Wine Reviews for Feb. 25th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap!

These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

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Advertisement- sponsored by JJ Buckley Fine Wines

2003 Quinault l'Enclos Bordeaux Blend, WA89 - $24.99 (reg.price $34.99 - 25% Off!)


Wine Advocate, Aor. 2006, 89 points: "This 48+-acre vineyard is owned by Dr. Alain Raynaud, who has been one of the spiritual and qualitative leaders of the quality revolution that has taken place in Pomerol and St.-Emilion. Situated within the Libourne city limits, this vineyard possesses some of the oldest vines (50 years) of St.-Emilion. Made from a blend of 87% Merlot and the rest equal parts Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, the light-styled 2003 is soft and forward, yet possesses this property's hallmark elegance. Exhibiting a deep ruby/purple hue along with a sweet nose of blueberries, licorice, and flowers, it is all about finesse, balance, and purity. While it does not display the concentration of the finest vintages to date, 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2004, it is ideal for drinking now and over the next 12-14 years."

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WineSpectator Insider

February 18th, 2009

2005 Château de Pibarnon Bandol: 95 Pts starting at $44.99

"An intense and focused red, with concentrated mineral, plum and dark cherry that are flanked by tobacco box notes. Lithe yet powerful, with a long, elegant and finely chiseled finish of slate and white pepper. Drink now through 2015."

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2006 domaine TempierR Bandol Cabassaou: 95 Pts starting at $99.95

"Intense raspberry, red plum and kirschlike flavors are pure and powerfully structured, with loads of rich beef accents and a long finish of smoke, spice and hints of cream. Elegant despite the obvious power. Tempting now."

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NV Chambers
Muscat Rutherglen Rosewood Vineyards Rare: 95 Pts starting at $13.29

"Sweet, viscous and deliciously balanced to let its coffee, almond, walnut and spice rack overtones wrap easily around a silky core of cherry, prune and tobacco. This has depth and intensity and actually finishes with a reasonable balance. Drink now."

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WineSpectator Advance

A sneak preview for the March 31st Issue, 2009: Here are some highlights.

2006 Landmark Syrah Sonoma Valley Steel Plow: 94 Pts starting at $23.95

"Shows loads of pepper, beef, dark berry, teriyaki, mineral and spice. Intense, distinctive, full-bodied and focused, this is so complex and well-proportioned that all the flavors work together seamlessly."

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2006 Leoville Barton: 94pts starting at $61.99

"There’s a great dark color to this, with intense aromas of cedar, wood, new leather and crushed blackberry. Fullbodied, with loads of fruit and a firm, powerful palate. Long and mouthpuckering. A muscular baby."

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2007 Stuhlmuller Chardonnay Alexander Valley: 91pts starting at $21.95

"Tangy lime and citrus notes join riper green apple and honeydew melon in this supple, full-bodied, complex and
elegant offering. The finish is long and clean."

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2007 Souverain Chardonnay Alexander Valley: 90pts starting at $10.79

"There’s a great dark color to this, with intense aromas of cedar, wood, new leather and crushed blackberry. Fullbodied, with loads of fruit and a firm, powerful palate. Long and mouthpuckering. A muscular baby."

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SF Chronicle - What's in our Glass

Sunday, February 15th, 2009

2007 Francois Chidaine Touraine Val de Loire Sauvignon starting at $9.99

"Touraine is a Loire Valley wine region surrounding the city of Tours. Its white wines include those from the appellation of Vouvray as well as the lesser-known Montlouis. That's the base of Francois Chidaine, who made this balanced and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc. Tart with green apple and citrus but still well rounded, it has plenty of the mineral qualities expected of Loire whites. Plus, much of the fruit comes from Chidaine's own biodynamically farmed vineyards."

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LA Times - Wine of the Week

By Bob Chamberlin

2007 Domaine des Escaravailles Cotes du Rhone 'Les Sablieres' starting at $11.99

"Dark ruby with glints of violet, the 2007 is pure fruit, tasting of raspberries and earth. It's delightful drinking, not too complex, with the weight of a Beaujolais. A wine to break out for any occasion, great with a burger, a hearty soup, something braised or grilled, a platter of roasted root vegetables. In warm weather, serve it ever so slightly chilled."

