Mar 092013
 
2009 Clark-Claudon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate Grown, Napa Valley, CA, $80 (S) – Rating 92

A consistently exciting 100% Howell Mountain Estate Cabernet with intense red color and a bouquet of dark fruit, plum, black cherry, spice and saddle leather. The palate will be intrigued with flavors of blackberry, black cherry and dark spice. Solid yet approachable tannins with balanced acidity and a long finish of dark chocolate with hints of espresso. Give it an hour to open in the decanter for the full experience. Buy This Wine

Mar 092013
 
2010 Giordano Collection Nebbiolo Maestri Italiani doc, Piedmont, Italy, $17 (S) – Rating 89

A fruit forward red wine with old world charm and earthiness. The nose entices with notes of ripe cherry and plum with hints of raspberry and spice. The palate is treated to flavors of dark cherry, plum and spice. Soft tannins make this a very enjoyable and easy drinking red wine. Certainly a party pleaser. Buy This Wine

Feb 262013
 
2010 Giordano Collection Tuscany i.g.t. Toscana Rosso, Tuscany, Italy, $13.50 (S) – 91

A Super Tuscan at a super price. This traditional blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet is rich and deep with aromas of red cherry, blackberry, dark spice, oaky vanilla and camp smoke. Very fruit-forward with moderate tannins offering notes of dark cherry, plum and dark fruit with intriguing hints of  dark chocolate and leather in the long finish. It is simply a “cuddle up by the fire” kind of wine. Buy This Wine

Feb 262013
 
2011 Franciscan Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley, CA, $18 (S) – Rating 88

A pleasant nose of Meyer lemon, cream, green apple and vanilla. A round mouth-feel with notes of tartness. Flavors of Meyer lemon, tropical citrus, and green apple are followed by a vanilla creamy finish. Enough crisp minerality for good foodie possibilities. Buy This Wine

Moone-Tsai Howell Mountain Hillside Blend 2009

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Feb 262013
 
2009 Moone-Tsai Howell Mountain Hillside Blend, Napa Valley, Ca, $85 (S) – Rating 91

A huge fragrant nose of black fruit, licorice, dark spice and eucalyptus. A powerful blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet, typical of Howell Mountain fruit. The wine excites the palate with big flavors of black fruit, black cherry, espresso and cacao with definite earthy notes. Plenty of food pairing acidity to give a med-rare filet a run for its money. Buy This Wine