Wine Reviews


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2978329782USLutum is a project from Santa Barbara vintner Gavin Chanin. The brand sources fruit from well-known vineyards, in this case Rinconada, situated in a favorable terroir in the southern part of the appellation. The wine is quite pale and the alcohol level is low, giving it great delicacy. But it's potent in raspberry, red currant, spicy red licorice and softened cola flavors. Delicious now, it will age well until at least 2022.La Rinconada Vineyard9250CaliforniaSta. Rita HillsCentral CoastLutum 2011 La Rinconada Vineyard Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)Pinot NoirLutum
2978429783PortugalThis wine, with its black color, barely escapes being too much. Initially, it seems too rich, too concentrated. But slowly its more elegant character, ripe and smooth, comes through. The acidity gives surprising freshness considering the weight and density. It does need time, so drink from 2017.Mux Tinto9230DouroRoger Voss@vossrogerMuxagat 2011 Mux Tinto Red (Douro)Portuguese RedMuxagat
2978529784USThis is the winery's best Dijon Clones Chardonnay ever. It shows the balanced, long hangtime fruit of the vintage, bursting with ripe flavors of pineapples, oranges, honeydew melons and pears, along with toasty new French oak and vibrant acidity. What a yummy wine to drink with scallops or crab.Dijon Clones9234CaliforniaCarnerosNapa-SonomaPine Ridge 2012 Dijon Clones Chardonnay (Carneros)ChardonnayPine Ridge
2978629785USTasted in early December, this Cabernet, which was blended with Merlot and Petit Verdot, was in a funny place in its evolution. It's not exactly fresh and fruity, but it hasn't evolved to the complexity of an aged wine. You'll find plenty of restrained blackberry, cherry, currant, violet, oak and tannic notes that require another 6–8 years to resolve and shine.Brokenrock Vineyard9265CaliforniaNapa ValleyNapaPrime Solum 2009 Brokenrock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)Cabernet SauvignonPrime Solum
2978729786AustraliaBin 389 is always a Cab-Shiraz, although the 2009 is only just, at 51% Cabernet and 49% Shiraz. This year's version is chocolaty and ripe, with plenty of weight and a slightly creamy feel. Cassis and vanilla notes fill out the palate, which finishes long, with an elegant texture akin to fine suede. Drink now–2025.Bin 3899250South AustraliaSouth AustraliaJoe Czerwinski@JoeCzPenfolds 2009 Bin 389 Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz (South Australia)Cabernet Sauvignon-ShirazPenfolds
2978829787USA blend of blocks and clones from this impressive property, this Pinot delivers pretty raspberry and cherry fruit, dusted with baking spices. From the opening aromas of fruit and flower, on through to the bigger barrel flavors of clove and cinnamon, this is a lovely wine, drinking well, but certainly fit for cellaring through 2020–2022.Estate9235OregonChehalem MountainsWillamette ValleyPaul Gregutt@paulgwine Alloro 2010 Estate Pinot Noir (Chehalem Mountains)Pinot NoirAlloro
2978929788USBarrel fermented and put through full malolactic with regular batonnage, this superbly balanced, graceful Chardonnay is orchestrated around a complex mix of pear, tropical fruit, biscuit, cream soda and light baking spices. The acidity carries a hint of mineral, and the palate impression is lively and smooth.Estate9228OregonChehalem MountainsWillamette ValleyPaul Gregutt@paulgwine Alloro 2011 Estate Chardonnay (Chehalem Mountains)ChardonnayAlloro
2979029789USThis Syrah is addictively drinkable. It's so round and smooth, so complete, and above all so delicious in flavors. They range from crushed, ripe summer blackberries and cassis to black pepper and dark chocolate and, if you're familiar with it, the Jewish dessert, hamantaschen, which are prune-filled pastry tarts. The grapes come from the well-regarded Rancho Sisquoc Vineyard.Upper Crust9240CaliforniaSanta Maria ValleyCentral CoastBabcock 2011 Upper Crust Syrah (Santa Maria Valley)SyrahBabcock
2976129760FranceThis sweet soft wine is lightly perfumed and gentle on the palate. Crushed strawberry flavors have just the lightest acidity to keep the wine from being cloying. Drink now.Loire Valley8313Loire ValleyRosé d'AnjouRoger Voss@vossrogerSauvion 2016 Loire Valley (Rosé d'Anjou)RoséSauvion
