Beauregard
Vineyards 2006 Trout Gulch Vineyard Pinot Noir /
Ben Lomond Mt.
Grown
in the sub-AVA of Ben Lomond Mt., the Pinot shows superb
color in a glass. Swirl and take in the rich aromas
of damp earth, ripe cherry, and raspberry, as well as
sweet hints of vanilla, clove, and cola. A sip brings
a rush of red berry flavor and creamy, toasty vanilla
that move into notes of truffles, spice, and a kiss
of minerals. A very nice wine that paired well with
grilled chicken seasoned with thyme.
Score:
92
|
Black
Ridge Vineyards 2006 Viognier / Santa Cruz Mountains
Bill
Brosseau's first effort as winemaker, this Viognier
presents with a vibrant burnt-golden hue. Aged in a
combination of French oak and stainless steel, a freshly
swirled glass releases a full bouquet of honeysuckle,
melon, peach, and vanilla. With a sip, this crisp, light
wine delivers flavors of ripe pear, creamy vanilla,
tart critus fruit, and a touch of orange blossom. A
fresh zip of acidity brings the wine to a bold, refreshing
finish. It is quite suitable for an warm evening on
the back porch.
Score:
83
|
Black
Ridge Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon / Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from entirely estate fruit, this Cabernet Sauvignon was
accented with a touch of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, then
aged in French oak for 20 months. In a glass, this ruby-violet
wine opens up with rich cherry aromas, followed by deeper
notes of rose petal, tar, and earth. On the palate, flavors
of blackberry, cherry, truffles, and hints of spice unfold
with each slow sip. A soft wine with light tannins makes
for great drinkability. Try it with a plank steak with
onions and cumin seeds.
Score: 84 |
Black
Ridge Vineyards 2006 San Andreas Red / Santa Cruz Mountains
This
blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Cabernet
Franc, and 1% Petit†Verdot presents with a lovely
deep red-purple hue. Swirling unfurls rich cherry, blackberry,
and raspberry aromas, along with softer hints of oak and
pepper. Firm tannins provide a solid backbone as the same
berry flavor envelopes the palate. Touches of vanilla,
coffee, and black pepper round out the profile. Drink
it now with a dry aged rib eye steak baked in rosemary
salt or cellar it for later. Either way, it promises not
to disappoint.
Score: 89 |
Black
Ridge Vineyards 2006 Cabernet Franc / Santa Cruz Mountains
Bottled
exclusively for members of the Black Ridge Circle Wine
Club, there were only 61 cases of this wine produced.
Produced from estate grown fruit, the wine is rich and
well-structured with ample tannins. Flavors of ripe cherry
and black currants flow into notes of earth, roasted coffee,
and black olive. This is a fine example of the varietal
for the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Score: 85
|
Bonny
Doon Vineyard 2005 Le Cigare Volant / California
Here
we have a lovely, layered old world blend of 50% grenache,
24% mourvËdre, 22% syrah, 3% carignan, 1% cinsault.
Swirl a glass and indulge in the effervescent herbal and
floral aromas, with highlights of cherry and bacon. A sip
brings back the red berries and flows into notes of lavender,
chocolate, cinnamon, truffles, and a touch a cigar. The
finish is smooth, yet bright with the lingering essence
of minerals. Cook up some lamb chops seasoned with dill,
or spoil your taste buds by pairing it with a Chef Pascal
truffle from Vosges Chocolates, a superb blend of Kirsch,
dark chocolate, and dried Michigan cherry.
Score:
90
|
Bonny
Doon Vineyard 2007 Le Cigare Blanc / Arroyo Seco
In
keeping with the great tradition of blended wines of Ch‚teauneuf-du-Pape,
Le Cigar Blanc is a blend of 64% Roussanne and 36% Grenache
Blanc. Swirling a glass releases a rush of fresh mineral
aromas complimented by hints of apple and pear. The wineís
fresh acidity carries crisp flavors of pear, apple, and
peach with the pronounced mineral accents to a dry, hot
finish. Anything from fresh seafood to a basic roast chicken
would make great accompaniment for this wine.
Score:
86
|
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Teacher's Pet" Chardonnay
/
Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from their estate vineyard located at over 1500 feet in
the Santa Cruz Mountains, this lively Chardonnay shows nice
flavor development, as well as a crisp, refreshing acidity.
When sipped slowly, the wine unfurls with layers of flavor,
opening with ripe red apple, apricot, and toasty oak, then
flowing into enriched hints of citrus, caramel, and nut.
A lovely, bright wine that deserves the company of lime
and ginger grilled prawns with cilantro-garlic butter. Enjoy
a bottle now or cellar it for 3-5 years and see what treat
awaits.
