2012 22nd Annual Family Winemakers of California Tasting

Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason, San Francisco, California
Tasted Sunday, September 9, 2012 - Monday, September 10, 2012 by rjonwine@gmail.com with 2,441 views

Introduction

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Of the over 70 producers whose wines I sampled at this tasting, the 23 producers responsible for one or more wines I rated 92 points or higher were Adastra, Ancien, Black Sears, Cain, Culler, Darms Lane, Field Recordings, Freemark Abbey, Keenan, La Jota, Lamborn Family, Mauritson, Merryvale, Paloma, Saxon-Brown, Seavey, Sojourn, Spring Mountain, Tablas Creek, The Terraces, Turley, Vino Noceto and Wallis Family. None of the couple dozen producers that were new to me at this tasting made the list above, although I did taste some good wines from newer producers like Anakota, Cowan Cellars, Galerie, J. Rickards, Patel, Petroni, Tayson Pierce, Trombetta Family and Wait Cellars.

Cabernet and Meritage blends certainly dominated the tasting, as they invariably do at this event. The best Cabernets and Meritages for me, meriting 92 points or higher, were:
2006 Black Sears Red - 92 points
2009 Black Sears Cabernet Sauvignon Estate - 93 points
2008 Cain Concept The Benchland - 92 points
2007 Cain Five 92+ points
2009 Culler La Palette - 92+ points
2009 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvigon - 92 points
2008 Robert Keenan Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 points
2009 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon - 92 points
2009 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 points
2008 Lamborn Family Cabernet Sauvignon - 92+ points
2009 Merryvale Profile - 92 points
2009 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon Caravina - 93+ points
2008 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon - 93+ points
2008 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 points
2007 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon - 92+ points
2007 Spring Mountain Elivette - 93+ points
2008 Spring Mountain Elivette - 94 points
2010 Wallis Family Cabernet Sauvignon Little Sister - 92+ points
2010 Wallis Family Cabernet Sauvignon - 93 points

Pinot Noirs I rated 92 points or higher were:
2009 Adastra Proximus - 92 points
2010 Ancien Shea - 92 points
2010 Ancien Red Dog - 92 points
2010 Ancien Fiddlestix - 92+ points
2010 Sojourn Russian River Valley - 92 points
2010 Sojourn Wohler - 92+ points
2010 Sojourn Ridgetop - 93 points

Zinfandels I thought merited 92 points or higher were:
2010 Black Sears Estate - 93 points
2010 Mauritson Dry Creek Valley - 92 points
2008 Saxon-Brown "Stonewall" Parmelee-Hill - 92+ points
2010 Turley Pesenti - 94 points
2009 Vino Noceto OGP Grandpere Vineyard - 92+ points

Other varietal reds that impressed, including Merlots, Cab Francs, Petite Sirahs and Petit Verdot, included:
2009 Darms Lane Petit Verdot Bon Passe Vineyard - 92 points
2009 Robert Keenan Cabernet Franc Spring Mountain District - 92+ points
2008 Robert Keenan Merlot Napa - 92+ points
2009 Robert Keenan Merlot Reserve Mailbox Vineyard - 93 points
2008 Paloma Merlot - 92+ points
2009 Seavey Merlot - 93 points
2010 The Terraces Petite Sirah - 92+ points
2010 Turley Petite Sirah Hayne - 93+ points
2009 Vino Noceto Barbera Linsteadt - 92 points

Other red blends that impressed me were
2011 Field Recordings "Fiction" - 92 points
2010 Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas - 92+ points
2010 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel - 93 points

The only white this year that I rated 92 points or higher was Spring Mountain's exceptional, white Bordeaux-like 2009 Sauvignon Blanc (92+ points).

