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The Wine Guy
Wine Reviews
ABOUT OUR REVIEWS: We review various wines and make objective conclusions as to the qualities of the wines on the date tasted. If a wine is not suitable for a positive review (minimum of 80 on a 100 point scale), we do not publish the results. An old saying applies, "If you cannot say something nice, don't say it at all." Wines reviewed on this site have met our criteria as wines that are palatable and worthy of purchase and consumption. Caution: You will rarely see a 100 rating. However, a rating or 89+ is considered exceptional and highly recommended. Our ratings and reviews are subjective and may differ from your own experience. We offer them as a guide to help you determine whether, or not, to purchase a wine. As for restaurant reviews, we call it like we see it!
Recent WINE Reviews:
Ardiri
2006 Pinot Noir (Carneros)
90
Tasting date: November 2008
If you love high quality California Pinot Noir, this one is for you! Its home is Carneros but, unbelievably, it is fermented and bottled in Oregon – the only Pinot Noir in the world with such a creative combination. The result is a premium Pinot Noir that is beautifully balanced and totally pleasing to the palate. The 2006 Pinot Noir is the inaugural vintage of a wine whose reputation will spread as the years go by.
In the glass the color is rich ruby red and although unfiltered and unfined, it is bright and crisp. The nose is immediately rewarded with complex fragrances of cherry and ripe berries. The graceful aging for 10 months in heavy toast French oak, creates a mouth feel that can only be described as “elegant and silky.” The tannins are not overpowering and allow the spiced cherries and ripe fruit flavors to shine through. The finish is long and rewarding to the senses with ripe cherry, strawberry and spice.
This Pinot Noir is exceptional with grilled salmon, lamb shank, roasted chicken, pheasant, prime rib, and roasted duck. It also pairs nicely with medium-flavored cheeses. This wine does not require food for enjoyment; simply allow a decanter to mellow it out for a short time and sip with pleasure.
For the price, this is a wine of exceptional quality and value. There were less than 600 cases produced. If you can find it – buy it now!
Retail: $45.00
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Sequoia Grove
2004 Rutherfod Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
91
Tasting date: September 2008
Truthfully, I could not improve on the words from their own website, as follows:
"Deep, dark red in color, the intensity of the color immediately gets your attention. The first sniff on the nose brings many rich layers, starting with cinnamon, and quickly leading into an intriguing character that can only be described asRutherford dust. More aromas of fresh, sun drenched blackberries, cocoa powder, and vanilla and more hard to describe characters such as fresh cranberry sauce and a hint of licorice and pencil lead.
The first sip explodes on your palate and coats your tongue again with blackberry and cranberry flavor which give way to more restrained notes of black pepper and cigar box with a finish that lingers on and on. This wine will probably last longer on your tongue than it does in the tasting room, so get it now!"
I totally agree.
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Sonoma Vineyards
2007 Syrah (Sonoma County)
89
Tasting date: November 2008
I love a great Syrah that is beeming with rich, ripe flavors that make you sit back and say "Yum!" This one fits the bill.
Right away, the aromas of ripe plum and blueberry dominate the nose and set the tone for what is about to be experienced. The flavors of rich and silky blackberry jam, with just the right amount of spice, carry through to a long and satisfying finish. For the price, it is unbelievable as you think you are tasting a wine that is twice the price. Overall, a great Syrah experience that doesn't break the bank.
Suggested retail: $15.00
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Amici Cellars
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
90
Tasting date: October 2008
Amici Cellars continues to produce some of the finest Pinot Noir (Mendocino) and Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) California has to offer. Winemaker Jeff Hansen has a knack for consistency and quality in these great wines.
This is a Cabernet Sauvignon to be savoured with slow sips to make the enjoyment last as long as possible. The palate is greeted with smooth, soft tannins and lush flavors of blackberries, vanilla and spices. The oak is not overpowering and allows the fruit to show through nicely. The finish is long with pleasing hints of chocolate. In summary, it is a rich and aromatic wine that should cellar nicely for the next 10 years. This is a “must buy.”
