Novy 2010 Syrah, Napa Valley
The nose in this Napa Valley Syrah offers copious aromas of black fruits –black cherry, currant, and blackberry– and a thread of smoky licorice. On the palate, it is lush and …
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Starmont 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Here we have a wine from the second label of Napa Valley’s Merryvale Vineyard. Wine Spectator frequently calls out that their cabernets are deluxe in a way only Napa Cabs …
Los Boldos 2008 Amalia, Cachapoal Valley, Chile
Vina Los Boldos is an old winery at the foot of the Andes Mountains dating back to 1850. In 1990 the Massanez family from France purchased the property, turned it into …
Havens Winery 2009 Bourriquot, Napa Valley
Before Michael Havens found himself out of cash and bankrupt, I worked at his winery as a cellar rat. He later sold the winery, along with the name – his own, …
Tudor 2006 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
Dan Tudor is one of the few self-taught vintners of Pinot Noir, and he does it better than most. Without any winemaking experience, he opened his Monterrey winery in 2000. Under …
Koyle 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Royale, Colchagua Valley
Chilean wine review Colchagua Valley has always been my first choice for Cabernet Sauvignon in Chile. This bottle proves that it’s a good habit to keep up. This is the first …
Gordon Brothers 2008 Merlot, Columbia Valley
Columbia Valley Merlot Review Back in the day, when I sold wines for a living, I was a huge fan of the Gordon Brothers. They released their first wines in the early …
Merryvale 2008 “Starmont” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
A rock-solid Napa Cab at a rock-solid price. The nose of pencil shavings, vanilla, and toast promises great things to come, and it does deliver. The gritty tannic structure is balanced …
Pear Valley 2007 Syrah, Paso Robles
Pear Valley is located on the east side of Paso Robles, right smack in the middle of it all. The winery is new, newer than this wine (it wasn’t built until 2008). …
Montinore 2006 Gewurztraminer, Willamette Valley
Yet another beauty from the land of beards and Birkenstocks. This one is every bit as exotic as the best of Alsace, but with the added weight that the New World …
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2008 “Redemption” Zinfandel
If you drink Zin for its delightful complexity, you aren’t thinking straight. Zinfandel –despite its pink alter ego– is a major badass. This bottle is in keeping with such a reputation. …
Bridesmaid 2009 White, Napa Valley
Far too many white wines from Napa Valley don’t have the same level of sex appeal that the reds. That is not the problem here. A classic Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon …
Dry Creek Vineyards 2008 “Foggy Oaks” Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Despite packing the double-whammy of barrel fermentation AND barrel aging, this wine still retains wonderful fruit flavors, particularly fresh pineapple, and lemon curd. Flavors reminiscent of Grannie’s apple pie come into …
Erasmo 2006 Viña La Reserva de Caliboro, Maule Valley, Chile
Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with a bit of Merlot and Cabernet Franc for added finesse. Kirsch and pencil shavings with a touch of brine and wet earth. Wet tobacco and grass on …
Montinore 2009 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley
A good example of Willamette Valley Pinot Gris, and an great value. Marzipan and Granny Smith apples are followed by vibrant lemon and mineral. Light bodied and alive with a touch of white pepper.
Montes 2005 “Alpha” Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley
Modern style Chardonnay with plenty of flair and depth. Vanilla-poached pears & toasted almonds on the palate, a little jolt of freshness on the finish, and a lingering sensation of smoke. Quite worthwhile to serve as an aperitif.