2976229761New ZealandInitially this wine smells buttery and nutty from oak influence, which morphs into notes of bruised yellow apple and very ripe melon. The palate is more vibrant, with zippy acidity and green fruit tones. The finish, however, falls a little flat.8316MarlboroughWhite Clover 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough)Sauvignon BlancWhite Clover
2976329762ItalyThis extremely simple sparkler has subdued aromas suggesting adhesive bandage that carry over to the lean, brisk palate along with freshly squeezed lemon and a candied note. It's tart, with bracing acidity and vigorous bubbles.Extra Dry8314VenetoProseccoKerin O’Keefe@kerinokeefeCarletto NV Extra Dry (Prosecco)GleraCarletto
2976429763New ZealandThere's red fruit and spice to be found in this Marlborough Pinot Noir, but unfortunately they're overpowered by a chemical, menthol quality, along with vanilla from the oak influence. The palate is medium bodied with lightly grippy tannins and a bitterness on the finish.8323MarlboroughOpawa 2014 Pinot Noir (Marlborough)Pinot NoirOpawa
2976529764New ZealandThis sunset-hued bubbly starts with notes of overripe berries and watermelon candy. The mousse is satisfying but the cloying sweetness on the palate may turn many off this less-than-subtle sparkler.Rosé8316New ZealandSophora NV Rosé Sparkling (New Zealand)Sparkling BlendSophora
2976629765USA dull, unformed nose gives way to sweet dried prune notes in this highly ripe, earthy wine.8323CaliforniaDry Creek ValleySonomaVirginie Boone@vboonePech Merle 2014 Zinfandel (Dry Creek Valley)ZinfandelPech Merle
2976729766SpainHoneyed aromas of orange marmalade lead to a flat palate. Bitter flavors of melon and almond skins confirm that this oddball blend of Moscatel, Doradilla and PX from the mountains outside Málaga is lackluster.La Encina del Inglés8318AndaluciaMálagaMichael Schachner@wineschachFinca la Melonera 2015 La Encina del Inglés White (Málaga)White BlendFinca la Melonera
2976829767SpainFoxy plum and other jumpy aromas set up a raw, choppy palate. This Merlot tastes of salty, herbal plum and cherry, while the finish is lasting, which might not be a benefit.Mureda Organic8310Central SpainTierra de CastillaMichael Schachner@wineschachMureda 2016 Mureda Organic Merlot (Tierra de Castilla)MerlotMureda
2976929768USThis wine smells and tastes quite mature but is still interesting to drink. It has sun-baked earth aromas, raspberry and Madeira flavors and a soft texture.8225CaliforniaEl DoradoSierra FoothillsJim Gordon@gordone_cellarsJodar 2013 Barbera (El Dorado)BarberaJodar
2977029769ArgentinaStewy, earthy berry aromas are mulchy and lack freshness. This has a cooked and rubbery mouthfeel to go with stalky, savory berry and plum flavors. A green, leathery character shows on the finish.La Madras Vineyard8220Mendoza ProvinceMendozaMichael Schachner@wineschachRicardo Santos 2016 La Madras Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza)MalbecRicardo Santos
2977129770USThis Reserve is higher in alcohol, oakier and contains more Cabernet Sauvignon than Bello's regular '10 Cab. But, like its sibling, the wine is all elbows, with the black currant and dark chocolate flavors sticking out from the other parts. The wine should have no trouble negotiating the years. Try it in 2020.Reserve92250CaliforniaRutherfordNapaBello Family Vineyards 2010 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Rutherford)Cabernet SauvignonBello Family Vineyards
2977229771USThis is classic Beringer Private Reserve Chard, ripe, oaky, lush, balanced and utterly delicious. There's a lot of everything, from massive tropical and citrus fruits to creamy lees. The malolactic fermentation helps make it buttery and 80% new French oak brings buttered toast and vanilla-bean richness. Balance comes by way of acidity and minerality.Private Reserve9244CaliforniaNapa ValleyNapaBeringer 2012 Private Reserve Chardonnay (Napa Valley)ChardonnayBeringer
2977329772ArgentinaWith its reliance on old-vines vineyards, Renacer often comes out with great wines. This is one of them. Smoky, leathery berry aromas are inviting, while the mouthfeel is silky and plush. Oaky flavors of chocolate, smoked meat and vanilla accent ripe berry flavors, then clove and baking spices pour onto the finish.Punto Final Reserva9220Mendoza ProvinceMendozaMichael Schachner@wineschachBodega Renacer 2011 Punto Final Reserva Malbec (Mendoza)MalbecBodega Renacer
