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Tasting Notes for smokeshowing

(138 notes on 137 wines)

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Red
8/13/2013 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
90 points
QPR home run! Picked up a couple of these Zins at Costco yesterday and popped one last night to accompany a spaghetti dinner. For a price slightly north of $10/bottle this is a shockingly good wine. While Cline refers to this wine as being "ripe," I found it to be pleasingly subtle for a mass produced old vine Zin. Lovely aromas of dark fruits and a pleasing hint of chocolate. Flavors revolve around more of those dark red fruits, a hint of smoke and a subtle vanilla note. This is a wonderfully satisfying wine that actually fits inside our budget! Way to go Cline!
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
7/19/2013 - smokeshowing wrote:
94 points
This wine is absolutely spot on for me. No formal tasting notes, but enjoyed the heck out of this one. What stood out for me was the wonderfully tart cherry and raspberry flavors that dominate. There's a bunch going on here and all of it positive. Here again, gotta stop kicking myself for not purchasing more of this beauty!
Red
5/19/2013 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
90 points
One word came to mind immediately upon tasting this latest edition of the Sonoma Coast bottling - lean. This is a sleek (light) Pinot Noir with substantial acidity that pairs well with salmon dishes.
Red
4/9/2013 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
83 points
This is a definitely a $10 bottle of wine that reminds one that sometimes, most of the time, you get what you pay for. Flavors of overripe cherry make this wine taste just a bit too sweet for my taste. Not a terrible wine, but certainly not one that I would seek out again. May please those that prefer a jammy style.
Rosé
3/29/2013 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
93 points
Just another fantastic rendition of the Ode to Lulu Rosé! Funny, this wine has become a feature of our warm weather months here in the South Bay (San Jose, CA), and since it's been some time since we have had the pleasure of enjoying this wine, I was eager to break it out today. Wonderful nose of strawberries and peach for me. The balance of fresh red fruits, minerality, and acidity makes this wine just sing!
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
3/26/2013 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
91 points
Beautiful aromas of freshly picked cherries combined with a combination of various spices. Floral flavors are highlighted by fresh red fruits, and very mild earth qualities. This is a wonderful wine from Jason Drew and we continue to be thrilled with the incredible quality offered in his releases.
Red
2/27/2013 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
91 points
Another lovely effort from Sojourn. This edition of the appellation blend comes together beautifully with a nice array of red fruits - mild dark cherry, cranberry and plum. As others have said, good acidity rounds out this excellent package.
2 people found this helpful Comment
Red
2/26/2013 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
90 points
For my taste this is an incredible value at under $15 for club members. This wine pours a deceptively light translucent red. Reminding me to never judge a book by the cover, I fully expected a weak nose and dilute flavor profile. Was I ever wrong! While the aromas are just a bit muted the strawberry is certainly present. Notes of tangy plum and sharp cherry are nicely backed by an acidity that wraps the whole package up just beautifully. What a nice surprise!
White
2/24/2013 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
88 points
A very nice change of pace from our diet of heartier reds this winter. This is a QPR hit with a nose of apples and citrus fruits mingling with a mineral note. Flavors of melon and pear are backed by a nice hit of acidity that makes this a really enjoyable wine. For the price, unbeatable.
Red
Just not my cup of tea, or wine, for that matter. Overly sweet and cloying. No detectable structure makes this virtually undrinkable for me. I'm sure there's a market for this kind of juice, but it's definitely not a repeat purchase for us.
Red
12/20/2012 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
Wow! Here we go again...another wonderful release from what has become our absolute favorite producer over the past couple of years. This Zin has all of the hallmarks of what we have come to expect from Morgan's efforts. There's a lovely nose of spice and plenty of red and darker berries. Flavors of those very same berries come to the fore, but all is backed with a beautifully balanced stroke of acidity that suggests this wine can stick around in bottle for quite some time. As others have mentioned, outstanding value!
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
7/4/2012 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
90 points
Caught this spiffy Zin on sale for a measly $14 and that made this one the QPR hit of 2012 so far. Went perfectly with cheeseburgers on a warm summer evening. Lots of plum and blueberry on the palate. Just a flat out enjoyable wine!
White
7/4/2012 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
88 points
This is such a cool wine, as much for its orange coloration as for its combination of spice and strawberry on the nose. Nicely balanced by acidity and an earthiness that makes for some spirited conversation. Sadly I never seem to be able to keep these bottles from disappearing.
Red
2009 Unti Vineyards Petit Frère Dry Creek Valley Red Rhone Blend (view label images)
6/28/2012 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
88 points
Picked this one up at K&L and enjoyed it with homemade pizza. Popped and poured, super approachable GSM blend in the spirit of a fruit forward Côte du Rhône, that paired wonderfully with the tomato and mozzarella surfing a thin crust.