Winery price: $39.00
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Melville
2006"Vern's" Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)
87
Tasting date: May 2008
Melville Vineyards is located in Santa Barbara County and in the Santa Rita Hills. A visit to the winery is pleasant with a well-designed tasting room and knowledgeable staff. We tasted 6 wines;two that are widely available on the market, both were pleasing to the palate. Their tasting notes are, however, misleading because of the added descriptors that are meant to be cute. Such phrases as jicama,saltwater taffy, seashell and Italian parsley are not words I would choose to describe Chardonnay. They claim their staff combines all of their notes onto the tasting sheets. While such descriptors, including asphalt, wet leather, and charcoaled meats used to describe their Syrah are meant to be in jest, they do not do justice to wines of this high quality.
Now, for the Chardonnay that is being reviewed here, it was yellow-gold in color, with rich citrus fruit on the nose. The wine is crisp,fresh and very palatable with honey, apricot, and green apple with a nice firm finish. It is likely this Chardonnay will develop nicely in the bottle and is highly recommended.
Winery price: $24.00
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Schrader Vineyards
Ardiri
2006 Pinot Noir (Carneros)
90 Tasting date: November 2008
If you love high quality California Pinot Noir, this one is for you! Its home is Carneros but, unbelievably, it is fermented and bottled in Oregon – the only Pinot Noir in the world with such a creative combination. The result is a premium Pinot Noir that is beautifully balanced and totally pleasing to the palate. The 2006 Pinot Noir is the inaugural vintage of a wine whose reputation will spread as the years go by.
In the glass the color is rich ruby red and although unfiltered and unfined, it is bright and crisp. The nose is immediately rewarded with complex fragrances of cherry and ripe berries. The graceful aging for 10 months in heavy toast French oak, creates a mouth feel that can only be described as “elegant and silky.” The tannins are not overpowering and allow the spiced cherries and ripe fruit flavors to shine through. The finish is long and rewarding to the senses with ripe cherry, strawberry and spice.
This Pinot Noir is exceptional with grilled salmon, lamb shank, roasted chicken, pheasant, prime rib, and roasted duck. It also pairs nicely with medium-flavored cheeses. This wine does not require food for enjoyment; simply allow a decanter to mellow it out for a short time and sip with pleasure.
For the price, this is a wine of exceptional quality and value. There were less than 600 cases produced. If you can find it – buy it now!
Retail: $45.00
_______________________________________________________
Sequoia Grove
2004 Rutherfod Bench Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
91Tasting date: September 2008
Truthfully, I could not improve on the words from their own website, as follows:
"Deep, dark red in color, the intensity of the color immediately gets your attention. The first sniff on the nose brings many rich layers, starting with cinnamon, and quickly leading into an intriguing character that can only be described as
The first sip explodes on your palate and coats your tongue again with blackberry and cranberry flavor which give way to more restrained notes of black pepper and cigar box with a finish that lingers on and on. This wine will probably last longer on your tongue than it does in the tasting room, so get it now!"
I totally agree.
_______________________________________________________
Sonoma Vineyards
2007 Syrah (Sonoma County)
89 Tasting date: November 2008
I love a great Syrah that is beeming with rich, ripe flavors that make you sit back and say "Yum!" This one fits the bill.
Right away, the aromas of ripe plum and blueberry dominate the nose and set the tone for what is about to be experienced. The flavors of rich and silky blackberry jam, with just the right amount of spice, carry through to a long and satisfying finish. For the price, it is unbelievable as you think you are tasting a wine that is twice the price. Overall, a great Syrah experience that doesn't break the bank.
Suggested retail: $15.00
_______________________________________________________
Amici Cellars
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
90Tasting date: October 2008
Amici Cellars continues to produce some of the finest Pinot Noir (Mendocino) and Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) California has to offer. Winemaker Jeff Hansen has a knack for consistency and quality in these great wines.
