Jun 122013
 
2012 John Anthony Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA, $22(S) – Rating 91

A refreshing wine on a warm summer evening, interesting enough to stand alone and inviting enough to pair with fresh summer fare. Expressive aromas of baked pineapple and white peach with floral notes to round out the experience. Mouth-watering acidity for excellent food-pairing with creamy yet crisp flavors of ripe pineapple, tropicals, Meyer lemon and minerality with hints of lime in the finish. Buy This Wine

Jun 122013
 
2011 Belle Glos Clark & Telephone Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, CA, $44 (S) – Rating 92

There are some wines where the description should begin and end with yummy or delicious without all the deconstructed tasting notes… this is one of those wines. A flamboyant fruit-forward Pinot Noir with an enticing nose of blackberry and baked cherries with notes of blueberry. Robust flavors of dark cherry pie, blackberry and ripe raspberry followed by vanilla and baking spice on the long finish. An excellent balance of jamminess and acidity. Buy This Wine

Jun 122013
 
2011 Wine Guerrilla McClain Vineyard Zinfandel, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $35 (S) – Rating 92

Wine Guerrilla just does Zinfandel right. A rather complex offering with a perfect balance between Zinfandel flavor and texture. The 3.5 acre vineyard was planted using cuttings from a 120-year-old Zinfandel vineyard nearby. A robust nose of black cherry, ripe plum and leather with hints of cocoa. Full-flavored without going too jammy. Great food-paring acidity with notes of black cherry, black plum and cocoa with a touch of spice and espresso in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Jun 082013
 
2011 Alpha Omega Winery Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA, $38 (S) – Rating 92

Think sunny warm summer afternoon with friends. This SB opens with a creamy nose of pineapple and minerality with notes of Meyer lemon. Creamy on the palate with crisp acidity. Lovely flavors of ripe pineapple, Meyer lemon and granny smith apple on the very long finish. Enjoy on its own or with lighter fare. Buy This Wine

Jun 062013
 
2011 Jordan Winery Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 93

Consistently an excellent wine, the 2011 vintage is something special. A subtle bouquet of of red apple with notes of ripe pineapple, stone fruit and baking spice. An elegant balance of a creamy mouth-feel and zippy acidity offering flavors of red apple, pear, ripe pineapple and distinct minerality with just enough oak to round off the edges but not overpower.  Buy This Wine