Wines
of the Week:
Super Sips from California
Whether
you have fallen for the varieties of Bordeaux, can't get enough
of Cali-Rhone, or love trying unique blends, our wines of the
week have got you covered. Hailing from boutique wineries in
Paso Robles and San Francisco, they all offer a wonderful expression
of fruit that only California wines can.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Le
Vigne 2012 Nikiara Red Wine
Winery:
Le Vigne
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon 52%, Cabernet
Franc 29%, Malbec 9%, Merlot 5%, & Petit Verdot 5%
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
A bouquet of blackberries, cherries, vanilla, and sweet
spice greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of
boysenberry, blackberry, and cherry, alongside accents
of cola and orange spice tea. An elegant wine with plush
tannins, open a bottle the next time you make meatloaf.
450 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
|
Law
Estate 2012 "Beyond Category" Red Blend
Winery:
Law Estate
Grape(s): 44% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 18%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Mourvèdre, & 9% Petite
Sirah
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 65-70
Review:
Aromas of plums, cherries, and blackberries combine with
traces of herbs, lavender, and dark chocolate on the nose.
A sip reveals flavors of black cherry, plum, and cassis
that unfold into floral, mineral, and cocoa hints. A rich,
layered wine with supple tannins, it would pair nicely
with a tender brisket.
Rating: 90 |
|
Law
Estate 2012 "Intrepid" Red Blend
Winery:
Law Estate
Grape(s): 95% Syrah & 5% Grenache
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 65-70
Review:
Fragrances of blackberries, blueberries, currants, and
barrel spice rise up from a glass. The palate offers flavors
of boysenberry, blueberry, and currant as well as whispers
of minerals and spicy oak. Ample dark fruit and minerally
highlights make this wine well suited to enjoy with lamb.
Rating: 88 |
|
Vie
2012 "L'Imaginaire" Grenache
Winery:
Vie
Grape(s): 100% Grenache
Region: Santa Barbara County, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromatics of blackberries, boysenberries, and plums mingle
with hints of spice, cedar, and rose petals on the nose.
Flavors of bramble fruit, black cherry, and plum combine
with suggestions of pepper, smoke, and minerals on the
palate. Dark fruit and silky tannins make this wine a
fine match for your favorite gourmet pizza. 100 cases
were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Vie
2012 "Les Amours" Syrah
Winery:
Vie
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Santa Barbara County, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Notes of blueberries, plums, smoked meat, and spice can
be discovered on the nose. The palate showcases flavors
of blueberry, blackberry, and plum that flow into notes
of smoky spice, game, and floral earth. A hearty red with
welcoming tannins, open a bottle with lamb chops. Only
75 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
See
more at: (click
here)
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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