Another ideal mid-week sipper that is right at home paired with a wide array of dishes. Wouldn't hurt to let this one breath for a couple of hours prior to consuming, but not absolutely necessary. This particular bottling features Grenache as the primary varietal, and it shows, with a nice dollop of plum and currant. Definitely recommended!
Red
6/25/2012 - smokeshowing wrote:
84 points
Went to Costco this AM and grabbed a few wines for the week ahead. This Côtes du Rhône was a no brainer at $7, but with the price came a good bit of skepticism. Sitting in my backyard, not a cloud in the sky, temperature right around 74F, and I must say that I am not at all disappointed. In fact, while this wine is really young, it hits on all cylinders with the price taken into consideration. There's a goodly volume of fruit on the palate, and exactly what a previous taster noted - a muted nose. There are hints of plum that seem to battle the alcohol and acidity, but nothing that would make this wine a reject. While I might not wish to stock my meager cellar with this bottling, I certainly find this enjoyable at this price point.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
6/23/2012 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
89 points
Ah yes, a duo that hits all the right notes...Novy Family Wines RRV Zinfandel and perfectly grilled cheeseburgers on a mild summer's eve. The '10 Novy is one of my all-time QPR winners for bringing together spice, dark fruit, especially blueberry and raspberry, and just the right amount of acidity.
Red
2011 Copain P2 Anderson Valley Red Blend (view label images)
6/13/2012 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
91 points
In an ongoing personal effort to avoid falling into a Pinot Noir dominated wine rut, I find myself seeking out offbeat wines, and the Copain P2 fit the bill perfectly! As other notes mention, P2 is a cofermentation of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. The result of this blending, for me, is a wine that captures the good stuff from both varietals. All of that hullabaloo to say that this is a really fun wine that will show incredibly well at all of your summer shindigs! To chill, or not to chill, is about the only quandary you'll face with this one.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Rosé
6/11/2012 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
Good golly, this is what summer is all about for me. Warm evenings, great company, and a Rosé that just sings! Not much more to add that hasn't already been said by William Allen, but I'll throw in my .02 cents worth.

After officially declaring open season on Rosé, with Bedrock's Ode to Lulu and Copain's Tous Ensemble setting the pace, I am pleased to announce another grand slam effort with the '11 Cartograph Rosé! Strawberry and hints of watermelon are backed by a bright acidity that makes this a particularly satisfying wine.

To see that there were only 55 cases produced is a bit of a heartbreaker, but I will savor my remaining bottles...if I can muster a bit of self-control!
Red
6/8/2012 - smokeshowing wrote:
92 points
This is such a lovely wine with its aromas of cherry and spice. Lots of RRV characteristics on the nose. There is a nifty balance between flavors of strawberry, cherry, and mild earthiness that make this a truly satisfying Pinot Noir. Recommend this one without reservation and am looking forward to what is to come from Cartograph!
1 person found this helpful Comment
Rosé
5/8/2012 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
This one hits all of the sweet spots for me. From the subtle nose of fresh grapefruit and flowers, to the citrus, peach, and strawberry flavors that offer up a crisp rosé that just sings on all levels. A big thanks to Morgan for crafting a real beauty!
White
3/24/2012 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
91 points
Before I launch into some overwrought missive about the exotic aromatics and richness of this California field blend of white varietals, I'll be up front in expressing my adoration for all things historical. This is especially true when it comes to California's wine history. There is no doubt that my enjoyment of this wine is heavily influenced by the story behind this particular vineyard. Then there's the notion that there are even some varietals included in this blend that have yet to be identified!

Okay, with the admission out of the way it's time to address the actual wine. As has already been mentioned, there is an immediate Gewurtzraminer hit on both the nose and palate. There is a nicely balanced roundness to the flavor profile, with Reisling and other varietals making their presence known throughout. I can't say enough about how approachable this wine is. This is certainly a dry wine, but with so much going on that it's hard to put this into a short, concise description.