Flight 1 - Adastra (7 Notes)

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  • 2010 Adastra Chardonnay N'Oak 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; poached pear nose; poached pear palate with near medium acidity; medium finish

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  • 2010 Adastra Chardonnay 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; hazelnut, baked pear nose; hazelnut, baked pear palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points

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  • 2011 Adastra Syrah Optimism Rosé 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (9/9/2012)

    Light orange pink color; cranberry, tart lemon nose; cranberry, tart lemon palate; medium finish

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  • 2010 Adastra Pinot Noir 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark cherry red color; tart cherry, floral nose; rich, ripe cherry, raspberry, floral palate; medium-plus finish (mainly Swan clone)

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  • 2009 Adastra Pinot Noir Proximus 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (9/9/2012)

    Medium dark cherry red color; ripe cherry, vanilla nose; ripe cherry, vanilla palate; medium-plus finish (Pommmard, 777 and 115)

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  • 2009 Adastra Merlot 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; earthy, tobacco nose; earthy, tobacco palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2009 Adastra Ed's Red 87 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark red violet color; baked black fruit, berry nose; baked black fruit, berry palate; medium-plus finish (55% Dolcetto, 33% Zinfandel, 12% Syrah)

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Flight 2 - Anakota (1 Note)

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Flight 3 - Ancien (5 Notes)

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  • 2010 Ancien Chardonnay 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; tart pear, apple nose; tasty, tart pear, ripe apple palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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  • 2010 Ancien Pinot Noir Jouissance Russian River Valley 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark cherry red color; floral, tart cherry nose; tasty, tart cherry, floral palate with near medium acidity; medium-plus finish 91+ points

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  • 2010 Ancien Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Medium red color with pale meniscus; floral, earthy, cinnamon nose; ripe cherry, cinnamon palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2010 Ancien Pinot Noir Red Dog Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Mountain

    (9/9/2012)

    Medium cherry red color with pale meniscus; tart cherry, cranberry, cinnamon nose; tart cherry, cranberry, cinnamon palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2010 Ancien Pinot Noir Fiddlestix Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Sta. Rita Hills

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark cherry red color; intense, lifted, spicy tart cherry nose; spicy, tart cherry, raspberry palate with balance; medium-plus finish 92+ points

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Flight 4 - A-non-ah-mus (3 Notes)

Flight 5 - Black Sears (3 Notes)

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  • 2006 Black Sears Estate 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; appelaing, lifted, dried berry, black fruit nose, reminiscent of Nebbiolo; tasty, tart black fruit, dried berry palate; medium-plus finish (50/50 Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon)

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  • 2010 Black Sears Zinfandel Estate 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark red violet color; herbal, hibiscus, tart black fruit nose; youthful, characterful, tart black fruit, pepper, hibiscus palate; needs 2 years; medium-plus finish

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  • 2009 Black Sears Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; herbal, black tobacco nose; tasty, tart lum, floral, tart cherry palate; medium-plus finish (clones 337 & 191)

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Flight 6 - Cain (3 Notes)

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  • NV Cain Vineyard & Winery Cain Cuvée NV8 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark red violet color; tar, tart black fruit nose; tasty, tart black fruit, tobacco palate; medium-plus finish (48% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot)

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  • 2008 Cain Vineyard & Winery Cain Concept The Benchland 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; savory, tart black fruit, herbs nose; tasty, tart black fruit, herbs, tobacco palate with medium acidity; medium-plus finish

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  • 2007 Cain Vineyard & Winery Cain Five 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; herbs, tart black fruit, earthy nose; tasty, tart black fruit, herbs, mineral palate; medium-plus finish 92+ points (68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc)

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Flight 7 - Carol Shelton (5 Notes)

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Flight 8 - Cornerstone (4 Notes)

Flight 9 - Corté Riva (4 Notes)

  • 2007 Cortez 78 (Corte Riva) Firepit 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark ruby color; tart cherry, tart berry nose; tasty, poised, tart cherry, tart plum palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2007 Cortez 78 (Corte Riva) Petite Sirah 89 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Lake County

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; lifted, charcoal, tart black fruit nose; tasty, tart black fruit, lavender palate; medium-plus finish (98% Lake Co., 2% Napa Valley)

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  • 2007 Corté Riva Cabernet Franc 90 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Napa / Sonoma

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; roasted black fruit nose; roasted black fruit, chocolate palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2007 Corté Riva Merlot 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; aromatic, tart black fruit, herbs nose; tart black fruit, spice palate; medium-plus finish

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Flight 10 - Cowan Cellars (4 Notes)

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  • 2010 Cowan Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Isa 91 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Lake County

    (9/9/2012)

    Lightly cloudy light-medium yellow color; appealing, intense, tart green fruit, lime nose; oily textured, tart green fruit, mineral palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2010 Cowan Cellars Pinot Noir 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (9/9/2012)