2977429773ItalyRose, violet, iris and red berry aromas lead the nose on this delicious wine made entirely with Sangiovese. The smooth palate delivers juicy black cherry, raspberry and crunchy strawberry, while notes of nutmeg, black pepper and cinnamon add depth. It's polished and already enjoyable but hold a few years for complexity.Baruffo9222TuscanyChianti ClassicoKerin O’Keefe@kerinokeefeCantalici L'Antica Fornace di Ridolfo 2011 Baruffo (Chianti Classico)SangioveseCantalici L'Antica Fornace di Ridolfo
2977529774New ZealandThis impressive operation covers much of eastern Waiheke, although only a small portion of the property is planted to vines. The 2010 vintage was especially good on the island, and this wine is crammed with ripe, peachy fruit, framed by smoky oak and roasted nuts. Despite being weighty and round in the mouth, it finishes well, on a lingering citrusy note. Drink it over the next couple of years.Valhalla9235Waiheke IslandJoe Czerwinski@JoeCzMan O' War 2010 Valhalla Chardonnay (Waiheke Island)ChardonnayMan O' War
2977629775ArgentinaJammy, ripe and loaded with inky, sweet black-fruit aromas, the bouquet on this modern Cab Franc draws you in. Once there, look for a big but balanced palate with blackberry, roasted notes, loam and chocolate flavors. The satisfying finish is pure and long, with toasty blackness.Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard92110Mendoza ProvinceMendozaMichael Schachner@wineschachEl Enemigo 2010 Gran Enemigo Gualtallary Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc (Mendoza)Cabernet FrancEl Enemigo
2977729776USZinfandel fans will celebrate this powerfully ripe, exuberant wine. It's classic Russian River Zin, dry, tannic, heady and enormously rich in black currants, raisins, prunes, beef jerky and exotic baking spices. The finish is so fruity, it's almost sweet, yet is actually quite dry, making it clean and zesty.Old Vine Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard9255CaliforniaRussian River ValleySonomaHartford Court 2011 Old Vine Fanucchi-Wood Road Vineyard Zinfandel (Russian River Valley)ZinfandelHartford Court
2977829777New ZealandClearview's Chardonnays are always opulent and textural, and this ultra-luxe offering exemplifies the house style. Aromas of grilled fruit mesh beautifully with toasted whole grain on the nose, while similar flavors swirl endlessly in the mouth. Yet despite being warm and welcoming, full bodied and broad on the palate, it's refreshingly firm on the lengthy finish. Drink now–2016.Endeavour9280Hawke's BayJoe Czerwinski@JoeCzClearview 2009 Endeavour Chardonnay (Hawke's Bay)ChardonnayClearview
2977929778AustraliaEndowed with plenty of fruit, this wine swirls together notes of raspberry and vanilla, then tops off that delicious blend with hints of mint and other herbs. The lovely creamy texture turns silky and fresh on the finish. Drink now–2020.Stonehorse Estate Grown9237Australia OtherSouth Eastern AustraliaJoe Czerwinski@JoeCzKaesler 2010 Stonehorse Estate Grown Shiraz (South Eastern Australia)ShirazKaesler
2978029779PortugalFrom selected grapes, this is a powerful, complex wine. It has huge richness, tasting of the Alentejo sun. At the same time, the fruit is firm and structured, slowly revealing its fresher berry character to balance the density. The delicious juicy aftertaste promises a fine future for this wine. Drink from 2016.Esporão Private Selection9260AlentejanoRoger Voss@vossrogerHerdade do Esporão 2008 Esporão Private Selection Red (Alentejano)Portuguese RedHerdade do Esporão
2978129780USBig, rich and complex, this is a Cabernet you want to lay down. Tasted in the late Fall of 2013, it's tannic, oaky and dry, brimming with spectacularly ripe blackberry, cherry and cassis flavors. The alcohol is a bit high, giving the wine some heat, and yet the balance is so good that the wine should easily develop over the next eight years.92110CaliforniaNapa ValleyNapaHestan 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)Cabernet SauvignonHestan
2978229781TurkeyAromas of black cherry, brambly berry, violet and oregano give way to sophisticated flavors of dark fruit, spice and leather. This nicely balanced Syrah offers harmonious tannins, with just a touch of grippiness, leading to a smooth, somewhat savory finish.Pendore9238AegeanMike DeSimone@worldwineguysKavaklidere 2010 Pendore Syrah (Aegean)SyrahKavaklidere

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