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Hot New Wine Reviews, Feb. 18th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap! These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself. Advertisement- sponsored by JJ Buckley Fine Wines 2005 Aalto Tempranillo, WA95 - $38.99 (reg.price $48.99) Wine Advocate, Feb 2007, 95 points: "The 2005 Aalto, made from 100% Tinto Fino, is a deep purple color with an enticing nose of wood smoke, bacon, floral notes, spice box, and blackberry. This leads to a powerful, layered, intense wine already beginning to show complex flavors. Structured for 5-7 years of further evolution, this strong effort will be at its best from 2015 to 2030." WineSpectator Insider February 11th, 2009 2007 Merry Edwards Russian river Sauvignon Blanc: 96 Pts starting at $28.99 "A rocket beam of vibrancy, with effusive honeysuckle notes, ripe honeydew melon, citrus, pear and apricot flavors that have amazing structure, depth and body. Ripe flavors end with a mouthwatering finish, where the mineral and spice details echo on and on. Drink now through 2012." Find this wine on WineZap 2005 Altamura Cabernet Sauvignon: 93 Pts starting at $64.95 "A ripe, juicy mix of black cherry, wild berry, plum and currant, this firms up midpalate and holds its focus, revealing greater depth and complexity and ending with a nice tight, tannic backbone. Drink now through 2016." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Dumol Chardonnay Russian River Valley: 91 Pts starting at $62.99 "Smoky caramel aromas join ripe fig and melon fruit in this full-bodied, well-oaked wine, made in a style for those who enjoy a strong oak presence. Drink now through 2012." Find this wine on WineZap 2005 Guigal d'Ampuis Cote Rotie: 94 Pts starting at $94.99 "Rock-solid, with a great core of dark plum and fig fruit woven with incense, Turkish coffee, melted licorice and mineral notes. The long finish lets the mouthwatering acidity carry it all nicely. There’s impressive drive and density." Find this wine on WineZap Wall Street Journal A Burst of Spring From Every Bottle It's easy to fast forward through winter with the clean, true taste of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc February 14th, 2009 By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher 2008 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc starting at $12.95 "Very Good/Delicious. Best of tasting. Remarkable balance of cleanliness and intensity. Makes you smile with its mouth-popping vibrancy and sunshine-like, exuberant, lime-kiwi tastes, but it also has minerals underneath and some weight, a white-peach fleshiness that gives it presence. Classy and well-made. Repeat best-of-tasting." Find this wine on WineZap 2007 Drylands Estate Sauvignon Blanc starting at $12.95 "Very Good/Delicious. Best value. Rounder and fuller than most, with some extra stature. A dash of pepper. Soulful. Reminded us of white Bordeaux in its classiness -- amazing at the price. Find this wine on WineZap 2007 Isabel Sauvignon Blanc starting at $15.99 "Very Good/Delicious. Ripe, juicy grapefruit with a touch of something deeper. Warming, friendly, happy and very satisfying." Find this wine on WineZap SF Chronicle - Hearty reds $15 and less Sunday, February 15th, 2009 2005 St. Francis Winery Red Sonoma County Red Wine starting at $9.99 "Director of winemaking Tom Mackey has been with St. Francis for more than 25 years. Mackey has made this fun, inexpensive, Merlot-based blend since 2002. This year's bottling includes Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives the Merlot a boost. A nice melange of red and black fruit, cinnamon and toast with oak spice; big on entry then tapers a bit." Find this wine on WineZap 2007 Tormaresca Puglia Neprica starting at $7.99 "In 1998, Piero Antinori expanded his empire to include Southern Italy, starting this project and focusing on local varietals. Tormaresca - which means tower by the sea - is named for the many towers along the Adriatic Sea. The proprietary name reflects the blend's grape varieties: Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet Sauvignon - 40/30/30 percent respectively. The wine is aromatic and full-flavored with black cherry cola, juicy boysenberry; spice and a hint of black licorice; nicely textured with a lengthy finish." Find this wine on WineZap

