Bodegas Montecillo 2009 Rioja Gran Reserva
On occasion, I sit next to a normal at a wine conference. After a few minutes of awkward conversation, they invariably ask me one question: “What is your favorite wine?” I don’t have an answer to …
2009
Bodega Ovidio Garcia 2009 “Esencia” Crianza, Cigales
Cigales is located between two of my favorite Spanish wine regions: Ribera del Duero and Toro. That is probably why this is the first Cigales wine review I have written in 15 years. I’ll …
Senorio de Los Baldios 2009 Ribera del Duero Crianza
A modern style of RDD that pushes the classic marriage of tempranillo and oak into a more risque space. Lush and full-bodied sporting flavors of melted chocolate and vanilla over dark …
Cune 2009 Rioja Gran Reserva
The wines of C.V.N.E. (or Cune) will always have a warm place in my heart. They are classical Rioja, and their Gran Reserva stands the test of time. If you have …
Redi 2009 Orbaio Toscano
A beautiful balance of classic Tuscan Sangiovese and muscular Cabernet. Cocoa-dusted spice and lush dark fruit on the palate meld into tart cherry and mineral. Elements of anise and toast emerge …
Terlato 2009 Syrah “Block 9” Dry Creek Valley
Is this Syrah from Cornas or California? In most ways, this wine drinks like it hail from that awesome Northern Rhone cru. Yet, here we are in Sonoma Valley, Dry Creek …
Lanciola 2009 Le Masse di Greve Chianti Classico
Chianti Wine Review A hedgehog playing in a pile of autumn leaves. This bottle starts off with a very specific wet fur-and-oak-leaf aroma that was both surprising and delightful. There is …
Bertani 2009 “Villa Arvedi” Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone Wine Review Aromas of licorice and Cherry Coke on the nose with a shaving of bitter chocolate. This is a very flirtatious aroma, with a hint of cardamom and white …
Erasmo 2009 Red, Maule Valley
Wine Review: Erasmo 2009 Red Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and a percentage of Syrah. The Cabernet is clearly dominant here, with graphite and cedar aroma rising above the wildflower …
Vall Llach 2009 “Idus” Priorat
Wine Review: Vall Llach 2009 “Idus” Priorat On the nose, a giant whiff of wild fennel and fig confit. The palate is bursting with black fruit with sweet vanilla and balsamic. …
Bouchaine 2009 Pinot Noir Carneros
Who are the Bouchaines? It doesn’t really matter at this point. It was the maiden name of one of the original partners in this winery. The important question is, who are …
Ottimino 2009 Zinfandel, Rancho Bello Vineyard
Ottimino was established in 1999 by Brad Alper and William Knuttel. Their first bottling was from the Ranch Bello vineyard. This is Alper’s winery in many ways, but Knuttel is the name that makes …
Saintsbury 2009 “Brown Ranch” Pinot Noir
Saintsbury Winery Most descriptions of Saintsbury Winery will include the word “pioneer” somewhere within the first paragraph. Go one and google it: you will get over 3.5 million pages describing how …
La Follette 2009 Chardonnay Manchester Ridge Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge
Greg La Follette Greg La Follette is not someone who would name a winery after himself. The winery was named Tandem until he sold it to Quivira Winery. The purchase agreement …
Clos de los Siete 2009, Mendoza (Argentina)
Clos de Los Siete is a spectacle at the edge of the world. It consists of five great chateaus on the edge of Argentina, close to the Andes Mountains. Each of …
Veramonte 2009 “Primus” Cabernet Sauvignon, Rapel Valley
Veramonte is a large winery in Chile’s Casablanca Valley, clocking in at just under 500 hectares. Since its founding, it’s been a US-centric winery, with over 80% of its wines bought …