I am so excited by what Morgan is doing that I just can't recommend his wines enough. A genuinely pleasurable experience, and what more can we ask for?
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
12/31/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
94 points
This bottle turned out to be the star of our Sojourn pinots. Popped for a Christmas eve celebration and here are the reactions:

1. WOW
2. NO WAY
3. GOD, THIS IS AWESOME
4. SANGIACOMO ROCKS
5. DO YOU HAVE MORE?
6. HOW MUCH WAS THIS?
7. ROUND, SUPPLE, CHERRIES, SPICINESS
8. WINNER

So here we have another one of those wines that my wife and I agree that we should have bought as much as Craig would have allowed. Ah yes, another New Year's Eve Resolution in the making!
Red
11/17/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
93 points
This is what Bogle's '08 Phantom blend wishes it could be when it grows up. My second Scholium wine and I am perfectly satisfied to call this blend a wanton slut of a wine. Perfect for my current state of mind and feel free to read into that what you will. Not a heck of a lot to crow about when taking in the first sniffs of this little beast, but whoa doggy, do things change when this one is poured into the pie hole. One word sums it up...YUMMMMMY!
Red
2008 Bogle Vineyards Phantom California Zinfandel Blend, Zinfandel (view label images)
11/17/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
86 points
A fun blend of Zinfandel 51% - Petite Sirah 47% - Mourvèdre 2% from Clarksburg, Lodi and Amador. Upon opening we definitely had difficulty defining any specific aromas, but after an hour there was a discernible scent of backed dark fruit combined with notes of vanilla. Flavors of more dark berries combine with a bit of spice to make for a relatively simple, but enjoyable wine.
Red
11/15/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
93 points
Molly and Jason Drew are some of the nicest folks in the business and I'm thrilled to give this wine another huge thumbs-up!
Red
7/7/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
94 points
Time for a word association game. Okay, when I say JC Cellars Petite Sirah, you shout out the first word that comes to mind. So…the word is...BIG! Very inky, broad shouldered, and supercharged with obvious notes of blueberry, blackberry and a big whiff of vanilla backing it all up. When Jeff Cohn secured his supply of grapes from the Frediani Vineyard he produced one powerful rendition of this amazing varietal. Then comes those bombastic flavors of super ripe dark plum and even more flavor packed blackberry spreading out on the palate. Yummy flavors framed by round tannins punctuated by a gentle mineral component. I am smitten with this wine! Did I mention the one thought that persisted while enjoying this one? How did Cohn get this massive wine into this little bottle? Charlie Sheen said it best with one word that describes this wine-WINNING!
Red
7/3/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
90 points
I chose this Syrah to be the featured wine for a family birthday party. Decanted for an hour, then poured into glasses and allowed to stand for an additional 30-minutes prior to the arrival of roasted potatoes, stuffed bell peppers and rib eye steaks.

Rhys has done an outstanding job with this wine! Aromas of leather, smoke, ground pepper, slight earthiness, and dark berries set the stage. On the palate you get a full dose of Syrah done right! Flavors of blackberry and smokey meats work beautifully together making this one enjoyable California Syrah!
Red
6/11/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
90 points
I'm not sure why I didn't purchase more of this wine when I had the chance, but I'm kicking myself now. Beautifully crafted by Suzanne Hagins, this small production Pinot Noir hits all the right notes, with nicely concentrated plum and black cherry flavors dominating. There is an appealing earthiness that when coupled with the mellow, round tannins, makes this a truly pleasurable example of Suzanne's expertise as a winemaker.

Note to self...get more of Lutea's awesome Pinots for future enjoyment!
Rosé
6/11/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
90 points
Broke out the '09 Copain Tous Ensemble Rosé for some pre-dinner quaffing. This was the first rosé of the summer and what a kickoff it was! This is just a lovely wine with bright notes of red fruits backed by crisp acidity. With every bottle of Copain wine, I become a that much more of a fan. Nicely done!
Red
6/8/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
Holy smokes, am I ever glad I found Bedrock Wine Co.! Lorenzo's Heirloom is just one of the incredibly interesting (in a good way), and delicious, wines produced by Morgan Twain-Peterson.

