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RED 4/11/12 2006 Keenan Merlot Napa Valley Spring Mountain 30th Anniversary (14.3% abv., $26, wineexpress.com): Dark, brilliant, youthful; full of aromas and flavors both fruity and savory. Wonderfully balanced with mouth-watering acids and tight, smoky tannins. Conclusion: Wish I had cellared this longer. This has a way to go. If you’ve dismissed merlot after too […]
Read More…RED 4/10/12 Marietta Cellars “Old Vine Red” Lot 56 Geyserville (13.5% abv., $13.99, Du Vin Fine Wines): Dark and deep in the glass, with prominent notes of raspberry jam, sweet spice, and vanilla. A bit on the fruity side, with some oak peeking through, but that’s overcome by the overall smoothness and drinkability. The Bilbro […]
Read More…PINK 4/9/12 2010 Saint André de Figuiére Cotes de Provence Cuvee Magili (13% abv., $18, Paul Marcus Wines): A bright but pale salmon pink, this youthful wine is classic Provence, with aromas and flavors of strawberry and watermelon and just enough earthy minerality to give it some backbone. Crisp, mouth-watering acid is refreshing and easily […]
Read More…PINK 4/6/12 2010 Gaia Estates “14-18h” Agiorgitiko Peloponnisos (13% abv., $17.99, Du Vin Fine Wines): Brilliant blast of sunshine in the glass, think a Jolly Rancher watermelon candy running on electricity. The nose is mild, but enough to give off aromas of white flowers, a bit of wet stone, and ripe strawberries. Refreshing in the mouth […]
Read More…RED 4/5/12 2009 Rocaberdi Vino Tinto Catalunya (13.5% abv., $8.99, Du Vin Fine Wines/Beaune Imports): A blend of 50% garnacha, 40% mazuela, and 10% syrah, this vino tinto is deep garnet, almost purple, with a soft rose rim, and offers smokey aromas of dried red and black fruit along with bits of herbs and sweet […]
Read More…RED 4/4/12 2004 Stage Left Cellars “The Day Job” Central Coast (15.2 abv., $20 (discounted), winery): This powerful and elegant wine is a blend of 67% grenache, 22% cabernet sauvignon, and 11% mourvedre. An opaque garnet color that is just beginning to soften at the rim, The Day Job gives up a nose filled with black […]
Read More…RED 4/3/12 2008 Chateau de Montmirail Vacqueyras Cuvee des Deux Freres (14% abv., $19, Beaune Imports): Dark, opaque wine, deep garnet to almost black, offering muted, youthful aromas of earth, sweet spice, and black fruit. Mouth-watering acid and firm tannins surround a savory mid-palate and flavors of plum and black raspberry. Conclusion: This thing drinks […]
Read More…WHITE 4/3/12 2008 Blacksmith Cellars Chenin Blanc North Coast (CA) (13.5 % abv., $14.99, Du Vin Fine Wines): Bright pale gold, with middling aromas of pineapple, honey, and citrus. Medium bodied, with flavors mimicking the nose, plus a touch of oak and minerality on the finish. Conclusion: great as aperitif, but also good with a […]
Read More…RED 4/2/12 2009 Fess Parker Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County (14.5% abv., $20, Safeway): Deep, rich garnet opacity, with a medium nose offering notes of raspberry syrup, black tea, and oak. The palate mimics the nose, but the alcohol comes through with too much heat, and the oak dominates the finish. Conclusion: The heavy, almost hot finish […]
Read More…RED 4/1/12 2010 La Crema Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast (13.8% abv., $19, Safeway): Garnet all the way from core to rim, with rich berry aromas and hints of tea. Luscious mouthfeel and nice balance with fruit and acids, light tannins. Medium length finish. Conclusion: Solid performer, year in, year out. I prefer my PNs a […]
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