    Light medium red color with pale meniscus; floral, sous bois nose; tart cranberry, sous bois, mineral palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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  • 2010 Cowan Cellars Pinot Noir 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Medium dark cherry red color; sous bois, earthy, tart cherry nose; tart cherry, sous bois, mineral palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2010 Cowan Cellars Syrah Moaveni Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Bennett Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Pre-release: Dark magenta color; nice, roasted black fruit, pepper nose; pepper, roasted black fruit palate; medium-plus finish

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Flight 11 - Culler (4 Notes)

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  • 2011 Casaeda Gewürztraminer 91 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino

    (9/9/2012)

    Very light yellow color; aromatic, old roses, floral nose; tasty, tart citrus, mineral, floral palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2010 Culler Syrah Casaeda 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (9/9/2012)

    Tart black fruit, light pepper nose; tart black fruit, roasted black fruit, savory palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2009 Culler Cabernet Sauvignon Casaeda 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark ruby color; tart black fruit, tobacco nose; tart black fruit, tobacco palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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  • 2009 Culler La Palette 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; tart currant, lightly herbaceous nose; tart currant, pencil lead, tart black fruit palate; needs 2 years; medium-plus finish 92+ points (92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot)

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Flight 12 - Darms Lane (4 Notes)

Flight 13 - De Tierra (5 Notes)

  • 2009 De Tierra Chardonnay Vindegard 86 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; tart pear, hazelnut nose; hazelnut, pear palate with lowish acidity; medium finish 86+ points

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  • 2009 De Tierra Chardonnay Reserve 90 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; hazelnut nose; hazelnut, pear palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2008 De Tierra Pinot Noir Silacci Vineyard 88 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark cherry red color; floral, baked cherry nose; baked cherry, berry palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points

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  • 2008 De Tierra Merlot Russell Estate 90 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark red violet color; rich, tart plum, cedar nose; tart plum, cedar, tobacco palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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  • 2007 De Tierra The Puzzler 86 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark red violet color; oak, roasted black fruit, smoke nose; oak, roasted black fruit, smoke palate; medium-plus finish (50/50 Syrah/Merlot)

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Flight 14 - Domaine Le Mieux (3 Notes)

Flight 15 - Dragonette (6 Notes)

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Flight 16 - Elizabeth Spencer (3 Notes)

Flight 17 - Field Recordings (6 Notes)

Flight 18 - Field Stone (4 Notes)

Flight 19 - Field Vineyards (2 Notes)

Flight 20 - FiftyRow (3 Notes)

  • 2009 Smoke Screen Pinot Noir 88 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Anderson Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Medium cherry red color with pale meniscus; cola, black cherry nose; cola, black cherry palate; medium finish 88+ points

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  • 2007 FiftyRow Syrah 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; baked black fruit, oak nose; baked black fruit, oak palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2008 FiftyRow Cabernet Sauvignon Morisoli Vineyard 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark purple red violet color; violets, tart berry, plum nose; violets, tart berry, plum palate; medium-plus finish (24 mos. in new French oak)

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Flight 21 - Frank Family (3 Notes)

Flight 22 - Freemark Abbey (2 Notes)

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  • 2009 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark maroon color; menthol, tart black currant nose; tasty, black currant, loam, menthol palate; medium-plus finish (with 12% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc)

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  • 2005 Freemark Abbey Cabernet Bosché 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Rutherford

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; tart black currant, leaf tobacco nose; tart black currant, leaf tobacco palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points

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Flight 23 - Galerie (1 Note)

  • 2011 Galerie Sauvignon Blanc Naissance 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; smoke, lemon grass nose; tasty, smoke, lemon grass, mineral palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (50/50 stainless steel and neutral oak; clones 1, 317 and 376)

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Flight 24 - Guarachi (3 Notes)

  • 2010 Guarachi Chardonnay 88 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; tart pear, floral, almond nose; tart pear, floral, almond palate; medium finish 88+ points (11 mos in new French oak, 50% new)

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  • 2010 Guarachi Pinot Noir 89 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark cherry red color; lifted, ripe cherry, oak nose; tart cherry, tart raspberry palate; medium finish

