notes of ripe raspberry and cola in the long finish. Very small production at a good price. Buy this Wine while you can.

Nicholas Allen Wines Carte Blanche Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

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Jan 022014
 
2010 Nicholas Allen Wines Carte Blanche Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA $125 (S) – Rating 94

A powerhouse Cabernet, rich, dense, layered and complex from winemaker Luc Morlet. Very young so decant for at least an hour.  10% Petit Verdot in the blend adds texture and complexity. Intriguing aromas of dark cherry, plum, oak, leather and a bit of tobacco. Supple/Velvety tannins and a bit of cult-wine jamminess with flavors of black cherry, blueberry and ripe plum accented with notes of leather and dark spice. Smokey cherry and mocha in the long finish. Buy This Wine

 

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