Score:
88
|
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Principal's Choice"
Pinot Noir /
Santa Cruz Mountains
Bringing
together four different French clones and aging in French
oak for 18 months have produced a very nice wine. A very
bright Pinot, with excellent structure, swirling a glass
releases delectable aromas of plum, strawberry, raspberry,
and cola along with gamy notes. The palate is rich with
red fruit flavors, with hints of rose petal, sweet spice,
and chocolate adding a nice depth. Only 720 cases were
produced, so get a bottle or a case before they sell out.
Score:
90
|
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Extra Credit" Cabernet
Franc /
Santa Cruz Mountains
Grown
on the Estate Pichon Vineyard and aged in American oak
for 18 months, this is the wineryís vintage of
Cabernet Franc. And fittingly, it is quite charming. An
alluring nose of boysenberry, raspberry, sweet tobacco,
and cedar-spice, along with subtle floral notes rise from
a freshly swirled glass. When sipped, red berry flavors
pack the palate, with deeper accents of earth and sweet
spice flowing into a lovely, lingering finish. Only 480
cases were produced, so get a bottle while you can.
Score:
89
|
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Honor Roll" Merlot / Santa
Cruz Mountains
Estate
grown fruit was aged in French oak for 24 months for this
vintage. The resulting wine is big with bold, deep flavors.
Allowed to unwrap in a glass, fruit layers of black cherry
and plum flow into floral notes, with subtle hints of cocoa
as well as vanilla rounding out the palate. Full flavored
and well structured, this wine would stand up nicely to
a cumin crusted lamb loin. 575 cases were produced.
Score:
87 |
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Detention" Zinfandel
/ Amador County
The
historic Ryan Oaks Vineyard in Amador County provided
the fruit for this Zinfandel. From its bold ruby-purple
hue, aromas of plum, baked currants, cherry, and smoky
tobacco rise up. A sip carries zesty dark fruit flavors,
with accents of cinnamon and black licorice drifting across
the palate. A robust wine, pair it with grilled baby back
ribs with green onion, chiles, and lime and enjoy.
Score:
83
|
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 Estate Pichon Syrah /
Santa Cruz Mountains
Located
at 1,200 to 1,800 feet in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the
Pichon Vineyard has a history that dates back to the 1800ís.
This current offering of Syrah presents with an attractive,
soft garnet hue. Done in an elegant French style, the bouquet
opens up with ripe red berries. Notes of hickory bacon,
leather, white pepper, and licorice follow. Pair it with
pan-fried chicken breast in a red-wine and applewood-bacon
sauce and enjoy with some good friends.
Score:
89 |
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Dean's List" Cabernet
Sauvignon /
Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from fruit grown on the Pichon and Luchessi vineyards,
this blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and
5% Cabernet Franc was aged in French oak for 24 months.
The resulting wine unfolds with rich fruit flavors of
cherry, plum, and blackberry. Vibrant herbal notes, black
pepper, licorice, and smoky leather add a very nice depth.
Supple tannins and good structure promise this wine will
age quite nicely, so enjoy a bottle now, but save another
for the cellar.
Score:
85
|
Burrell
School Vineyards 2005 “Schoolyard" Petite Sirah
/ Santa Cruz Mountains
This
is the first time Burrell School has released a Petite Sirah,
so only 61 cases were produced. Aged in American oak, the
wine presents with an elegant, deep purple color. The nose
is full of dark berries, vanilla, and bacon. A sip, and
the dark berries return alongside black plums, with complicating
gamier notes and a touch of white pepper. Try it with a
Venison Loin with tangerine, black pepper and cranberry
compote.
Score:
n/a |
Byington
Winery 2006 Viognier / California
Not
a grape commonly bottled on its own in California, this
offering was aged in French oak to bring out its soft, revitalizing
palate. From its pale, straw-colored hue rise up vibrant
aromas of honeysuckle, orange-blossoms, and vanilla. When
sipped, its crisp acidity carries bold tropical fruit and
subtle floral notes across the palate. Serve this wine with
a carrot, orange, and tarragon soup and enjoy. 146 cases
were produced.
Score:
82 |
Byington
Winery 2006 Chardonnay / Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from the Redwood Hill Vineyard, the fruit was aged in
French oak prior to bottling. Swirl the glass and enjoy
the rich aromas of creamy oak and tropical fruit that
rise up. With a sip, smooth flavors of apple, pear, apricot,
and vanilla drift over the palate. Full-bodied with a
slightly creamy mouthfeel, this wine would pair well with
braised shrimp pasta in a creamy sauce.
