Jul 282013
 
2011 Wine Guerrilla Clopton Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $40 (S) – Rating 92

This is what old vine Zinfandel is all about. Planted in 1880 this is an intriguing field blend of Zinfandel, Alicante Bouchet and Golden Chasselas. The nose is rather fruit forward with aromas of dark fruit, plum and blueberry pie. Full-bodied with dark fruit flavors blended with notes of ripe strawberry, plum and a touch of blueberry. Balanced tannins and acidity with a very long finish highlighted by hints cocoa. Buy This Wine

Jul 282013
 
2012 Lynmar Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 91

Rosé and summertime, a perfect pairing. This Pinot rosé fits the bill with enough body and color to be interesting by itself and juicy acidity to pair with most summer fare including grilled chicken, white meats or salmon. A beautiful nose of cherry, rhubarb and watermelon. Rich flavors of red berries, cherry, strawberry and minerality. Notes of ripe watermelon show through as the wine opens.  Buy This Wine

Jul 282013
 
2011 Dancing Coyote Wines Pinot Noir, Estate Grown, Clarksburg, CA, $14 (S) – Rating 89

An easy drinking Pinot Noir at an excellent price. A bright nose of cherry, blackberry, raspberry with notes of spice and leather. Medium bodied and fruit forward with soft tannins combined with flavors of cherry, plum and spice with balanced acidity. Enticing hints of leather in the finish. Buy This Wine

Jul 282013
 
2011 Cakebread Cellars Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, CA, $50 (S) – Rating 91

An interestingly complex Pinot Noir with an earthy nose of cherry, raspberry, plum and spice with notes of blueberry. French oak aging creates a medium-bodied Pinot with supple tannins with flavors of dark cherry, rhubarb, plum, minerality and brown spice. Juicy acidity offers many food pairing possibilities. Cherry and leather in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Jul 282013
 
2012 J Vineyards & Winery Pinot Gris, CA, $15 (S) – Rating 91

Always a favorite in the Pinot Gris category. Equally good as a refreshing sipper or pairing with lighter fare. Aged in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation, it offers aromas of citrus, orange peel and honeysuckle with hints of melon. The palate is treated to bright acidity with rounded flavors of citrus, melon and minerality with subtle notes or orange zest. Just a touch of lime in the finish. Buy This Wine