Archives: Wine Reviews

Sobon Zinfandel 2014

91
Sobon
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Fiddletown
Retail Price: $22

Tasting Notes: A complex Zinfandel that combines both elegance and power in its bold flavors of raspberry, blackberry, cassis and smoke. The agile smooth mouthfeel and a balancing lush texture provide a very well-structured, long-lasting, finish.
Sobon Zinfandel 2014

Print Label

Sobon Zinfandel 2014

91
Sobon
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Amador County
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: Powerful dark fruit up front, and a touch of oak, emerge from this smooth Zinfandel. It finishes with a subtle savory notes and a nice tannic finish that gives the wine balance.
Sobon Zinfandel 2014

Print Label

Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

89
Slow Press
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Tart cherry and raspberry open things up in the nose and the palate is medium bodied with good balance and depth. There are plenty of fresh red cherry and raspberry flavors and some savory spice notes lending depth. Well done.
Slow Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Print Label

Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

91
Slingshot
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $25

Tasting Notes: Inviting and approachable, this cabernet has gorgeous flavors of dark berries, red plums and black berries. It finishes round and vibrant with grainy tannins.
Slingshot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Print Label

Simi Pinot Noir 2013

91
Simi
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma County
Retail Price: $23.99

Tasting Notes: This is a quality pinot noir with class and elegance, and with just enough power and structure to make it interesting. Spicy black and red fruit contribute to its complexity, with structure, and an attractive brightness.
Simi Pinot Noir 2013

Print Label

Shelby Grant Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

89
Shelby Grant
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $18

Tasting Notes: Nose has leather and tobacco notes with a hint of cherries to dry red fruits, cassis and mocha notes with a hint of vanilla. Nice acidity compliments the firm tannins.
Shelby Grant Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Print Label

Shannon Ridge High Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

91
Shannon Ridge
Fanciful Name: High Elevation
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Lake County
Retail Price: $15

Tasting Notes: Aromas of dark berries and hints of oak spill from the glass. Full bodied and well balanced with flavors of dark chocolate, vanilla and ripe cherries. A tremendous value.
Shannon Ridge High Elevation Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Print Label

Sextant Wheelhouse Zinfandel 2014

91
Sextant
Fanciful Name: Wheelhouse
Varietal: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $23

Tasting Notes: Bold and powerful flavors of red currant, black pepper and rich raspberry are complemented by a judicious use of oak. This is a wine for hedonists with over-the-top body, structure and tannins.
Sextant Wheelhouse Zinfandel 2014

Print Label

Sextant Pinot Noir 2013

91
Sextant
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands
Retail Price: $27

Tasting Notes: Broad and expansive, the Sextant pinot noir has flavors of strawberry, dark fruit, and light baking spice; medium-bodied with a plush finish that provides opulent, plush red fruit.
Sextant Pinot Noir 2013

Print Label

Sextant Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

91
Sextant
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2013
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Paso Robles
Retail Price: $22

Tasting Notes: A graceful cabernet with generous flavors of cranberries, blackberries and light baking spices; full in body with a velvety smooth finish that coats the palate in soft tannins and lovely fruit.
Sextant Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Print Label

Sean Minor Chardonnay

91
Sean Minor
Varietal: Chardonnay
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Sonoma Coast
Retail Price: $19.99

Tasting Notes: Another reputable producer heads out to the Sonoma Coast — but Sean Minor is making their Chardonnay at a price the consumer can actually get on board with. Whole-cluster pressed with natural malolactic fermentation occurring, the wine has enough acidity to still present itself as balanced as possible. This is a big feat considered it was aged for 10 months in French Oak Barrels. A toast to a more classic California Chardonnay with pear and tropical fruit notes, and a background of vanilla and baked apples.
Sean Minor Chardonnay

Print Label

Sawbuck Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

88
Sawbuck
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Mendocino County
Retail Price: $11

Tasting Notes: Smooth, medium-bodied and an excellent value with classic black fruit aromas and flavors.
Sawbuck Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Print Label