Oct 082013
 
2011 Masut Vineyard and Winery Block 11 Pinot Noir, Mendocino County, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 92

A beautiful example of Mendocino Pinot. Enjoy solo or paired with grilled white meats and tomato based Italian dishes. A luxurious nose of black cherry, blackberry and baking spice. A velvety mouth-feel with soft tannins and balanced acidity. Flavors abound of cherry, blackberry, ripe raspberry, dark spice and earthy forest floor. Buy This Wine

Oct 082013
 
2010 Sbragia Family Vineyards La Promessa Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, CA, $34 (S) – Rating 91

Rather high in alcohol (15.9%) but so well balanced you’d never guess. Rich dark fruit flavors in a leaner style create a nose of black fruit, blackberry and plum with hints of espresso. Balanced acidity and tannins with a velvety mouth-feel offering notes blackberry, plum, dark fruit, black cherry and molasses with a touch of cocoa, smoke and leather in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Oct 082013
 
2011 St Rose Vineyard & Winery Nunes Vineyard 777 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

Made exclusively from 777 clone this Pinot is perfect for those who want to explore the true essence of Pinot Noir. A beautifully brambly wine with a nose of raspberry, strawberry and cinnamon. Rustic flavors of red cherry, sour cherry, raspberry and ripe strawberry combined with zippy acidity are enticing. Subtle notes of cola in the finish. Very small production – 56 cases…Buy Now! Buy This Wine

Oct 032013
 
2011 C. Donatiello Winery Tina Marie Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $55 – Rating 92

Small artisan production of only 126 cases aged in 65% neutral oak allowing this Green Valley vineyard to speak. A complex nose of cherry and ripe plum with definite hints of bacon. On the palate,  balanced integrated tannins offer up a silky mouth-feel with vibrant food pairing acidity. Complex  notes of cherry, ripe raspberry, dark chocolate and blackberry with a touch of crispy bacon and terrior earthiness. A long finish with subtle saddle leather notes. Get this wine while you can. Buy This Wine

Oct 022013
 
2011 J Vineyard & Winery Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Estate Grown, Ca, $37 (S) – Rating 90

J is known for their sparklers, but they offer excellent still wines as well. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir, a bit more robust than other Sonoma Coast Pinots. The nose offers up aromas of blackberry, black cherry and rich dark spice. Hints of bramble and leather on the palate with flavors of blackberry, cherry and ripe strawberry. Strawberry becomes more pronounced on the finish as the wine opens. Buy this Wine