Archives: Wine Reviews

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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Lionel Osmin Malbec 2011

95
Lionel Osmin
Fanciful Name: Cahors
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2011
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Cahors
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Classic Old-World malbec (100%) from a great producer, the wine is aged 10 months, 25% in oak barrels. The color is deep blue—almost purple. Aromas of black fruits, mocha, and “cigar-box” spiciness lead to bold flavors of blackberry and plum balanced with firm tannins and a hint of lovely terroir. Nice now, it will cellar for several years.
Lionel Osmin Malbec 2011

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Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her Cahors Malbec 2010

95
Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her Cahors
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2010
Appellation: Cahors
Retail Price: $20

Tasting Notes: Ninety percent malbec and 10% merlot aged 14 months in oak barrels. Blue/black in color and viscous in the glass. A bouquet of lilacs and berries leads to lovely flavors of blueberry and spice with a touch of sweet and toasty oak. Tannins are supple with a touch of earthiness on the finish. Very French, very good!
Chateau Nozieres Ambroise de l’Her Cahors Malbec 2010

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Maison Roche de Bellene Chardonnay 2011

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

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Maison Ambroise Chardonnay 2014

94
Maison Ambroise
Varietal: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: France
Appellation: Bourgogne Aligoté
Retail Price: $13.99

Tasting Notes: A great entry into the world of Burgundy’s white wines. Crisp, apple and lemon fruit with a lean, light mouthfeel. Balanced and firm on the finish, with lively acidity underneath.
Maison Ambroise Chardonnay 2014

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Hofer Rosé Zweigelt 2014

90
Hofer
Varietal: Rosé
Vintage: 2014
Country of Origin: Austria
Appellation: Austria
Retail Price: $17

Tasting Notes: Beautiful color; filled with enticing aromas of wild strawberries and a hint of spice on the finish. More full bodied than most Rosés.
Hofer Rosé Zweigelt 2014

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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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Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2012

87
Trapiche Broquel
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $13

Tasting Notes: Purple in color. Dark fruit plum nose. Plum, cherry, pepper flavors. Moderate tannins. Nice finish.
Trapiche Broquel Malbec 2012

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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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Tierra del Sol Malbec 2012

89
Tierra del Sol
Varietal: Malbec
Vintage: 2012
Country of Origin: Argentina
Appellation: Mendoza
Retail Price: $12

Tasting Notes: Blackberry and plum fill the bouquet, lightly framed with mild oak. Medium bodied and smooth, it possesses juicy blackberry and black cherry flavors. Soft tannins keep the wine inviting, and it has the structure and grip to easily handle grilled meats and vegetables.
Tierra del Sol Malbec 2012

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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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