Archives: Wine Reviews

J. Lohr Chardonnay Riverstone 2023

96
J. Lohr
Fanciful Name: Riverstone
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Arroyo Seco
Retail Price: $12.99

Tasting Notes: Kristen Barnhisel continues her winning streak with subtle fine-tuning to her classic chardonnay. She lets the vines truly speak, utilizing eight different clones, including the famed Wente clone. 62% Malolactic fermentation. Barrel fermentation in a regimented program with American, Hungarian and French oak in addition to hand-stirring the lees. Rich pear and peach notes with hints of spice and honey. This wine consistently overdelivers for the money, offering AVA quality at “California” designation pricing. A mainstay for all holiday dinners.
J. Lohr Chardonnay Riverstone 2023

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Alexander Valley Vineyards Sin Zin 2021

96
Alexander Valley Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Sin Zin
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2021
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Retail Price: $24.99

Tasting Notes: One of the original cult zin’s from the late 70’s, and still evolving. 100% zin from their best lots, picked and fermented separately. The final product is a big, juicy fruit bomb, with dark fruit hints of cherry, cassis and dark chocolate. Sixteen months in American oak smooths out the tannins with balanced acidity. Perfect for that big thick pizza with all the toppings!
Alexander Valley Vineyards Sin Zin 2021

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St. Francis Pinot Noir 2023

95
St. Francis
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $26.00

Tasting Notes: A beautifully produced pinot noir from one of the country's most storied regions for high quality wines. Excellent acidity combines with the wine's red fruit and complex spice notes to produce a well-balanced and attractive pinot noir. Superbly food friendly.
St. Francis Pinot Noir 2023

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Khareba Saperavi Lanchava Collection Anastasia 9 2023

91
Khareba
Fanciful Name: Lanchava Collection Anastasia 9
Varietal: Saperavi
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: Georgia
Appellation: Kindzmarauli
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Rich aromas of stewed red cherry mingle with warm baking spices and herbal undertones, evoking the comforting essence of holiday glühwein. The palate is sweet yet balanced, with vibrant acidity and supple tannins lending structure and finesse. 
Khareba Saperavi Lanchava Collection Anastasia 9 2023

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Sea Slopes Fort Ross Winery Pinot Noir

95
Sea Slopes Fort Ross Winery
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Fort Ross - Seaview
Retail Price: $35.00

Tasting Notes: The Sea Slopes Pinot Noir is an excellent example of cool weather viticulture, combined with intelligent winemaking. The nose and palate burst with an abundance of bright red fruit, as well as citrus and floral hints. The tannins and acidity are well balanced, contributing to the wine's high quality, and smooth, extended finish.
Sea Slopes Fort Ross Winery Pinot Noir

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Iter Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2023

91
Iter
Fanciful Name: Reserve
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $29.99

Tasting Notes: The palate opens with notes of underripe red currant, red cherry and black plum, delivering a vibrant, fruit-forward profile. Subtle layers of smoke, clove and cardamom add gentle spice, while firm, chalky tannins shape a full-bodied, structured finish.
Iter Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2023

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Aveleda Solos de Granito 2022

95
Aveleda
Fanciful Name: Solos de Granito
Varietal: Alvarinho
Vintage: 2022
Country of Origin: Portugal
Appellation: Vinho Regional Minho
Retail Price: $17.99

Tasting Notes: A top-end alvarinho from a top-end producer, Aveleda produces two soil-specific wines. The Xisto, wines produced from grapes grown on schist soil is outstanding on its own. The Granito, with vines planted in granite-dominated soils, displays superb class and pedigree. Brilliant pale yellow in
Aveleda Solos de Granito 2022

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Buena Vista Red Blend The Sheriff 2023

93
Buena Vista
Fanciful Name: The Sheriff
Varietal: Red Blend
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $49.99

Tasting Notes: From the “Founders collection,” this wine highlights the early history of Agoston Haraszthy as sheriff of San Diego County, before he headed north to found Buena Vista in 1857. A beautiful, rich cuvee of primarily petite sirah and cabernet, with touches of grenache, syrah and carignane for complexity. Wonderful mouth feel, very balanced, with complex dark fruit flavors. A touch of history to take on that inch thick cut of beef!
Buena Vista Red Blend The Sheriff 2023

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CB by Courtney Benham Pinot Noir 2023

90
Courtney Benham
Fanciful Name: CB by Courtney Benham
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $14.99

Tasting Notes: Inviting aromas of chocolate-covered strawberries lead to a palate of blackberries and black cherries, adding depth and contrast. Well-integrated oak and bright acidity lift the fruit, creating a lingering, complex finish.
CB by Courtney Benham Pinot Noir 2023

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Thomas Rivers Brown Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

95
Thomas Rivers Brown
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $99.99

Tasting Notes: Rich and voluptuous with blackberry and red cherry, evoking stewed pie-like fruits. Notes of baking spice, toast and vanilla from well-integrated oak. A lingering finish reveals hints of leather and dried fruit for added depth.
Thomas Rivers Brown Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

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Alexander Valley Vineyards Zinfandel Temptation 2023

94
Alexander Valley Vineyards
Fanciful Name: Temptation
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2023
Country of Origin: USA
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Retail Price: $15.99

Tasting Notes: The next evolutionary step for the original sin zin…temptation is what leads to sin. A righthand turn for this one…76% zin, 20% syrah and a kiss of sangiovese. A heavy blend with bright fruit notes of cherry, raspberry and cranberry. Sixteen months in American and French oak balance all the components. Sub this one easily for chianti when you’re planning your next Italian meal!
Alexander Valley Vineyards Zinfandel Temptation 2023

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Ara Sauvignon Blanc Sightlines 2024

90
Ara
Fanciful Name: Sightlines
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2024
Country of Origin: New Zealand
Appellation: Marlborough
Retail Price: $13.99

Tasting Notes: Pronounced aromatics of grapefruit and lemon zest leap from the glass, joined by intense grassy, herbaceous notes and a floral lift reminiscent of baby’s breath. Searing acidity drives the palate, delivering a bold and energetic expression.
Ara Sauvignon Blanc Sightlines 2024

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