New Wine Reviews Feb. 4th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap! These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself. WineSpectator Insider February 4th, 2009 2006 Merlot Napa Valley Blueline Vineyard: 93 Pts starting at $74.95 "Beautifully focused and elegant yet complex, showing vivid black cherry and toasty vanilla aromas, with richly layered currant, herb and spice flavors that finish with ripe but firm tannins." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Plumpjack Merlot: 91 Pts starting at $44.99 "Rich and opulent, offering lush black cherry and toasty mocha aromas, with complex, layered red currant, spice and minty espresso flavors that finish with burly but ripe tannins." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Château Angelus: 93 Pts starting at $150.50 "This has a gorgeous nose of black licorice, black cherry and sage. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a very long finish. There’s beautiful texture for the vintage. Enjoy the fruit and richness." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Cheval Blanc: 95 Pts starting at $599.99 "Displays lots of milk chocolate, cedar, berry and cappuccino aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins, this is structured and layered for the vintage. Mouthpuckering. Needs time." Find this wine on WineZap 2006 Ausone: 93pts starting at $210.89 "Cedar, new wood and crushed blackberry and raspberry aromas follow through to a palate of vanilla, berry and blackberry character. Balanced and modern, with lots of fruit. Lively, with bright acidity." Find this wine on WineZap Advertisement- sponsored by JJ Buckley Fine Wines 2005 Dominio de Tares Baltos Mencia - $9.99 Every now and then (OK, maybe quite often), we find these little treasures that make drinking wine really fun. The 2005 Dominio de Tares 'Baltos' is one such delicious little gem that really over delivers for the modest price of just 10 bucks. Wine Advocate, Feb 2007, 90 points: "The 2005 Baltos Mencia comes from a less steep terroir and is aged in oak for 6 months. This purple-colored effort exhibits an attractive bouquet of minerals, earth, black cherry and raspberry. This is followed by a medium-bodied wine with concentrated, ripe fruit, excellent depth, and a pure finish. Because of the old-vine, labor-intensive vineyards with low yields, wines from Bierzo can be pricey so this well-made wine is an excellent value." SF Chronicle - Australia and New Zealand Riesling Friday, February 2md, 2009 2005 Keller Estate La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay starting at $19.99 "Founders Arturo and Deborah Keller established Petaluma Valley's first winery, now directed by daughter Ana Keller. This wine benefits from cooling maritime influences: the San Pablo Bay to the south and fog from the northwest. Winemaker Michael McNeill has made a rich California-style wine, which has very ripe apple, sweet pear and caramel with a bit of stoniness. Integrated and nicely balanced." Find this wine on WineZap

Wine Reviews for Jan. 28th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap!

These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

WineSpectator Insider

January 228th, 2009

2007 Mitolo Shiraz McLaren Vale Savitar: 91 Pts starting at $58.98

"Velvety in texture and sharply focused to aim its tobacco and spice-accented plum and blackberry flavors true as they sail through the long, generous finish."

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2007 Two Hands Shiraz Barossa Valley Gnarly Dudes: 90 Pts starting at $23.99

"Dense and ripe, this is a bit alcoholic, but it’s distinctive and bright with currant and persimmon flavors, finishing with allspice and cinnamon notes."

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2006 Nine Stones Shiraz Hilltops: 90 Pts starting at $812.60

"Taut, balanced and nicely focused to show its blueberry and blackberry flavors at the tightly wound core, balanced against lively acidity and fine tannins. Aromatic with fresh earth and expressive with dark spices."

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2005 Carneros Creek Carneros Grail Pinot Noir: 93 Pts starting at $34.99

"Refreshing ripe, vibrant, complex and fruit driven, with full bodied black cherry, plum and wild berry fruit that’s rich and focused, ending with a long, layered finish."

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Wall Street Journal

Malbec Beckons -- Heed the Call

Argentina's signature red deserves its wild popularity, offering zing and boldness for modest prices

January 24th, 2009

By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher

2007 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec starting at $7.99

"Very Good/Delicious. Best of tasting and best value (tie). Serious pepper and spice, with some crispness and plenty of blackberries and plums. Quite dry, yet bursting with fruit. We also liked the Altos "Reserva" 2006"

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2006 Trapiche 'Oak Cask' Malbec starting at $8.99

"Very Good. Best value (tie). Memorable black-tar nose, with some charred wood. Rich, black wine with good minerals. Fresh and lively despite its weight, with big, bright fruit."