This field blend of primarily Zin, Carignane and Petite Sirah comes together just beautifully. All manner of dark fruits define the nose, with those same fruits, primarily raspberry, blackberry and black cherry, all combining to make this a special wine.

Not sure if the '08 can still be found at retail, but if you come across any of the Bedrock Wine Co. bottlings, grab 'em and enjoy!
Red
6/8/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
93 points
I have been a fan of Jeff Cohn's wines for a few years now and I have been looking forward to having my first bottle of the '08 Sweetwater Springs Zin for some time. Having reached the limits of my patience I finally popped this one to accompany some barbecued burgers and I am happy to say that this is one of the best Zins I have ever had!

Definitely not a restrained rendition of Zinfandel with mouthwatering aromas of ripe blackberries and raspberries exploding from the glass. Flavors are highlighted by an earthy quality that goes on and on making this an outstanding Russian River Valley Zinfandel.
Red
6/3/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
94 points
Without a doubt this bottle of MacPhail Pinot Noir goes down as one of the finest we have ever had! From start to finish, there is a refined opulence to this '02 Toulouse (Anderson Valley) that is incredibly satisfying. From the beautifully detailed and integrated tannins to the subtle earthiness, we just couldn't get enough! Oh, right, almost forgot to mention that incredible silkiness that clearly comes with some age.

I'll spare you food pairing suggestions considering this wine is probably best enjoyed on its own. If you are lucky enough to have a bottle squirreled away you may want to consider drinking it sooner than later as this one is just incredible right now.

Here's the only downside I could think of - it's all gone!
Red
5/21/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
This was our special "Judgement Day" wine selection to go with hearty cheeseburgers and fries. I couldn't think of a better way to bid farewell to those in my life that have behaved significantly better than I have. In the end, this wine proved to be the perfect compliment to the food we chose to shovel into our pie holes.

So what exactly is it about the '08 Sonoma County Zinfandel that sets it apart from the sea of mediocre swill being peddled on Safeway store shelves? It all comes down to the fact that this wine is a beautiful blending of Zin and a bit of PS that steps up with moderately ripe black and blue berries held together by a lovely earthiness that lends this wine just the right amount of complexity. While rather high in alcohol at 15%, I never noticed even a hint of heat.

Mike Officer, along with Morgan Twain Peterson, are producing true California treasures that deserve your attention. As for QPR, this is just outstanding. Wish I had more!
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
5/19/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
86 points
Definitely not what I expected from Anthill Farms, but enjoyable nonetheless. In the glass this is very light, dilute, and cloudy. I am struck by the simplicity of this blend in both the nose and the flavor profile. There are gentle hints of citrus, which is kind of unusual for a Pinot Noir, but it's definitely there.

When push comes to shove, this wine, in my estimation, is not quite worth the price, but as I said before, it is fairly enjoyable for its primarily light cherry and citrus flavors.
White
4/30/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
Pax Mahle describes this unique wine as being "freaky," in that it looks different (orange and pink) and tastes different in a big way. I can attest to the fact that this wine is indeed a bit freaky, but in a really intriguing and thoughtful way. You know you are in for something completely different as soon as the bottle is popped and poured.

Visually the Trousseau Gris can be a bit of a shocker, especially if you are not expecting to see an orange wine in your glass! Then there's the nose of citrus and strawberry - really appealing. On the palate is where this one seals the deal by serving up flavors of tangerine and grapefruit, with significant acidity that balances the entire package.

Sadly, only 33 cases were produced.
Red
4/30/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
I was initially drawn to this wine for the high "curiosity" quotient. To think that one of the greatest bassists of all-time, Les Claypool, would turn his attention to producing Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, I just had to grab it!

This is not simply a rock star's half-assed foray into making wine. In fact, this RRV Pinot stands on its own merits with a classic RRV nose of ripe red cherries and raspberries. The flavors, highlighted by those same cherries, becomes fairly complex with a bit of air. Baking spices and a vague reference to cinnamon come through, but are balanced beautifully by bright acidity.

Claypool and friends have produced a nicely nuanced RRV Pinot that is definitely a treat. Well done!
White - Sweet/Dessert
4/30/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
95 points
Wow! Just wow! This is one of the most pleasurable dessert wines we have ever had. With a nose serving up a pronounced scent of peaches, honey, and pineapple. Those notes of pineapple and honey come to the fore on the palate, with citrus flavors becoming a bit more pronounced.

