Category: 2013

Heron Chardonnay 2013

95
Heron
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: The owner, Laely Heron, is an innovator. She contracts with growers from premier California AVAs for her wines. The grapes are sourced from Russian River Valley, Carneros and Santa Maria Valley from 22-25-year-old vines. She incorporates whole-cluster pressing with barrel aging of up to five months with no malolactic fermentation. The wine is lively and refreshing with lush flavors of peach, mango and citrus. It’s long, crisp and zesty on the finish with lip-smacking acidity: an ideal aperitif, or will pair beautifully with milder Oriental cuisine.
Heron Chardonnay 2013

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Fulcrum Pinot Noir 2013

93
Fulcrum
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Anderson Valley
Retail Price: $50

Tasting Notes: The nose displays a little of that wild, smoky, earthy pinot noir funkiness that pinot-philes adore. This is a medium- to full-bodied red, featuring dark, spicy berry flavors folded into a bed of stony minerals. The substantial finish reveals understated notes of earth and mocha.
Fulcrum Pinot Noir 2013

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Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2013

92
Franciscan
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $17

Tasting Notes: Looking at the wine in the glass, it is a brilliant straw with subtle green hints. The nose is dominated by citrus, with some stone fruit and spice. The palate is bright, clean, and echoes the nose. The finish is quite long, with a lovely aftertaste.
Franciscan Sauvignon Blanc 2013

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Fiddlehead Cellars Goosebury Sauvignon Blanc 2013

97
Fiddlehead Cellars Goosebury
Fanciful Name: Goosebury
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Santa Ynez Valley
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: A “New World” style, fermented in stainless steel and unoaked to display the beautiful aromas and flavors characteristic of sauvignon blanc grown in the unique micro-climate of Happy Canyon. Fresh hints of peach, mango, and zest of mandarin mingle with a mineral nuance on the nose. Those tropical flavors gently take over the palate and carry through to the finish where the ”terroir” and crisp, lively acidity make you smack your lips. New World, yes, but reminiscent of pouilly-fumé or sancerre. This is a must try for the connoisseur of sauvignon blanc.
Fiddlehead Cellars Goosebury Sauvignon Blanc 2013

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Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2013

93
Duckhorn Vineyards
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $30

Tasting Notes: The 31st vintage continues to pay homage to the classic white Bordeaux, sauvignon blanc/semillion blend and oak aging. Rich and full-bodied, strong citrus notes with an underlying thread of minerality. A classic Napa Valley sauvignon with a perfect marriage of subtle grapefruit and lingering melon flavors. The balance of acidity and fruit make for a beautiful experience.
Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2013

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Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

92
Cambria Julia’s Vineyard
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Retail Price: $23

Tasting Notes: This single-vineyard pinot noir is well structured with bright cherry, raspberry and strawberry flavors that are followed with a touch of spice. The finish has supple tannins and excellent length. This estate-grown pinot is certified sustainable.
Cambria Julia’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

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Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2013

93
Cakebread Cellars
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: Elegant and noteworthy. This wine shines with hints of nectarine and stone. Well balanced, pleasing long finish. A must with food.
Cakebread Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 2013

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Artesa Pinot Noir 2013

92
Artesa
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2013
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: Long known for its elegant wines, Artesa’s pinot noir does not disappoint. With red and black fruit on the nose and palate, the wine has plenty of character and the flavor profile of a winning wine. A long and balanced finish contributes to its obvious level of quality.
Artesa Pinot Noir 2013

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Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2013

91
Shaw & Smith
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Australia
Retail Price: $23

Tasting Notes: Loads of bright lime and grapefruit notes nicely balanced by crisp acidity, with a long, lingering complex finish.
Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc 2013

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Tinto Negro Malbec 2013

88
Tinto Negro
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $10

Tasting Notes: A best buy, medium-bodied with bright, black fruit notes and surprising flavor for the price.
Tinto Negro Malbec 2013

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Tamari Reserve Malbec 2013

90
Tamari Reserve
Fanciful Name: Reserve
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $13

Tasting Notes: The wine is 100% malbec. Floral notes in the nose followed by flavors of black cherries, plums and a hint of chocolate. Try it with veal piccata.
Tamari Reserve Malbec 2013

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Santa Julia Malbec Reserve 2013

90
Santa Julia
Fanciful Name: Reserve
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Uco Valley
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: The malbec reserva is a slight step up, which adds 10 months of French oak. Complex and toasty, raspberry and cherry flavors mix with lightly herbal tones on the nose. Full-bodied and slightly tannic, the flavors hold up well to a variety of grilled meats.
Santa Julia Malbec Reserve 2013

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