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2007 Achaval Ferrer Winery Malbec starting at $17.95

"Very Good. Just plain pleasing. Ripe, tasty and easy to like, with a soulful earthiness and a dash of lemon. Comfort wine, easy to sip and easy to like."

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2006 Bodega Lurton 'Reserva' Malbec starting at $9.45

"Good/Very Good. Tastes true and nicely crisp, but more relaxed than many, like everything was taken down a notch, so it's especially good with food."

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LA Times - Wine of the Week

By Bob Chamberlin

2005 Puligny-Montrachet 'Clos du Chateau' starting at $25.99

"A warm gold in color, the 2005 "Clos du Chateau" is crisp and cool, with accents of citrus, flowers and white pepper, and a gorgeous buttery texture. Since Etienne de Montille took over as wine director, Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet is finally living up to its potential. The vineyards are now organic and most of them are biodynamic.

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New Wine Reviews January 21st, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap!

These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

WineSpectator Insider

January 21st, 2009

2006 Château L’Église Clinet: 93 Pts starting at $44.99

"Violet, black licorice and berry aromas follow through to a full body, with chewy tannins and a powerful finish. Layered and rich or the vintage. Needs time to develop."

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2006 Vieux-Château-Certan: 95 Pts starting at $169.99

"Shows complex and subtle aromas of dried dark fruits and blueberry. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, refined finish. Very fine indeed. Solid and balanced, with lovely sweet fruit on the finish. All in place for the vintage."

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2006 Château La Conseillante: 94 Pts starting at $88.33

"Shows intense aromas of truffle and berries. Full-bodied, with ultrarefined tannins and a very long finish. This is balanced and wonderfully crafted. Gorgeous. Extremely well done."

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2006 Petrus: 94 Pts starting at $1,697.17

"Displays green coffee bean and raspberry aromas, with a leafy undertone. Full-bodied, with refined tannins and a pretty finish. Very silky and classy. Lasts a long time on the finish. Just unravels on the palate."

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Wall Street Journal

Gorgeous Giants of the Northwest

Brawny yet refined, Syrahs from Washington state bring back the 'wow' that Zinfandel used to pack

January 10th, 2009

By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher

2004 Dunham Cellars Syrah starting at $33.98

"Very Good. Best of tasting. Lovely nose of fruit, yeast, minerals, lemon and some mushroom. Nice bubbles. Classy and fully integrated. We didn't like the 2005 as much."

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2006 Owen Roe 'Ex Umbris' Syrah starting at $19.95

"Delicious. Best value. Awesome, intense fruit, but an amazing amount of acidity and balance. Big, explosive, very American wine, with terrific structure and finesse."

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2005 L'Ecole No. 41 'Seven Hills Vineyard'Syrah starting at $31.29

"Very Good. Interesting nose of lavender and eucalyptus. Tastes of blackberry and black cherry, aggressively minerally, with a very dry finish. Challenging, highly personal wine (made from grapes on the Oregon side of the viticultural area)."

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SF Chronicle - Australia and New Zealand Riesling

Friday, January 9, 2009

2008 Grosset Polish Hill Clare Valley Riesling starting at $29.49

"Jeffrey Grosset is one of the notable producers in Clare Valley. Fruit for this bottling is grown in quartz and slate soil. Floral, mineral, talc and a hint of smoke blossom into an opulently ripe palate of mango, lime water, pomelo zest and a subtle mineral edge. Balanced, masterful and intense without being over the top."

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2008 Kilikanoon Mort's Block Watervale Clare Valley Riesling starting at $20.98

"The Watervale region of Clare Valley is where proprietor-winemaker Kevin Mitchell sourced this fruit from 40-year-old vines. This dry wine has sweet floral, herb, green apple and citrus aromas, with a palate of firm mineral, guava, pineapple and citrus pith. Clean and layered with a persistent finish."

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LA Times - Wine of the Week

By Robert Gauthier

2006 Lane Tanner Pinot Noir starting at $24.99

"Delicious! Best of tasting. Another big winner from a top winery. Big yet lean, perfectly balanced, with rich fruit, lemony acidity and tightly controlled, edgy tastes, with a great finish of minerals. Intellectual yet brawny, walking every line without a misstep.