An incredibly complex wine, there is little doubt that this "sticky" has a long, long life ahead of it. Is this the new standard for California dessert wines? Quite possibly.

This is just an incredible wine in so many ways!
White
4/25/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
88 points
We have enjoyed Navarro's Estate Bottled Gewürztraminer (Dry) for a few years now and the '08 continues what has become something of a household tradition, and it does so admirably. Remarkable not only for its varietal character, but also for the consistency with which Navarro continues to produce this delicious Gewürztraminer, this is a wine that seems to always satisfy.

Wonderful aromas of apples and spice are followed by flavors of pear and peach. All of this supported by an acidity that makes this a particularly pleasing accompaniment to spicier asian dishes.

Definitely a wine worth your time.
Red
4/25/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
91 points
I came across this wine at a local retailer and the price was just too good to pass up. I've heard good things about McHenry, but I got a bit more than I expected when I popped-and poured to accompany last night's dinner.

Visually, this wine surprises right off the bat with a color that is significantly lighter than most pinots. In the glass the color reminds me of cranberry juice. The nose is an appealing blend of cherries and subtle earth that just seems mismatched with the diffuse color of the juice.

The flavors are quite vivid with tart cherry dominating the palate and a strong acidity serving to add structure. This is a style of Pinot Noir that certainly won't appeal to all, but I found it to be an excellent effort and at $24 this is a serious value play.
White
4/21/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
90 points
I came across this wine while doing my usual search and destroy mission at the Wine Club in Santa Clara, California. Having never seen this wine before, and after reading the "shelf talker" that explained the blend to be 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Muscat of Alexandria, 15% small-berry Muscat of Frontignan, and 5% Gewürztraminer, my curiosity was piqued.

In the glass the wine is quite pale, while the nose is a mix of stone fruit with a flower component. However, these elements are more background music than anything else - in other words the nose is fairly subtle.

The flavors are wonderfully integrated and backed by serious acidity. From citrus to peaches, the overall taste is quite satisfying. While there exists a sense of sweetness, make no mistake, this wine is bone dry.

All-in-all this is a refreshing wine that for the price is well worth seeking out and enjoying through the summer.
White
4/5/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
86 points
Popped our first bottle of the 2010 Navarro Vineyards Chenin Blanc last evening and the wine was a hit! While it's a fairly simple affair this wine does offer a good deal of satisfaction from the 86% Chenin Blanc, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, and 4% Chardonnay.

Right off the top is a nose of peach, fresh cut apples, and a hint of pear. With all of that fruit I was expecting a much sweeter wine than I got. It was a pleasant surprise to find a nicely integrated lime character mingling with moderate minerality and additional peach flavors. Nice finish and works very well paired with traditionally lighter meals.

Another strong effort from Navarro!
Red
3/31/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
86 points
An enjoyable wine that paired well with steaks. The one knock on this bottling is the pronounced oak that tends to mute flavors of blueberry and cherry. This is not altogether bad, but it does seem to throw this wine out of balance. I'm not entirely sure that additional time in bottle will serve to tame the oak.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
This is just not a good bottle of wine and I hate to say it. There is a potent sweetness to this juice that makes it pretty much undrinkable. Cherry cough syrup comes to mind, and as bummed as I am to say it, I poured this one down the drain. Too bad considering the first edition of this blend was quite good.

I'm confident that things will be corrected in the future.
Red
3/25/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
After an earlier tasting experience I have learned to separate and hide all of my Cabot wines in a dark, cool corner of the cellar. Why would I do this? Simply because the Cabot wines have all been extraordinary and I now have an irrational fear that someone will help themselves to my precious stash.

Sure, this is a bit of paranoia, but these wines are so damn good I want to keep them all to myself! Knowing that it's probably futile to keep these precious gems from the other wine lovers in the family, I bit the bullet and popped, poured, and consumed another stellar Cabot creation with my homies - this time the '05 Klamath Cuvée.

Okay, to make a long story marginally shorter let me get to the point. This is a beautifully balanced blend dominated by Syrah, but nicely softened by Cabernet, and defined by a range of dark fruits. While there was a 10-15 minute period upon opening that this wine showed a strong nose of alcohol. Not to worry as the alcohol blew off and the wine came together in a most awesome fashion.