Score: 83
|
Byington
Winery 2005 Alliage / Paso Robles
This
Bordeaux style blend combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
and Cabernet Franc from six different vineyards. Aged for
18 months in French and American oak, the wine has a rich
bouquet of sweet cherries, cedar, raspberry, and oak, with
hints of licorice and spice. Supple tannins and a nice acidity
make this wine quite drinkable with great potential for
aging. Open a bottle now with a thick New York steak and
keep one in the cellar for 5 to 10 years from now.
Score:
86 |
Byington
Winery 2004 Bates Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon /
Santa Cruz Mountains
Here
we have a fine example of a Santa Cruz Mountain Cabernet.
Swirl and sip to discover the rich layers of flavors,
with black currants, truffles, earth, lavender, cherry,
and chocolate all mingling together. A concentrated, bold
wine now, it also has the structure to age for up to 10
years. 500 cases were produced to get a bottle to try
now and another to save for the cellar.
Score: 85
|
Byington
Winery 2005 Reichel Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon /
Alexander Valley
Located
2000 feet above the Sonoma Valley in Geyserville, Byington
has been producing Cabernets from the fruit since the beginning
of the winery. After 20 months of barrel aging and no filtering,
the resulting wine is concentrated with supple tannins.
Allowed to open in a glass, deep flavors of cherry and blackberry
mingle with notes of lavender, cocoa, spice, and cedar.
Laid down properly, this is a wine that could age quite
nicely.
Score:
83 |
Byington
Winery 2005 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon / Paso Robles
Made
from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon fruit, with only seven barrels
chosen for the final blend, this is a bold, yet nicely
balanced wine. Aged in new oak, the wine opens nicely
in a glass, revealing ripe fruit flavors of blackberry
and boysenberry that wrap around soft notes of vanilla
and bright highlights of spice. With a full-body and supple
tannins, there is great promise for aging. Grill up a
couple of peppercorn seasoned steaks and uncork a bottle
or two.
Score: 85 |
Ca
Del Solo Estate Vineyard |
Ca
Del Solo Estate Vineyard 2008 Muscat / Monterey County
Seeking
to express the terroir of Monterey County, the winemaking
philosophy for the Caí Del Solo Vineyard is a ìhands
offî approach. The resulting wine has a vivid, fresh
bouquet dominated by honeysuckle and orange blossoms, with
more subtle notes of citrus fruits, sweet spice, and a touch
of must. Brighter and more acidic than most Muscats, flavors
of peach, apricot, and tangerine mingle with lively floral
notes on the palate. Pair a bottle with a fresh, homemade
apricot torte and indulge.
Score:
88
|
Ca
Del Solo Estate Vineyard 2008 Albarino / Monterey County
As
one of the rarer varietals in the world, it was rarely
seen outside the northwest Iberian Peninsula until 1989.
Crisp and fresh, the nose carries fresh fruit aromas of
lemon and grapefruit. Herbaceous notes and hints of exotic
spice round out the bouquet. When sipped slowly, refreshing
citrus flavors flow into subtle floral notes that come
to a very dry, punchy finish. Proscuitto or your favorite
shellfish are excellent parings for this wine. If you
love dry whites, give this a try.
Score: 86 |
Cinnabar
Vineyards & Winery |
Cinnabar
2006 Chardonnay / Santa Cruz Mountains
Temperatures
varied during the 2006 growing season, but overall the year
was long and dry with the fruit maturing at a leisurely
pace. Rich, creamy vanilla, butterscotch, oak, apple, and
peach aromas encompass a layered bouquet. When sipped slowly,
apple, pear, vanilla, banana, and a dash of sweet spice
drift over the palate. Smooth, with just the right zip of
acidity, this wine is highly drinkable. A chicken Caesar
salad would be a very nice pairing for this wine. Open a
bottle now, or give it a few years to develop.
Score:
89
|
Cinnabar
2006 Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
The
Santa Cruz Mountains are known for producing first-class
Pinot Noirs, and this bottle does not disappoint. From its
deep purple hue, fragrances of black cherry, dark plum,
a touch of lavender, and spice rise up. When sipped, a very
warm palate delivers ripe dark fruit flavors with nuances
of truffle oil, cloves, and minerals. Matched with a roast
pork tenderloin in a blackberry sauce, the wine promises
not to disappoint. Only 400 cases were produced, so get
a bottle while you can.
Score:
90 |
Cinnabar
2004 Limited Production Petite Verdot / Lodi
Hailing
from the banks of the Mokelumne River, this wine spent 30
months in American oak before bottling. Thus, only 250 cases
were produced. Swirling a glass opens up layers of aromas
with blackberry and baked currants flowing into jammy plum,
truffles, coffee, and licorice. Rich black fruits dominate
the palate, unfolding into deeper notes of coffee, tar,
and truffles. A nice, well-balanced wine that is great for
food. Roast beef anyone?