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New Wine Reviews Jan. 14th, 2009

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap!

These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to each week - Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

SF Chronicle - 2008's Most Memorable

The top picks, the rare finds and the biggest surprises. We picked a few of the best for this newsletter
December 28th, 2008
By Jon Bonne

2005 Scarecrow Rutherford Cabernet starting at $499.00

"There's something almost frustrating about a blockbuster Cabernet with such amazing provenance. From a bountiful vintage and the gnarly 60-plus-year-old vines of Rutherford's J.J. Cohn vineyard, now overseen by Bret Lopez and Mimi DeBlasio, Celia Welch Masyczek crafted a pitch-perfect expression of Napa Cabernet that's as seductive and perfumed as it is dense and wound in its tannic power. Even as Masyczek walked me through her outstanding lineup of wines in October - Hollywood & Vine, DR Stephens, Lindstrom and more - the Scarecrow stood clear, making its undeniable point about the virtues of vines from the pre-clonal, pre-rootstock era that have been given time to adapt to a very special patch of ground."
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2005 Mills Reef Hawkes Bay Reserve Merlot Malbec starting at $16.08

"Half Merlot and half Malbec? Could New Zealand's Preston family have picked any less fashionable blend? This radiantly beautiful bottling, tank fermented and aged in older barrels, was the final proof I needed that the Gimblett Gravels area of the North Island is meant to be a perfect home for Bordeaux varietals. It's all about pristine berry fruit and subtle aromatic notes - sandalwood, tea and dried white flowers. A high-wire dance between a high-acid profile and fleshy texture made the Mills Reef one of the most appealing dinner-table bottles I found all year. Its many threads of improbability made it all the more special."
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2006 Tahbilk Nagambie Lakes Marsanne starting at $13.99

"The Tahbilk came in a fit of curiosity at Wine & Spirits' Top 100 event this fall, in my momentary breath-catching moment between tasting grand cru Chablis and unctuous Beerenausleses. One taste and it was so darn evident: Tahbilk has more than earned its place among the top examples of Marsanne, that fine and often misunderstood Rhone grape. From Australia's Victoria region, the winery claims to grow more of it than anyone else in the world, with vines dating back to 1927. This version is exotic and floral, bursting with jasmine scents and the almost slippery texture that Marsanne can have, yet ready to expand with some age. As well kept a secret as you'll find."
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2006 Kongsgaard The Judge Napa Valley Chardonnay starting at $195.00

"Along with a couple other talented hands, John Kongsgaard revived my faith in California Chardonnay this year. (It's not bad; it's just made that way, as a pastiche of real wine.) For the Top 100, I ended up siding with Kongsgaard's more available - and affordable - Napa Valley bottling. But it's the Judge that perfectly expresses his death-and-resurrection philosophy with Chardonnay, and his understanding of how timeless wines come from naturally low yields in the perfect site. The fruit here is powerful enough to put 100 percent new French oak in its place, and there is nothing short of inspiration from tasting the clear tension and power within. One drop of this in a sea of butter would do a ton to revive Chardonnay's good name."
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LA Times - Wine of the Week

January 14th, 2009
By Bob Chamberlin

2006 Selvapiana Chianti Rufina starting at $15.98

"Chianti Rufina, just outside the Chianti Classico region, offers some great value in Chianti, and Selvapiana, one of my longtime favorites, is one of the top estates there. The 2006 is bright and juicy, redolent of black cherries, sweet spices and earth. Sangiovese with just 5% Canaiolo, it's drinking beautifully now, but will also gain something from aging a bit. It's getting difficult to find wines with real character and sense of place at the $20 level, especially from Tuscany. But step outside the confines of Chianti Classico and this lovely bottle fills the bill.Drink it with pasta fagioli, pasta dishes, grilled meats and roast birds."
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Wall Street Journal

Red, White and Brut: Inaugural Bubblies
For a toast to a new president, American sparkling wines are worthy of celebration
January 10th, 2009
By Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher

2004 Iron Horse Vineyards 'Wedding Cuvée' starting at $25.99

"Very Good. Best of tasting. Lovely nose of fruit, yeast, minerals, lemon and some mushroom. Nice bubbles. Classy and fully integrated. We didn't like the 2005 as much."
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Mirabelle Brut Schramsberg Vineyards starting at $15.99