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  • 2008 Guarachi Cabernet Sauvignon 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; brett, cinnamon, tart red fruit nose; brett, cinnamon, tart red fruit palate; medium-plus finish

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Flight 25 - Idle Hour (3 Notes)

Flight 26 - J. Rickards (4 Notes)

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Flight 27 - Jones Family (3 Notes)

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Flight 28 - Justin (4 Notes)

Flight 29 - Kathryn Kennedy (1 Note)

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  • 2009 Kathryn Kennedy Lateral 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; cedar, tart plum nose; cedar, tart plum, tobacco palate with medium acidity; medium-plus finish 91+ points (45% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 14% Malbec, 7% Pinot Noir; Kathryn Kennedy is spinning this off as a separate label)

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Flight 30 - Keenan (5 Notes)

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Flight 31 - La Jota (3 Notes)

  • 2009 La Jota Merlot 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark purple red violet color; ripe plum, berry nose; tasty, ripe black fruit, berry palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points

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  • 2009 La Jota Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain

    (9/10/2012)

    Opaque red violet color; tart black fruit, menthol nose; tasty, tart black fruit, menthol palate; medium-plus finish (w/12/% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot)

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  • 2009 Mt. Brave Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Mt. Veeder

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark purple red violet color; appealing, black currant nose; tight, ripe black currant, blackberry palate; needs 2-3 years; medium-plus finish (w/5% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc)

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Flight 32 - Ladera (4 Notes)

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Flight 33 - Lamborn Family (2 Notes)

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Flight 34 - Larry Hyde & Sons (4 Notes)

Flight 35 - Lavender Blue (4 Notes)

Flight 36 - Mario Bazan (2 Notes)

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Flight 37 - Mario Perelli-Minetti (3 Notes)

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Flight 38 - Maroon (3 Notes)

Flight 39 - Mauritson (4 Notes)

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Flight 40 - Merryvale (4 Notes)

  • 2010 Merryvale Chardonnay 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; lifted, pear, white jasmine nose; ripe pear, white jasmine, peach palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (43% new French oak)

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  • 2010 Merryvale Pinot Noir Carneros 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    (9/10/2012)

    Medium dark cherry red color; lifted, ripe cherry, raspberry nose; ripe cherry, raspberry palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2008 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark ruby color; ripe cassis, black currant, light menthol nose; tasty, cassis, black currant, menthol palate; medium-plus finish (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 5% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc)

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  • 2009 Merryvale Profile 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; appealing, ripe black currant, cassis nose; tasty, cassis, black currant, menthol palate; medium-plus finish (87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc; 14.8% alcohol)

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Flight 41 - Mitchell Katz (4 Notes)

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Flight 42 - Montage (4 Notes)

Flight 43 - Naumann (2 Notes)

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  • 2009 Naumann Vineyards Tre Roso 90 Points

    USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; appealing, ripe plum, berry, black fruit nose; ripe plum, berry, black fruit palate; medium-plus finish (60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc)

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  • 2010 Naumann Vineyards Chardonnay Ashley Hills 86 Points

    USA, California, Santa Cruz Mountains

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; ripe pineapple, pear nose; ripe pineapple, pear palate; medium finish 86+ points

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Flight 44 - Paloma (1 Note)

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  • 2008 Paloma Merlot 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark ruby color; tart plum, black fruit, baked plum nose; tasty, poised, tart black fruit, tart plum palate; will go 15 years; medium-plus finish 92+ points (w/15% Cabernet Sauvignon)

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Flight 45 - Patel (3 Notes)

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  • 2009 Patel Proprietary Red 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark maroon color; appealing, black currant, French oak nose; plush, black currant palate; medium-plus finish (70% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Malbec)

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  • 2009 Patel Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; ripe black currant, berry, vanilla nose; ripe black currant, berry, vanilla palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2010 Patel Proprietary Red 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark red violet color; herbs, black currant nose; tasty, herbs, black currant palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (68% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, with Malbec and Petit Verdot)

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Flight 46 - Peter Paul (7 Notes)

Flight 47 - Petroni (4 Notes)

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  • 2010 Petroni Sauvignon Blanc 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Moon Mountain District

