Wine Reviews

Ratings Explained

84 & Below – Not Posted ‘cause we won’t drink it
85 + A good wine. Buy if the price is right
90 + A very good wine, in our humble opinion
95 + An awe inspiring wine – Possibly life altering

All wine reviews are based solely on the personal tastes of the authors.
Disclosure: Samples are designated by an “S” beside the wine reviewed.
We’re still objective. Robert Parker doesn’t buy his wines either

Mar 052015
 
John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Napa Valley, CA, $70 (S) – Rating 92

John Anthony Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2012A complex Cabernet offering a bouquet of  black cherry, blackberry, ripe plum and brown spice. Plush and rich on the palate with smooth tannins and balanced acidity. Rich integrated flavors of blueberry, blackberry, black cherry, a little briar, a hint of chocolate and camp fire smoke. Black pepper spice adds to the long finish. Buy This Wine

Mar 052015
 
Smith-Madrone Riesling 2013, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District, CA, $27 (S) – Rating 92

Smith-Madrone Riesling 2013Think dry…Think crisp…Think  refreshing… A beautiful dry Riesling from one of the few Riesling vineyards left in Napa Valley. Aromas of citrus, honeycomb, pear, honeysuckle and wet stone minerality. A soft mouth-feel with food pairing acidity accentuates flavors of pear, green apple, white peach, honeysuckle, honeycomb and creamy vanilla. Notes of honeysuckle become more apparent as the wine opens. This wine pairs with a wide variety of foods from lighter summer fare to roasted chicken. Buy This Wine

Mar 052015
 
Clark-Claudon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Napa Valley, CA, $82 (S) – Rating 92

Clark-Claudon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2011Created for 100% Estate Cabernet grapes, this is a delicious example of Napa Valley Cabernet. A robust nose of blueberry, blackberry and pie crust with hints of cinnamon and chocolate. Plush on the palate with soft tannins integrated with flavors of blackberry, blueberry, black cherry, a little creamy vanilla and brown spice with dark chocolate on long finish. Buy this Wine

Feb 242015
 
Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2011, Estate Grown, Napa Valley, CA $42 (S) – Rating 91

Grgich Hills Chardonnay 2011A blend of winemaking styles, barrel aged without buttery malolactic fermentation. The result is a Chardonnay with a crisp mouth-feel, balanced acidity and a touch of creaminess. The nose offers notes of Meyer lemon, tropicals and wet stone minerality. On the palate, flavors of Meyer lemon, red apple, pear and a touch of white pepper spice. Just a hint of oaky vanilla caramel in the long finish. Buy This Wine

Feb 242015
 
Alpha Omega ERA 2011, Napa Valley, CA, $250 (S) – Rating 95

Alpha Omega Era 2011This is a Napa Cabernet that is certainly worthy of your attention. Past ERA vintages have been a red Brodeaux blend but the 2011 is 100% barrel fermented Cabernet from the following famed Napa Valley vineyards, Beckstoffer To Kalon in Oakville, Beckstoffer, Missouri Hopper in Yountville, Stagecoach on Atlas Peak and Lyons. A robust nose of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry and spice. A rather plush mouth-feel with dusty tannins and balanced acidity. The palate is treated to an integrated combination of flavors, including blueberry, black cherry, black fruit, a little briar, black pepper and dark spice with dark cacao on long finish. A spectacular wine. Buy This Wine (Available at tasting room only).