"Good/Very Good. Despite the Brut in the name, we'd recommend this to people who prefer their bubblies a little sweeter and softer than most. Relaxed and relaxing and quite approachable. Good as an aperitif or with cookies, so maybe it's just the thing for a noon inauguration."
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J Vineyards and Winery 'Cuvée 20' Brut starting at $15.95

"Very Good. Best value. Hits all of the right notes, with good fruit, toast and some almonds, especially in the long finish. Classy wine. Would age well."
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New Wine Reviews for Nov. 26th, 2008

November 26th, 2008 Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap! New wine reviews come out all the time from authoritative sources such as The Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, The San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Here are some of the best recently reviewed wines. From The Wine Spectator: Nov. 19th 2006 The Wine Spectator Insider comes out weekly and often includes wines that are of limited production and often sell out quickly. They are also the best of the weekly tasting and range from good value wines to expensive rarites. 2006 Pride Syrah Sonoma County: 93pts "Dense, detailed and concentrated, this is tight, focused and full-bodied, with an enticing mix of mineral, wild cherry and black cherry fruit, picking up lots of spice, pepper and nutmeg scents that provide depth and length." 2006 Lewis Alec's Blend: 95 pts "Enormously rich and concentrated, offering a dense, full-blown mix of savory blueberry and blackberry fruit, mineral, sage and loamy earth notes, ending with a burst of complex flavors and an amazingly long, layered finish. Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2016." Wall Street Journal - Bubblies: Nov. 22nd Reviews by Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher 1995 Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires "Delicious. Best of tasting and best value. A significant wine, with gravitas, like a big upright bass, humming soulfully down deep but making you want to swing at the same time. Good bubbles and a ripe acidity that add life and lift. Great fruit, mushrooms and a long, yeasty finish. Serious wine at a seriously good price." 1998 Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame "Very Good/Delicious. Classy and elegant. Brioche, honey, great acidity and ripe fruit, all in proportion, with a clean, fresh finish and particularly lovely bubbles. A lovely lightness about it. Clearly a wine of terrific pedigree. In our blind tastings over more than a decade, this is the only top Champagne that has been among our favorites every time. It's a can't-miss wine." New York Times - Pouilly Fuisse: Nov. 25th "A Fallen Superstar Earns New Respect" 2007Joseph Drouhin Pouilly-Fuissé 2007: 2 1/2 Stars "Hazelnut and mineral aromas, taut and lively." 2006 Daniel et Martine Barraud Pouilly-Fuissé La Roche: 2 1/2 Stars "Oaky aroma, but rich, balanced and generous on the palate."

New Wine Reviews for Dec. 4th, 2009

December 4th, 2008 Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap! New wine reviews come out all the time from authoritative sources such as The Wine Spectator, Robert Parker, The San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Here are some of the best recently reviewed wines. From The Wine Spectator: Dec. 3rd, 2008 The Wine Spectator Buying guide is a sneak preview of their next issue and contains their most highly recommended wines to seek out and buy based on their recent tastings. In our opinion, here are a few of the better recommendations for white lovers. 2006 Ramey Ritchie Vinyard Chardonnay: 95 pts "Deliciously complex, full-bodied and layered with flavors, offering citrus and tropical fruit, with hints of anise and buttery oak, yet the acidity keeps the flavors tangy and vibrant". 2005 E. Guigal Ex Voto Ermitage: 97 pts. "This shows stunning purity and range, with blanched almond, chamomile, green fig, persimmon and apricot notes all weaving around a core of heather honey and brioche. The long finish resonates with minerality." 2008 Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc: 91 pts "Fragrant and complex, with a refreshing burst of lime, guava, grapefruit and grass flavors. Wet stone, passion fruit and oyster shell accents add interest, with bright acidity highlighting the vivid finish. Another outstanding Sauvignon from a perennial success." La Times - Wine of the Week Nov. 25th Reviews by Irene Virbila 2006 Ataraxia Sauvignon Blanc "....With the 2006 vintage, winemaker Kevin Grant delivers a terrific example of South African terroir and winemaking. Zesty yet elegant, this multidimensional Sauvignon Blanc from the Western Cape carries accents of lemon and grapefruit, earth and limestone. Quite impressive for an estate that's only a few years old." SF Chronicle - Napa Merlots Nov. 21st by Lynne Char Bennett "We tasted 53 Merlots from Napa Valley - more than half from the very good 2005 vintage - 10 of which we recommend. " Here are 2 of the best. 2006 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot: "Duckhorn has a few different Merlot bottlings - this is its workhorse. Oak dominates but is tempered a bit with dark cherry, plum and mint with punchy red currant highlights. Ten percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 3 percent Cabernet Franc and 1 percent Petit Verdot" 2005 Robert Mondavi Napa Merlot "Jammy cassis and plum, earthy overtones and coffee aromas. Plush, ripe palate of dark fruit, a modulated tannic grip and nice camphor note on the finish. Big style but well balanced."

