Wine Reviews for October 2019
Columbia Crest 2012 “Walter Clore Private Reserve” Red Columbia Valley This is a monster Merlot with a margin of Cabernet Sauvignon in the mix. …
PLCB
Wine Reviews: Top Picks from Columbia Valley
Seven Hills 2015 Red, Walla Walla Valley A Bordeaux-style blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for two years in mostly older oak barriques. Cedar …
Top Ten Wine Shops in Philly
Buying good wine in Philly can be a challenge. The prices are too damn high. Most of the folks working in the stores know more …
Consejo de la Alta 2011 Cata de Consejero, Rioja
Bodegas Consejo de la Alta is located in a tiny town the Ebro river. It’s a place that could simply be described as between: it’s …
Shannon Ridge 2012 “Single Vineyard Collection” Tempranillo, Lake County
Shannon Ridge is a Lake County winery that is best known for it’s Petite Sirah blends. It’s Morine Ranch vineyard grows Cabernet Sauvignon, but they also …
Read moreShannon Ridge 2012 “Single Vineyard Collection” Tempranillo, Lake County
Gundlach Bundschu 2012 Mountain Cuvee Red, Sonoma
You got to respect an American winery that was founded in 1850’s and still going strong. It’s now run by Jeff Bundschu, the 6th generation of …
Manos Negras 2011 “Stone Soil Select” Malbec Reserve, Patagonia
Wineries in Argentina are like the rock band The Yardbirds: the side projects are becoming more famous than the original band. Never heard of the …
Read moreManos Negras 2011 “Stone Soil Select” Malbec Reserve, Patagonia
Quinta do Vallado 2012 “Field Blend” Douro Reserva
A top notch producer that is making a name for itself on the international stage. Winemakers Francisco Olazabal & Francisco Ferreira are putting together some of …
3 Rings 2013 Shiraz, Barossa Valley
It’s interesting how fashion changes in the wine world. When this wine was first released, it was the belle of the ball. Robert Parker of …
Rotie Cellars 2011 “Southern Blend” Red, Walla Walla (WA)
Impolite, brash, and barely keeping it together. The hot mess that is Rotie Cellars is the greatest thing in wine that I have seen in …
Read moreRotie Cellars 2011 “Southern Blend” Red, Walla Walla (WA)
Lagar de Bezana 2011 “Aluvion” Gran Reserva, Rapel Valley (Chile)
A beautiful wine with dense smoke and incense aromas. It’s lushly textured with deep soft tannins and flavors that pool into creme de cassis and ocean air. …
Read moreLagar de Bezana 2011 “Aluvion” Gran Reserva, Rapel Valley (Chile)
Castellani 2013 “San Michele” Valpolicella Classico Ripasso
Some call this style a “Baby Amarone” which is kinda like comparing a ribeye steak to a cheesesteak. Sure they come from the same place, …
Read moreCastellani 2013 “San Michele” Valpolicella Classico Ripasso
Castelli del Grevepesa 2011 “Clemente VII” Chianti Classico
This Tuscan co-op winery is making a habit of featuring its wines in the Chairman’s Selection. I am not complaining. The 2010 Chianti was amazing and their super tuscan …
Read moreCastelli del Grevepesa 2011 “Clemente VII” Chianti Classico
Bodega Ovidio Garcia 2009 “Esencia” Crianza, Cigales
Cigales is located between two two of my favorite Spanish wine regions: Ribera del Duero and Toro. That is probably why this is the first Cigales wine review …
Read moreBodega Ovidio Garcia 2009 “Esencia” Crianza, Cigales
Jean Leon 2006 “Reserva” Cabernet Sauvignon, Penedes
If you are Scrooge McDuck wealthy, you don’t need this wine. If habitually drop a few hundred on a bottle, this wine isn’t for you. If you have been …
Read moreJean Leon 2006 “Reserva” Cabernet Sauvignon, Penedes
Elias Mora 2012 “Descarte” Toro (Spain)
I had a student recently who was adamant that I was too partial to Italian wines. I was surprised at the comment, but he’s a smart …