Score:
90 |
Clos
LaChance 2006 Chardonnay / Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from ten select vineyards and aged in oak for ten months,
the resulting wine presents with a lovely, soft straw color.
A classic Chardonnay nose of peach, granny-smith apple,
pear, and creamy oak rises from a freshly swirled glass.
The palate recreates the nose with the same fruit flavors
touched by hints of sweet spice, vanilla, and oak. Open
a bottle and sit down to enjoy some honey roasted walnut
prawns.
Score:
87 |
Clos
LaChance 2007 Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
Swirl
a glass and the lively floral nose of rose, geranium, and
lavender can transport you to a warm spring day. The palate
has a nice depth with herbaceous notes flowing into flavors
of plum, brown sugar, coffee, and hints of spice. Open a
bottle and unwrap a Calindia Bar from Vosges Chocolates.
The flavors of cardamom, eucalyptus, and citrus fruits,
along with the robust finish of Venezuelan dark chocolate,
blend splendidly with the wine.
Score: 88 |
*Colores
Del Sol Vineyards |
Colores
Del Sol 2008 Malbec Reserva / Mendoza, Argentina
Made
from 100 percent Malbec grown in the high elevation Lujan
de Cuyo area of Mendoza, winemaker Matt Parish has produced
a rich, flavorful wine. Swirling a glass unfurls a layered
nose of ripe dark fruit, earth, licorice, and burnt spice.
Smooth and not overly tannic, the palate is ripe with blackberry,
cherry, and blueberry notes with subtle hints of oak, dark
chocolate, and floral nuances that lead into a bright fruit
driven finish. This is a wine made for red meat, and itís
a good value in the $12 range. Score:
88 |
Domenico
2006 Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
With
fruit sourced from two different Santa Cruz Mountains vineyards,
the wine strikes a nice balance with ripe fruit flavors
playing off a pleasant acidity. Red berry aromas dominate
the nose, with notes of smoke and cola in deeper pockets.
On the palate, vibrant flavors of cherry and strawberry
flow into notes of truffles and earth that mingle together
on the lingering finish. This wine would pair nicely with
variety of dishes ñ from salmon to lamb to a white
chocolate dessert.
Score:
87
|
Domenico
2004 California Port / Amador Valley
A
blend of 50% Souz„ o, 50% Tinta C„o varietals,
this port spend 18 months aging in barrels. In a freshly
swirled glass, aromas of black current, cherry, and creamy
chocolate envelope the senses. Once sipped, the black cherry
and currents return unfolding into deeper notes of toffee,
dark chocolate, and prunes. A lush, smooth port with a touch
of acidity, it is well-suited as a relaxing after dinner
drink.
Score:
84
|
Domenico
2006 Orange Muscat / Amador Valley
Fermented
slowly at cool temperatures, this a smooth, markedly sweet
dessert wine. From its soft golden hue, a bouquet of orange
blossom, cinnamon, clove, and hazelnut unfolds when a glass
is swirled and sipped. Enjoy this wine on its own, with
your favorite fresh fruit torte, or a coconut-cream pie.
Only 265 half-bottle cases were produced, so try one before
they run out.
Score: 84 |
Downhill
Winery 2006 “Alessia" Barbera / Amador County
Focusing
on small batches and attention to detail winemaker Frank
Ashton has produced a wine with an intoxicating, bright
nose. Itís perfumed with bright floral and mineral
notes, alongside zesty cherry and hints of provolone cheese.
The mouth-filling flavors of raspberry, cherry, bold spices,
and herbaceous notes make this an excellent food wine. Enjoy
it with a mushroom risotto or a proscuitto appetizer.
Score:
90
|
Fleming
Jenkins Vineyard & Winery |
Fleming
Jenkins 2007 Chardonnay / Santa Cruz Mountains
The
fruit for this wine was grown on a sloping one-acre vineyard
in the foothills, 1,400 feet above the city of Los Gatos
where temperatures range from the mid-fifties to nearly
one-hundred degrees. The resulting wine is crisp, yet rich,
as fresh peach, apple, and creamy oak highlight the bouquet.
A sip, and vanilla, tropical fruit, ripe melon, as well
as notes of oak, drift over the palate. Enjoy this wine
on its own or pair it alongside your favorite cut of fish
in a creamy lemon and herb sauce.