This is a Cabernet Sauvignon to be savoured with slow sips to make the enjoyment last as long as possible. The palate is greeted with smooth, soft tannins and lush flavors of blackberries, vanilla and spices. The oak is not overpowering and allows the fruit to show through nicely. The finish is long with pleasing hints of chocolate. In summary, it is a rich and aromatic wine that should cellar nicely for the next 10 years. This is a “must buy.”
Winery price: $39.00
_______________________________________________________
Melville
2006"Vern's" Chardonnay (Santa Barbara County)
87 Tasting date: May 2008
Melville Vineyards is located in Santa Barbara County and in the Santa Rita Hills. A visit to the winery is pleasant with a well-designed tasting room and knowledgeable staff. We tasted 6 wines;two that are widely available on the market, both were pleasing to the palate. Their tasting notes are, however, misleading because of the added descriptors that are meant to be cute. Such phrases as jicama,saltwater taffy, seashell and Italian parsley are not words I would choose to describe Chardonnay. They claim their staff combines all of their notes onto the tasting sheets. While such descriptors, including asphalt, wet leather, and charcoaled meats used to describe their Syrah are meant to be in jest, they do not do justice to wines of this high quality.
Now, for the Chardonnay that is being reviewed here, it was yellow-gold in color, with rich citrus fruit on the nose. The wine is crisp,fresh and very palatable with honey, apricot, and green apple with a nice firm finish. It is likely this Chardonnay will develop nicely in the bottle and is highly recommended.
Winery price: $24.00
_________________________________________________________________________
Schrader Vineyards
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
88
Tasting date: August 2008
Schrader Vineyards is located in the southern end of the Napa Valley adjacent to the Stag's Leap District. The soils are hardy and perfect for growing top-level Cabernet Sauvignon.
I tasted the 2005 Cab that may not have just been released. The label features original artwork that was painted by winery owner, Dr. Mark Schrader. It is a refreshing look that immediately catches the eye.
The Cab is bold, rich and full of character. On the nose, the first impression is that it is hot. That will mellow with some aging. The color is rich, deep garnet that signals a rich and robust wine. The look is almost as if the wine is unfiltered. The flavors include cherry, blackberry, and a hint of tobacco.
Overall, I liked the wine very much. It has extremely promising potential and will be ready for sipping without food in a couple of years.
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Madrigal Vineyards
2003 Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
91
Tasting date: September 2008
Madrigal Vineyards, located in the northern section of Napa Valley near Calistoga, make several varieties of red wine, but the Petite Sirah is the wine they are still most known for locally. Napa natives have a passion for the big bold fruit Petite Sirah offers but it is hard to find a great one. Madrigal does it year after year.
The 2003 version continues the tradition with "a dense, jam-packed nose of cherry/berry and an opaque purple black color. It is packed with rich ripe fruit and detailed flavors with tame, juicy tannins and roundness through the finish." Full bodied, balanced with all the bold character one seeks in a solid Petite Sirah. Best with spicy sweet barbecued meats. There were only 1700 cases produced. It is sure to sell out fast!
The price tag is around $36.00.
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Talbott
2003"Diamond T" Chardonnay (Monterey County)
89
Tasting date: September 2008
Talbott Vineyards has a long and solid reputation as Monterey County's premier Chardonnay house. Their style is easy to recognize and was described by Wine Spectator as "...super rich, opulent and concentrated..."
The 2003 "Diamond T" Chardonnay is ripe with flavors of pineapple, citrus and ripe pears that coat the palate, giving it an exotic and plush texture. The minerals and oak shine through nicely resembling the finest grand crus of Burgundy. That is perhaps because the vines are clones from the Corton-Charlemagne Chardonnay that were planted in the early 1980's. It is an elegant Chardonnay that will cellar well for years to come. In summary, it is "a masterpiece in complexity and an overall powerful wine."
My only previous tasting was the 2001 Chardonnay that left me wanting more. That vintage was high in acid and needed more time in the cellar. The 2003 is head and shoulders above that, and as a matter of fact, most other Chardonnays I have tasted in recent months.