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; tart grapefruit, lemon grass nose; ripe grapefruit, lemon grass palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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  • 2011 Petroni Sauvignon Blanc 91 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Moon Mountain District

    (9/10/2012)

    Very light yellow color; lemon grass, smoke nose; tasty, lemon grass, smoke, mineral palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2007 Petroni Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Moon Mountain District

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; loam, tart black currant nose; loam, tart black currant palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (15.5% alcohol)

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  • 2005 Petroni Sangiovese Poggio Alla Pietra 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Moon Mountain District

    (9/10/2012)

    Bricking dark red violet color; aromatic, dried berry, chocolate, baked plum nose; dried berry, chocolate, baked plum palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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Flight 48 - Pietra Santa (3 Notes)

Flight 49 - Pride (4 Notes)

  • 2010 Pride Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; oak, nutty, almond nose; tasty, tart pear, almond palate with near medium acidity; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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  • 2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Syrah 90 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark red violet color; tart plum, lightly herbaceous nose; tart plum, black fruit palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 91 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Napa / Sonoma

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark red violet color; ripe black fruit, chocolate nose; ripe black fruit, chocolate palate; medium-plus finish (w/9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Petit Verdot and .5% Cabernet Franc)

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  • 2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Napa / Sonoma

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; tart black currant, menthol nose; tart black currant, menthol palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points (w/11% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot)

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Flight 50 - R & B Cellars (3 Notes)

  • NV R&B Cellars The Improviser 86 Points

    USA, California

    (9/10/2012)

    Medium dark red violet color redolent, tart red fruit, char nose; tart red fruit, tart black fruit palate; medium-plus finish (62% Lake Co. Zinfandel, 28% Contra Costa Mourvedre, 4% Contra Costa Barbera, 4% Napa Petite Sirah, 1% Napa Cabernet Franc, 1% Napa Merlot)

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  • 2009 R&B Cellars Zinfandel Zydeco 86 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Medium dark red violet color; baked black fruit, oak nose; baked black fruit, oak palate; medium-plus finish 86+ points

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  • 2006 R&B Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Lyric of the Vine Reserve 87 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark red violet color; baked black fruit, oak nose; bake black fruit, oak palate; medium-plus finish

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Flight 51 - Robert Biale (1 Note)

Flight 52 - Rua (1 Note)

  • 2009 Rua 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Opaque red violet color aromatic, tart berry, black fruit, menthol nose; tasty, tart black fruit, menthol, tart berry palate; medium-plus finish (Merlot & Cab Franc, co-fermented; 2/3s to 1/3)

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Flight 53 - Saxon-Brown (5 Notes)

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Flight 54 - Seavey (3 Notes)

  • 2009 Seavey Vineyard Merlot 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; appealing, tart black fruit, herbs, tobacco nose; tart black fruit, espresso palate; approachable now; medium-plus finish (w/10% Cabernet Sauvignon; 50% new French oak)

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  • 2009 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Caravina 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; tart black fruit, espresso nose; tasty, rich black fruit, espresso palate; medium-plus finish 93+ points

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  • 2008 Seavey Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; appealing, redolent, tart plum, roasted black fruit nose; tasty, rich but poised, tart black fruit, tart blackberry, tar palate; medium-plus finish 93+ points (w/10% Petit Verdot)

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Flight 55 - Sempre Vive (2 Notes)

  • 2008 Sempre Vive Cabernet Sauvignon 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark red violet color; ripe black currant nose; tart blackberry, ripe black currant palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2008 Sempre Vive Petit Verdot 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark red violet color; tart black currant, deep black fruit nose; tart black currant, deep black fruit palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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Flight 56 - Smith-Anderson (2 Notes)

  • 2009 Havens Wine Cellars Chardonnay 85 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; apricot, peach nose; apricot, peach palate; medium finish

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  • 2007 Stonehedge The Nobel Red 88 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark red violet color; lifted, ripe red fruit, apricot, cherry nose; ripe red fruit, apricot, cherry palate; medium-plus finish (1/3 each Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot)

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Flight 57 - Smith Madrone (3 Notes)