Bottom line, if you haven't had Cabot, I must chide you for missing the boat. Yes, I am now an official fanboy, and I fully intend on keeping a healthy stock of the various Cabot wines for all occasions! Just gotta make sure I place them in a secure location that will prevent poaching.

Get some and enjoy!
Red
3/22/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
88 points
I recently received this wine as part of a sampler pack of several new bottlings from Navarro Vineyards. We have enjoyed previous vintages of this blend and I'm happy to say that the 2009 version is another price-busting winner!

So what exactly is the composition of this wine?

- 33% Zinfandel
- 23% Syrah
- 16% Grenache
- 14% Valdiguié
- 14% Pinot Noir

These varietals combine to produce a wine that is instantly approachable and very food-friendly. With good acidity and just the right amount of tannins, this blend is highlighted by dominant flavors of dark fruits, especially black cherries, that are shot through with a pleasing mix of spices.

In a word the '09 Navarrouge is - yummy! Charlie Sheen says...WINNING!
Red
3/14/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
91 points
I guess all of the glowing notes were right all along. Opened our first bottle of this beautifully crafted wine and enjoyed the heck out of it! As others have already mentioned, this Pinot Noir is a wonderful example of balance, with just the right level of acidity and earthiness to keep the dark cherry character from becoming obviously sweet. Pretty much everything comes together to make for an outstanding QPR. Only hitch with this wine is that we didn't purchase enough to last us for the next few years!
Red
3/10/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
Okay, I sat on this tasting note for a couple of days after returning from an extended stay in London. Upon returning home the 2009 Dashe Dry Creek Valley Zin was the no-brainer wine of choice for an episode of decompressing from a long, long flight from LHR to SFO. I guess I do genuinely associate Zinfandel with my home, California, and after acquiring a case of homesickness this was the wine that would successfully welcome us back!

For my tastes, Dashe simply does an outstanding job of producing what I would call "refined" Zinfandel from the Dry Creek Valley. When I say refined I suppose I am referring mainly to my interpretation of this wine as being somewhat subdued in character. There are the typical dark fruits and nicely integrated tannins that offer substance and weight, but for my money, this is one of the best values in California Zin you can get.

One caveat - this particular vintage, while ready to enjoy, could stand a year or two in bottle. But don't let that stop you!

In the end, it was the ideal welcome home from a busy stay in the UK!
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2007 Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Retromarcia Chianti Classico DOCG Sangiovese Blend, Sangiovese (view label images)
3/4/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
92 points
The wine consuming duo of Julie and Craig have officially applied their stamp of approval on the 2007 Monte Bernardi Chianti Classico Retromarcia. Purchased at Vinoteca in Marylebone, London to accompany two Corsican pizza pies, this wonderfully pure expression of Sangiovese comes through like gangbusters.

Not to say that the fruit is overwhelming, not in the least, but there is no question that bright red cherries dominate the flavor profile. On the nose this incredibly affordable wine does everything just right. From the vivid floral and spice aromas to the cherry, raspberry and plum flavors that are all backed by refined tannins, this is a wine worthy of pursuing.
Red
2/6/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
84 points
Not at all what I expected from the Sonoma Coast appellation. As another TN noted, this is fairly blunt in that there is a lack of finesse that many of us associate with Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. This is certainly not a bad wine, hence the 84 score, but it is fairly extracted. Flavors of tart cranberry and slightly unripe, sour cherry, dominate the palate, while the nose is quite appealing with strong notes of bright red cherries.

This Pinot Noir will meet the expectations of most. I can certainly recommend it as a kind of workhorse Pinot that will match well with a bit of heartier fare. No buyer's remorse here!
Red
2007 Castello d'Albola Chianti Classico Chianti Classico DOCG Sangiovese Blend, Sangiovese (view label images)
2/5/2011 - smokeshowing Likes this wine:
84 points
Nice Chianti Classico offering simple, but relatively satisfying flavors, but definitely lacking in complexity. Conspicuously missing the characteristic earth notes that I enjoy in Chianti. Somewhat thin red cherry flavor that'll let this wine pair with a wide array of foods, but don't try to match it up with anything too bold since this one just doesn't have the weight to contend with strong flavors.

www.fearnowine.com
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