Apr 162013
 
2009 Castello di Amorosa Napa Valley Sangiovese, Napa Valley, CA, $30 (S) – Rating 89

The rustic nose of cherry, leather and briar brings back thoughts of the amazing Castello di Amorosa itself. A blend of 90% estate Sangiovese and 10% Merlot. Medium-bodied with plenty of juicy acidity and firm tannins. Flavors of red cherry, dark spice and raspberry with hints of chocolate on the finish. Be patient…It takes a while for this Sangio to fully open. Buy This Wine

Apr 162013
 
2009 Trione Vineyards & Winery River Road Ranch Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 90

A beautiful nose of red apple, ripe pineapple and notes of pie crust. This Chardonnay offers up a soft and creamy mouth-feel with flavors of red apple and pear with a perfect pitch of oaky vanilla. For those who prefer a creamy style of Chardonnay…This is a balanced winner. Buy This Wine

Apr 042013
 
2010 Caymus Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, CA, $72 (S) – Rating 93

It would be nice sometimes to just review a wine as Delicious… This Cabernet is Delicious! An expressive nose of dark cherry, ripe plum with subtle notes of chocolate and leather. Soft to moderate tannins with beautifully balanced acidity. Flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, dark fruit, vanilla and spice with hints of leather. Pleasant notes of cocoa become more pronounced on the finish, as the wine opens. Buy This Wine

Apr 012013
 
2009 Dry Creek Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma, CA, $25 (S) – Rating 90

One heck of a value. A blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot with a big nose of bright cherry, plum, dark fruit and dark spice. Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and balanced acidity offering flavors of dark cherry, dark fruit, and dark spice with notes of chocolate on the long finish.  Buy This Wine

Apr 012013
 
2010 Moone-Tsai Napa Valley Chardonnay, Bald Mountain Vineyard, CA, $55 (S) – Rating 93

For those who enjoy balanced oak and creamy malolactic flavors, this is an extraordinary Chardonnay. Give it about 15 minutes to fully open. These grapes, from high in Mayacamas Mountains, offer aromas of caramelized pineapple, honeycomb, ripe pear and vanilla. The creamy mouth-feel with a touch of acidity evolves into flavors of red apple, baking spice, vanilla and a hint of yeasty pie crust. No mindless patio sipper – Give this Chardonnay some thought. Buy This Wine