  • 2011 Smith-Madrone Riesling 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; ripe lime, green melon nose; ripe lime, green melon palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2009 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; hazelnut, tart pear nose; hazelnut, tart pear, apple palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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  • 2006 Smith-Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon Spring Mountain District 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/10/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; menthol, tart currant, bay leaf nose; menthol, tart currant palate; medium-plus finish (w/ 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Merlot)

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Flight 58 - Sojourn (3 Notes)

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Flight 59 - Spann (3 Notes)

Flight 60 - Spring Mountain (5 Notes)

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  • 2009 Spring Mountain Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; appealing, oily, tart citrus, tart peach nose; rich, oily textured, tart citrus, mineral palate, very Graves-like; medium-plus finish 92+ points (w/18% Semillon)

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  • 2008 Spring Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; appealing, tart berry, black fruit, French oak nose; very tasty, black fruit, tart berry palate; medium-plus finish (78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 7% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot)

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  • 2007 Spring Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; redolent, tobacco, herbs nose; youthful, tasty, tart black fruit, tobacco, herbs pala;te medium-plus finish 92+ points (w/3% Cabernet Franc)

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  • 2007 Spring Mountain Vineyard Elivette 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; tart plum, herbs, tobacco nose; tight, tart black fruit, black tobacco palate; needs 4 years; medium-plus finish 93+ points

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  • 2008 Spring Mountain Vineyard Elivette 94 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; tart black fruit, dark chocolate nose; tasty, tart black fruit, dark chocolate palate; needs 4 years; long finish

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Flight 61 - Tablas Creek (3 Notes)

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  • 2010 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc 91 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; ripe pear nose; ripe pear, mineral, tart peach palate; medium-plus finish 91+ points (60% Roussanne, 35% Grenache Blanc, 5% Picpoul)

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  • 2010 Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas 92 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark cherry red color; tart berry, anise, garrigue nose; tasty, tart berry, garrigue, mineral, anise palate; medium-plus finish 92+ points

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  • 2010 Tablas Creek Esprit de Beaucastel 93 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    (9/10/2012)

    Pre-release (mid-Oct. 2012 release) - dark red violet color; tart cherry, tart berry, garrigue, anise nose; tasty, tart berry, beetroot, anise, garrigue, mineral palate; medium-plus finish

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Flight 62 - Tayson Pierce (3 Notes)

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Flight 63 - The Terraces (6 Notes)

  • 2010 The Terraces Riesling 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; aromatic, tart peach, baked pear nose; oily textured, tart peach, poached pear palate with minerality; medium-plus finish (no malo)

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  • 2011 The Terraces Chenin Blanc 88 Points

    USA, California, Central Valley, Clarksburg

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; pear, tart green apple nose; spicy pear, green apple palate; medium-plus finish 88+ points

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  • 2009 The Terraces Zinfandel 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark red violet color; tart berry, spicy plum nose; tasty, tart berry, spicy plum palate; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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  • 2008 The Terraces Cabernet Sauvignon 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Opaque purple red violet color; tart black fruit, charcoal, graphite nose; tasty, tight, tart black fruit, charcoal palate; needs 3 years; medium-plus finish 91+ point

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  • 2011 The Terraces Chardonnay 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; tart pear, tart apple nose; tasty, tart pear, tart apple palate with medium acidity; medium-plus finish 90+ points

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  • 2010 The Terraces Petite Sirah 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Opaque black red violet color; appealing, rich, tart black fruit, savory, light herb nose; tasty, chewy, tart black fruit, savory, dried herbs palate; long finish 92+ points

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Flight 64 - Trombetta Family (1 Note)

Flight 65 - Turley (2 Notes)

  • 2010 Turley Zinfandel Pesenti Vineyard 94 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark ruby color; aromatic, ripe berry, black cherry nose; tasty, tangy, tart black cherry, tart berry, graphite, mineral palate with medium acidity; medium-plus finish (vineyard planted in 1920)

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  • 2010 Turley Petite Syrah Hayne Vineyard 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark purple red violet color; rich, ripe black fruit, chocolate, chocolate cake nose; rich, creamy textured, tart black fruit, tart berry, black plum palate; medium-plus finish 93+ points

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Flight 66 - Veedercrest (5 Notes)

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Flight 67 - Vena (2 Notes)

  • 2010 Vena Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 88 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Light yellow color; oily, ripe gooseberry nose; oily textured, ripe gooseberry palate; medium-plus finish (85% stainless steel)

