Category: 2011

Gordon Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

91
Gordon Brothers
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Washington
Appellation: Columbia Valley
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Silky-textured with nicely integrated oak that serves as an excellent backdrop to the flavors of crème de cassis, white pepper and lavender; it finishes with a seamless acidity that provides great structure and balance.
Gordon Brothers Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

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Bouchard Père & Fils Red 2011

96
Bouchard Père & Fils
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Beaune Clos de la Mousse
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: From a top Burgundy house, this exceptional, high-quality wine exhibits finesse, and breeding. Delicious now, it could certainly improve with a little more bottle time, to bring out more of its elegant characteristics. One of those “don’t-pass-this-up” type of wines.
Bouchard Père & Fils Red 2011

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Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

92
Chateau St. Jean
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Alexander Valley

Tasting Notes: A winner from a difficult vintage, dry and rich with complex black raspberry and black cherry notes, fine tannins and a long finish.
Chateau St. Jean Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

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Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

95
Brandlin
Fanciful Name: Mount Veeder
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $65

Tasting Notes: A blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon, 9% petit verdot, 6% cabernet franc, aged 22 months in French barriques, 50% new. A wine of amazing depth. Aromas of currant, plum and blackberry mingle with floral nuances and a subtle earthiness. Rich, round black fruit flavors coat the palate with lovely sweet/tart acidity. Hints of smoke, spice and terroir follow. Tannins are supple and in perfect balance, with all components on the lengthy finish.
Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

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Frescobaldi Pinot Noir 2011

94
Frescobaldi
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Italy
Appellation: Pomino
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: From the renowned Frescobaldi family of Tuscany comes a pinot noir, from a region better known for Sangiovese. Elegant, structured and oh-so-very delicious. More than a mere curiosity, it’s a wonderful example of what intelligent vineyard practices and careful winemaking can achieve.
Frescobaldi Pinot Noir 2011

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Ca’Momi Napa Valley Cabernet 2011

88
Ca’Momi
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Nice nose of red berries and cherries, cassis and hints of spice tobacco, in the mid-palate. Balanced acidities on the finish.
Ca’Momi Napa Valley Cabernet 2011

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Saracina Malbec 2011

92
Saracina
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Mendocino County
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: John Fetzer has been producing great organic wines since the ’80s, now his Saracina winery continues the passion. Vineyard-designated grapes shine in this California interpretation. Rich and full bodied, with soft hints of raisins, plums, coffee and dark chocolate. Soft, supple tannins lead to a long, lingering finish.
Saracina Malbec 2011

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Groth Oakville Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

92
Groth Oakville Napa
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Oakville
Retail Price: $49

Tasting Notes: Dense and rich with a concentrated core of black cherry, blackberry, dark plum and blueberry flavors that are supported by hints of herbs and cedary oak. The long finish is supported by a touch of vanilla and polished tannins.
Groth Oakville Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

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Lionel Osmin Malbec 2011

95
Lionel Osmin
Fanciful Name: Cahors
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Cahors
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Classic Old-World malbec (100%) from a great producer, the wine is aged 10 months, 25% in oak barrels. The color is deep blue—almost purple. Aromas of black fruits, mocha, and “cigar-box” spiciness lead to bold flavors of blackberry and plum balanced with firm tannins and a hint of lovely terroir. Nice now, it will cellar for several years.
Lionel Osmin Malbec 2011

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Maison Roche de Bellene Chardonnay 2011

92
Maison Roche de Bellene
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne Blanc, Vieilles Vignes
Retail Price: $21.49

Tasting Notes: As good as it gets for white Burgundy anywhere close to this price point. A high-energy Chard that exhibits Meyer lemon, tart apple, allspice and honeysuckle. Nervy and persistent acidity keep the flavors nicely focused.
Maison Roche de Bellene Chardonnay 2011

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Mapema Malbec 2011

91
Mapema
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: The “Ma” comes from Mariano di Paola, the “pe” comes from the people at the winery, and the “ma” is the magic they create as a team. A 100% high-altitude malbec, aged 12 months in oak. Cherry notes balanced with a hint of peppery spice. Perfect for grilled meats.
Mapema Malbec 2011

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Lunta Malbec 2011

89
Lunta
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Lujan de Cuyo
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: Vines with an average age of 80-plus years lend great complexity to this wine. Very youthful on the nose, with intense aromas of currants, plums, raisins, and a hint of licorice. An elevation of 3,300 feet helps produce wines perfect for beef or lamb dishes.
Lunta Malbec 2011

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