Mixed Blinds

All wines were received as samples and all tasted from the blind collection, except the Stinson Mourvedre, which was sighted.

• 2013 Amici Cellars Sauvignon Blanc 88 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Pale straw color. Fresh and vibrant on the nose with a fruit salad of white peach, nectarine, grapefruit and guava, along with notes of honeysuckle and a hint of white pepper. Full-bodied and creamy on the palate but held in by crisp acid. White peach, orange peel, pineapple and guava mix together with notes of honey, wax and white pepper. Rich yet clean and crisp and focused, with minerals and limestone on the finish. Showing lots of complexity and food-friendliness.

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• 2013 Phifer Pavitt Sauvignon Blanc Date Night 87 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Light golden color. Bright lemon-lime peel on the nose, some white cherries, grapefruit and guava, accented by hints of white and green pepper. Bright and zingy but some nice creaminess as well. Lime and grapefruit play off of guava and pineapple, and the fruit is dashed with some grass, white pepper and honeysuckle. Clean, fresh but good weight, very food-friendly. All stainless steel.

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• 2013 Cornerstone Cellars Stepping Stone White Rocks! 85 Points

  USA, California, North Coast

  Clear light gold color. Nose is bright and fresh, with sea salt and flowers, mixed with guava, papaya and a lime-drenched margarita with salt, some Muscat-like orange blossom and honeycomb. Moderate acid, creamy body, lots of fruit-forward, easy-sipping personality. White peach, guava, lychee and pineapple mix with notes of honeysuckle, dandelions, sea salt and some light nutty elements. Not the most complex wine, but fun stuff. Chardonnay, Viognier and Muscat Canelli.

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• 2011 Cornerstone Cellars Pinot Noir 90 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  Bright red cherry colored. Cool red fruit bursts from the glass (strawberries, cherries and raspberries), along with a hefty dose of spice (oregano, black pepper, nettles) and some sweet coffee. Fresh and inviting on the palate with high acid, smooth tannins and tangy strawberries, raspberries and red currants. I like the kick of pepper, soy and wet leaves. The cedar and coffee notes are integrated well into the overall package. Bright and fresh but lots of complexity. Ready to drink but able to hold.

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• 2012 Niner Wine Estates Pinot Noir 89 Points

  USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley

  Dark ruby/light purple color. Nose shows roasted plums, juicy black cherries, some clove, cinnamon and sweet violets. On the palate, the wine is somehow both smooth and chewy at the same time, boasting tons of fruit (black cherries, blackberries, strawberry pie) velvety and smooth but rich. I love the clove, dark chocolate and sweet cola notes, but I also get some graphite and tobacco elements that add complexity. Delicious, open for business, but not a simple fruit bomb. Spends 10 months in 30% new French oak.

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• 2011 Stinson Vineyards Tannat 88 Points

  USA, Virginia, Central Virginia, Monticello

  Medium purple colored. Deep, rich and complex on the nose, with blackberries and blueberries along with a lot of tilled soil and graphite, some notes of anise and campfire wood. Firm tannins on the palate, the acid adds brightness. The tart blackberry and blueberry fruit is delicious, and it’s accented by notes of black licorice, black pepper, black licorice, dark chocolate shavings, soil and charred wood. Delicious, and it opens up nicely in the glass, but this has serious structure for aging. Tannat has been making waves in Virginia for a while, and this is one reason why. I’d love to try it again in four to six years. Aged 20 months in 50% new French oak.

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