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  • 2010 Vena Vineyards Merlot 87 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County, Knights Valley

    (9/10/2012)

    Dark red violet color; redolent, ripe plum, red berry nose; ripe plum, red berry palaet; medium finish (15 mos in oak)

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Flight 68 - Vino Noceto (7 Notes)

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  • 2011 Vino Noceto Pinot Grigio 90 Points

    USA, California, Central Valley, Clarksburg

    (9/9/2012)

    Pale pink yellow color; ripe apple, light peach nose; juicy, tart peach, palate; medium finish

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  • 2011 Vino Noceto Moscato Blanco Frivolo 89 Points

    USA, California, Sierra Foothills, California Shenandoah Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Pale yellow color; ripe peach, fruit salad nose; rich, sweet, peach, fruit salad palate with some acidity; medium-plus finish

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  • 2009 Vino Noceto Sangiovese 89 Points

    USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County

    (9/9/2012)

    Medium dark cherry red color; tart red fruit, red berry nose; tart red fruit red berry palate with good acidity; medium-plus finish

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  • 2008 Vino Noceto Sangiovese Riserva 90 Points

    USA, California, Sierra Foothills, California Shenandoah Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Medium dark red color; tart red fruit dried red fruit nose; tasty, very tart red fruit palate with medium acidity; medium-plus finish

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  • 2009 Vino Noceto Sangiovese Dos Oakies 91 Points

    USA, California, Sierra Foothills, California Shenandoah Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark red color; tart red fruit, cranberry nose; tasty, tart red fruit, cranberry, cherry palate with medium acidity; medium-plus finish (Brunello clone)

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  • 2009 Vino Noceto Barbera Linsteadt 92 Points

    USA, California, Sierra Foothills, California Shenandoah Valley

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark cherry red color; appealing, tart cherry, red fruit, oak spice nose; tasty, ripe cherry, tart cherry, red berry, raspberry palate; medium-plus finish (probably the best California Barbera I've tasted)

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  • 2009 Vino Noceto Zinfandel OGP Grandpère Vineyard 92 Points

    USA, California, Sierra Foothills, Amador County

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark cherry red color; baked berry, plum, maple syrup nose; tasty, tart plum, baked berry, tart black fruit palate; needs 2-3 years; medium-plus finish 92+ points

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Flight 69 - Wait (3 Notes)

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Flight 70 - Wallis Family (2 Notes)

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  • 2010 Wallis Family Estate Little Sister 92 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark ruby color; tart black fruit, herbs, savory nose tasty, tart black fruit, coffee, herbs palate; medium-plus finish 92+ points (w/ 2.5% Petit Verdot; decent value at $45 SRP)

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  • 2010 Wallis Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 93 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley, Diamond Mountain

    (9/9/2012)

    Very dark ruby color; roasted fruit, tart black fruit, espresso, herbs nose; roasted black fruit, espresso, herbs palate; needs 3 years; medium-plus finish

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Flight 71 - Yeilding (5 Notes)

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  • 2010 Yeilding Wine Pinot Noir Alder Springs Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County

    (9/9/2012)

    Medium red color with pale meniscus; forest floor, earthy nose; tasty, earthy, forest floor, mineral palate with medium acidity; medium-plus finish

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  • 2008 Yeilding Wine Bell Springs Cuvée 87 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark ruby color; smoky, tar, dried black fruit nose; smoky, tar, dried black fruit palate; medium-plus finish 87+ points (35% Cabernet Franc, 30% CAbernet Sauvignon, 25% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot)

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  • 2008 Yeilding Wine Syrah Alder Springs Vineyard 91 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark ruby color; aromatic, tart black fruit, herbs, light pepper nose; tart black fruit, herbs, light pepper palate; medium-plus finish

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  • 2009 Yeilding Wine Chardonnay 86 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino

    (9/9/2012)

    Light yellow color; tart pineapple, ripe pear nose; tart pineapple, ripe pear palate; medium finish (50% stainless steel, 50% oak, 50% malo)

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  • 2009 Yeilding Wine Pinot Noir Late Harvest 87 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino

    (9/9/2012)

    Dark red color; black cherry nose; sweet, black cherry palate; medium-plus finish

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