Oct 312013
 
2010 Giordano Ricarico Rosso Salento IGT, Puglia, Italy, $18 (S) – Rating 90

A lovely medium- bodied blend of old vine Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes with soft tannins and mouth watering acidity. A nose of dark red fruit, blueberry and black cherry pie. On the palate, expect rich notes of black cherry, plum, zippy strawberry and brown spice. Hints of espresso on the finish. Buy This Wine

Oct 312013
 
2009 D-Cubed Cellars Zinfandel, Napa Valley, Ca, $27 (S) – Rating 91

A lighter style of Zinfandel balanced with juicy acidity and supple tannins. Aromas of cherry, plum, leather and brown spice are the prelude to integrated flavors of red cherry, red fruit and ripe raspberries with just a bit of cola and vanilla on the finish. Buy This Wine

Oct 312013
 
2008 Broman Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Ca, $48 (S) – Rating 91

A beautifully approachable Cabernet almost right out of the bottle (give it a short decant). A rich nose of black cherry, ripe raspberry, brown spice and notes of earthiness. Silky tannins and juicy food pairing acidity are combined with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and brown spice with hints of cinnamon and cocoa in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Oct 082013
 
2009 C. G. Di Arie Vineyard & Winery Rosé, Sierra Foothills, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 88

A fun patio Rosé made of 42% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 25% Primitivo and 5% Petite Syrah with a nose of strawberry, spice and rhubarb. Soft acidity with flavors of red cherry, strawberry and bright red fruits with just a touch of cinnamon on the finish. Buy This Wine

Oct 082013
 
2011 Masut Vineyard and Winery Block 7 Pinot Noir, Mendocino County, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 92

An extremely small production (115 cases) and nuanced wine. The mouthwatering acidity and balanced tannins cry out for a food pairing with lighter meats and rustic dishes. Aromas of smokey cherry give way to a palate full of cherry, ripe strawberry and rhubarb with hints of  pomegranate, smoke and leather in the finish. Buy This Wine