Archives: Wine Reviews

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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Eaglewood Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

92
Eaglewood Cellars
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Rutherford
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: The bouquet is a bit subdued, but hints at a lovely array of ripe red berry, black cherry and currant aromas lightly framed with mild oak. It is smooth and supple on the palate, displaying excellent balance, and builds in depth across the palate, with black currant, cherry, blackberry and plum flavors, and subtle spice notes in the background. A steely edge indicates firm tannins, but they are very well integrated.
Eaglewood Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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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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Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine 2008

99
Dolce Late Harvest
Fanciful Name: Late Harvest
Varietal: Dessert
Vintage: 2008
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $54.99

Tasting Notes: When people in Napa Valley put their minds to something, they normally make it world class. This is no different. A Sauternes-style dessert wine made in Napa Valley, Dolce is considered to be one of the best dessert wines in the world and the 2008 is no different. Silky smooth, with the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine is one of the best wine experiences you will ever have.
Dolce Late Harvest Dessert Wine 2008

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Dierberg Drum Canyon Pinot Noir 2012

93
Dierberg Drum Canyon
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $41.99

Tasting Notes: This is a beautifully balanced wine, having been aged 18 months in oak. On the nose, you will find black fruit and raspberry with notes of roasted coffee. On the palate, you will taste sweet smoke with blackberry, leading to a long, elegant finish with a delightful burst of fruit.
Dierberg Drum Canyon Pinot Noir 2012

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Clos Pegase, Mitsuko’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

93
Clos Pegase, Mitsuko’s Vineyard
Fanciful Name: Mitsuko’s Vineyard
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Carneros
Retail Price: $35

Tasting Notes: This single-vineyard pinot noir, from the one of the coolest regions in Napa Valley, shows great color, with a spicy combination of red and black fruit. Plenty of structure and a balanced finish display its pedigree.
Clos Pegase, Mitsuko’s Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012

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Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

93
Chappellet Signature
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: California
Appellation: Napa Valley
Retail Price: $45

Tasting Notes: Complex and satisfying, with plush fruits of black cherry and nuances of espresso and bittersweet chocolate. A great match with short ribs, veal dishes and hard cheeses.
Chappellet Signature Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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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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B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

93
B.R. Cohn
Varietal: Cabernet
Vintage: 2012
Appellation: California
Retail Price: $42

Tasting Notes: A blend of 67% Napa County, 33% Sonoma County. Rich, lush, generous cabernet showing nuances of both Napa and Sonoma. Classic currant notes, dark fruits, mocha, plum and well-integrated acidity and tannins for a full-bodied, smooth finish.
B.R. Cohn Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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