The price tag is around $60.00.
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Baily
2003 Cabernet Franc (Temecula)
86
Tasting date: August 2008
Perhaps one of the top five California grown Cabernet Franc I've tasted in recent years. It is barrel aged in European oak for cooperage for two years. The wine is tempting on the nose and has aromas of black cherry and vanilla. It will pair well with rack of lamb, roast beef, or sharp cheeses.
Retails for around $32.00 at the winery.
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Coming Soon:
2005 Neyers Carneros Chardonnay
2006 Pride Mountain Merlot
Cardinale
Khuleto
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88Tasting date: August 2008
Schrader Vineyards is located in the southern end of the Napa Valley adjacent to the Stag's Leap District. The soils are hardy and perfect for growing top-level Cabernet Sauvignon.
I tasted the 2005 Cab that may not have just been released. The label features original artwork that was painted by winery owner, Dr. Mark Schrader. It is a refreshing look that immediately catches the eye.
The Cab is bold, rich and full of character. On the nose, the first impression is that it is hot. That will mellow with some aging. The color is rich, deep garnet that signals a rich and robust wine. The look is almost as if the wine is unfiltered. The flavors include cherry, blackberry, and a hint of tobacco.
Overall, I liked the wine very much. It has extremely promising potential and will be ready for sipping without food in a couple of years.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Madrigal Vineyards
2003 Petite Sirah (Napa Valley)
91 Tasting date: September 2008
Madrigal Vineyards, located in the northern section of Napa Valley near Calistoga, make several varieties of red wine, but the Petite Sirah is the wine they are still most known for locally. Napa natives have a passion for the big bold fruit Petite Sirah offers but it is hard to find a great one. Madrigal does it year after year.
The 2003 version continues the tradition with "a dense, jam-packed nose of cherry/berry and an opaque purple black color. It is packed with rich ripe fruit and detailed flavors with tame, juicy tannins and roundness through the finish." Full bodied, balanced with all the bold character one seeks in a solid Petite Sirah. Best with spicy sweet barbecued meats. There were only 1700 cases produced. It is sure to sell out fast!
The price tag is around $36.00.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Talbott
2003"Diamond T" Chardonnay (Monterey County)
89Tasting date: September 2008
Talbott Vineyards has a long and solid reputation as Monterey County's premier Chardonnay house. Their style is easy to recognize and was described by Wine Spectator as "...super rich, opulent and concentrated..."
The 2003 "Diamond T" Chardonnay is ripe with flavors of pineapple, citrus and ripe pears that coat the palate, giving it an exotic and plush texture. The minerals and oak shine through nicely resembling the finest grand crus of Burgundy. That is perhaps because the vines are clones from the Corton-Charlemagne Chardonnay that were planted in the early 1980's. It is an elegant Chardonnay that will cellar well for years to come. In summary, it is "a masterpiece in complexity and an overall powerful wine."
My only previous tasting was the 2001 Chardonnay that left me wanting more. That vintage was high in acid and needed more time in the cellar. The 2003 is head and shoulders above that, and as a matter of fact, most other Chardonnays I have tasted in recent months.
The price tag is around $60.00.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Baily
2003 Cabernet Franc (Temecula)
86Tasting date: August 2008
Perhaps one of the top five California grown Cabernet Franc I've tasted in recent years. It is barrel aged in European oak for cooperage for two years. The wine is tempting on the nose and has aromas of black cherry and vanilla. It will pair well with rack of lamb, roast beef, or sharp cheeses.
Retails for around $32.00 at the winery.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Coming Soon:
2005 Neyers Carneros Chardonnay
2006 Pride Mountain Merlot
Cardinale
Khuleto
================================================================================
I welcome your comments at nelson@wineguyreviews.com
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The Wine Guy
Offices: 20832 Roscoe Blvd. #110
Winnetka, CA 91306
818-224-8603
fax: 818-772-4797
nelson@wineguyreviews.com
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