Larchago, “Izarbe” Rioja Reserva, 2011

92
Bodeas Larchago
Fanciful Name: Izarbe Reserva
Varietal: Tempranillo
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Rioja
Retail Price: $25.99

Tasting Notes: Very aromatic and easy to love. Aromas of dill, coconut and malibu invite. Seamless and lengthy, with flavors of leather, tobacco and dark fruits.
Larchago, “Izarbe” Rioja Reserva, 2011

Anne Amie Vineyards Marilyn Sparkling 2011

97
Anne Amie Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Marilyn
Varietal: Sparkling
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: United States
Appellation: Willamette Valley
Retail Price: $60.00

Tasting Notes: This may be the best domestic sparkling wine made. Pinot noir and chardonnay combine to create a luscious palate of brioche, apple, Meyer lemon, stone and lime zest, all leading to a crisp, creamy, rich finish. If you’re going to pamper yourself, this is the one.
Anne Amie Vineyards Marilyn Sparkling 2011

Vina Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

95
Vina Alicia
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Argentina
Retail Price: $28.95

Tasting Notes: A lush blend of cabernet sauvignon and 12% cab franc, hand-harvested from old vines in Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, and aged 12 months in oak barrels. Full bodied but smooth as silk, dig into the black current, raspberry and chocolate. Chicken mole, anyone?
Vina Alicia Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Matthiason Red Hen Vineyard Merlot 2011

94
Matthiason Red Hen Vineyard
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $77.99

Tasting Notes: A complex and fascinating wine that walks the line between new and old world. It has a cool, finessed character wherein red currant, bing cherries, graphite, espresso bean and cacao nibs are on display. Incredibly pure. For my taste, this is best Cali Merlot I can recall.
Matthiason Red Hen Vineyard Merlot 2011

Magana Merlot 2011

90
Magana
Varietal: Merlot
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: Spain
Appellation: Navarra
Retail Price: $66.49

Tasting Notes: A wine made only in the best vintages and only nine times since 1979. This exemplifies the darker, denser expression of Merlot with caramelized cherries, smoke, rich loam and bay leaf. Somewhat gritty tannins should integrate with time.
Magana Merlot 2011

Manuel Olivier Pinot Noir 2011

95
Manuel Olivier
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits
Retail Price: $29

Tasting Notes: Olivier macerates the grapes for 15 days, then matures half of the wine in stainless-steel vats and the other half in oak barrels. The finished wine is fruit-forward, but perfectly balanced with supple tannins. Richly aromatic and flavorful, with nuances of blackberry and black cherry, tempered with a hint of toastiness. A hint of mocha/coffee shows on the very end. The underlying notes of minerality throughout tell me that this is real Burgundy. If you cellar this for three to five years, you’ll be well rewarded!
Manuel Olivier Pinot Noir 2011

Maison Roche de Bellene Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2011

92
Maison Roche de Bellene
Fanciful Name: Vieilles Vignes
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne Blanc
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 Vieilles Vignes Chardonnay 2011

Lyeth L de Lyeth Malbec 2011

89
Lyeth L de Lyeth
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Retail Price: $13

Tasting Notes: Balanced with flavors of blueberries, plums, vanilla and sweet oak. A satisfying finish that allows it to work well with grilled steaks.
Lyeth L de Lyeth Malbec 2011

Federalist Zinfandel 2011

88
Federalist
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Lodi
Retail Price: $16.99

Tasting Notes: It had a bright garnet leaning towards the orange-brown spectrum. The nose was pronounced with ripe fruit. The finish was lingering with balanced acidity and revealing layers of structure as it opened. A very nice value.
Federalist Zinfandel 2011

Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

88
Castle Rock
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $10

Tasting Notes: Rich center of blackberry and earthy flavors. Wonderful notes of spice and vanilla layered throughout your glass. A nice match with various cheeses and beef dishes with light sauces.
Castle Rock Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Banknote Wine Co. Zinfandel 2011

90
Banknote Wine Co.
Fanciful Name: Counterfeit
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: Not only was I impressed by the flavor, I was also impressed by the packaging. The winemaker, Pete Nixon was a graphic designer by trade. The “Counterfeit” Zinfandel is unique in its packaging but classic when it comes to all the flavors you expect: big, juicy and jammy. After the hand harvest, the grapes go through full malolactic fermentation and are aged for 13 months in French oak. It opens with a touch of vanilla on the nose due to that French oak and big blackberry pepper jam. The palate has some toasty notes and a soft silky black pepper finish. This is a wine that doesn’t need a food pairing, just a big glass and some great conversation.
Banknote Wine Co. Zinfandel 2011

The Weekender Experience Meritage 2011

95
The Weekender Experience
Varietal: Blend
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $59.99

Tasting Notes: There are lovely floral and ripe black fruit nuances in the bouquet, followed by subtle earth tones. The palate exudes flavors of plum, blueberry and toasty oak, with a slight licorice spice note on the end. The terroir shows beautifully on the finish with supple tannins balancing the wine perfectly. Gorgeous now, this wine can be cellared for several years.
The Weekender Experience Meritage 2011