New Wine Reviews for Dec. 10, 2008

December 10th, 2008

Find the hottest newly reviewed wines on WineZap! These are some of the highly regarded wine critics we listen to every week: The Wine Spectator Robert Parker The LA Times The New York Times The Washington Post The San Francisco Chronicle The Wall Street Journal Check out the latest wine reviews below and use WineZap to buy these great wines yourself.

SF Chronicle - Top 100 Wines of the Year - Cabs December Every year the Chronicle releases a list of what they consider some of the top wines of the year. Here are a few choice Cabs with a variety of price ranges. 2005 Abeja Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon "Veteran winemaker John Abbott's signature finessed Cabernet style is evident in this latest release from one of Washington's most consistently fine labels. A bit of Cabernet Franc and Merlot in the blend add complexity to a dark nose of coffee, tobacco and black olive, with plenty of dark, supple fruit to match. Generous and well structured, it's a subtle approach that walks tall enough to talk softly." 2005 Dominus Napa Valley Red Wine "Christian Moueix's project showed off this banner year with a more reserved style. Radiant Cabernet aromas of tobacco and a lifted graphite tone mix with dusty plum. The palate is still wound up and young, but brightness and potential course through this highly structured wine. The wine's still in its infancy, but it's wonderful evidence that this Napa-Bordeaux alliance very much remains on its mission and is as good as ever." 2005 La Sirena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon "As plush and refined as Heidi Peterson Barrett's Amuse Bouche wines have been lately (and as much as we want to cheer for Merlot), it's still hard to outpace her latest release of La Sirena, which showcases her talents with a pitch-perfect Cabernet vintage. Big, sweet blackberry, rolled tobacco and a bit of roasted almond start things off, with high, taut tones of currants, a chamomile hint and those bold, silken tannins that Barrett finesses to perfection." 2005 Green Lion Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon "A joint effort from longtime Napa winemaker Douglas Danielak and Australian Shiraz master Chris Ringland yielded one of the most easily enjoyable Cabernets of the year (with a label that should have been a Fillmore poster). Serious winemaking using a mix of fruit parcels yielded a solid, bright wine with uplifted cherry and deep berry fruit, and a pleasing dry-herb touch. The raciness on the palate makes it a perfect mealtime pick."

Wall Street Journal - 2008 Beaujolais Nouveau Nov, 29th, 2008 By Dorothy J. Gaikter and John Brecher They reviewed a number of the latest Beaujolais Nouveau Wines and here is one of the best that is also easy to find. 2008 Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau "Good/Very Good. Particularly vibrant, jazzy-purple color. Quite fruity, with some earth and a hint of lavender. Duboeuf is reliable, but this year it tastes truer, earthier, not as finished, as if the wine is reveling in its roots. That's a good thing."

LA Times - Wine of the Week
Dec. 10th
Reviews by Kirk McKoy

2001 La Rioja Alta 'Viña Alberdi Selecciòn Especial'

"With its deep ruby color, hints of tobacco and cinnamon and spice, the 2001 is a full-bodied red, Tempranillo gentled by two years of aging in the barrel and more in the bottle. It's lovely with winter stews and braises, roast duck and pork. An elegant wine for the price, it's drinking beautifully now (open the bottle to let the wine breathe for a half-hour before serving). But it will also improve with a few more years of aging if you have the time