Score:
89
|
Fleming
Jenkins 2006 Madden Ranch Syrah / Livermore Valley
Sourced
from grapes grown on John Maddenís vineyard, the
fruit was cold soaked for 3 days prior to being aged for
14 months in French Oak. From its deep violet hue, notes
of blackberry, cherry, and brown sugar dominate the nose,
with gamier accents floating beneath. A vibrant, rich wine
with supple tannins, the palate is nicely layered with dark
berries, coffee, and white pepper, that finish on bold notes
of smoky earth. This is a wine that can stand up to zesty,
full-flavored dishes.
Score: 85 |
Fleming
Jenkins 2006 Black Ridge Vineyard Syrah / Santa Cruz Mountains
Allowed
to hang for longer than the Madden Ranch Syrah, fruit from
the Black Ridge Vineyard was aged for 14 months in French
oak before bottling. In a freshly swirled glass, ripe aromas
of dark fruit mingle with accents of spice, smoke, and subtle
floral notes. When sipped slowly, a richly layered palate
unfolds with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum,
cinnamon, vanilla, and spice drifting across the palate.
A long, lingering finish and ample tannins make this a great
wine to serve with hearty red meat recipes.
Score:
87
|
Fleming
Jenkins 2005 “Choreography" Cabernet Blend /
Napa Valley
The
Nord family vineyards near Yountville provided the fruit
for this blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc,
9% Merlot, and 1% Malbec. Aged for twenty months in French
oak, the resulting wine is rich and possesses great depth.
Swirling a glass releases indulgent aromas of sweet cherry,
plum, currents, and coffee, alongside hints of mint and
cedar. From its deep ruby hue, flavors of red and black
fruit drift over the palate, with accents of spice and earth
adding a nice complexity. A smooth, lush of lingering fruit
rounds out a sip. Winemaker Greg Jenkins deserves notice
for this effort.
Score: 90 |
Hallcrest
Vineyards 2005 Belle Farms Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
Reviving
the historic vineyard from the 1940ís in 1987, John
Shumacherís latest offering of Pinot Noir is worthy
of notice. The nose is lush with ripe black cherry, plum,
and lovely floral notes alongside hints of hickory meat
and soft earth. A sip brings lovely strawberry and cherry
flavors accented by nuances of cola and cinnamon. A bright,
crisp wine, it can be savored before dinner or enjoyed with
grilled lamb or a roast turkey breast or cellared for a
few years.
Score:
90 |
Hallcrest
Vineyards 2004 Barrell Select Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
Another
offering from the historic Santa Cruz Mountains Vineyard,
each bottle is commemorated with an individual number. A
California springtime nose of rose petal, lavender, and
bing cherry greets the senses. Plum, cherry, and floral
tones unfold into notes of minerals that build to a refreshing
spicy finish. A smooth, bright wine with a nice acidity,
it could be paired now with a grilled pork tenderloin or
cellared for further development.
Score: 85 |
Hallcrest
Vineyards 2005 Barrell Select Chardonnay / Santa Cruz Mountains
Here
we have another fine offering from the Santa Cruz Mountains.
The nose is rich with creamy, spiced oak, tropical fruit,
apple, and just a tinge of smokiness. With a nice acidity
and a smooth, fresh mouthfeel, it is easy to savor the mixture
of apple, pear, and butterscotch flavors that flow into
a toasty oak finish. Pair this Chardonnay with anything
from a fresh salad to poultry to a creamy seafood dish.
Score:
88
|
Loma
Prieta Winery 2005 Merlot / Santa Cruz Mountains
As
a small production winery, only 61 cases of this mountain-grown
Merlot were produced. Swirling a glass releases a full bouquet
of cherry, raspberry, burnt tobacco leaves, and earthy notes.
On the palate, the red berries return with hints of black
olive, spice, oak, and menthol. Grill up some tasty lamb
kabobs with rosemary pepper and open a bottle to enjoy.
Score: n/a |
Loma
Prieta Winery 2005 Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from fruit grown at a 700 foot elevation, this Pinot Noir
was aged in 100% new French oak for 10 months. Out of its
soft purple hue, bright aromas of red fruit, cola, and a
hint of rose pedal. When sipped slowly, plum and cherry
flavors dominate the palate, with subtle notes of earth
and creamy oak lingering at the wineís finish. A
light body and crisp acidity make this a highly drinkable
wine. Just 72 cases were produced, so get one before they
run out.
Score:
86
|
Loma
Prieta Winery 2006 Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
Grown
at 2,400 feet, this 100% Pinot Noir was aged for 11 months
in French oak. The nose is full of ripe red fruit and the
palate conjures up flavors of raspberry, strawberry, and
plum, with accents of cola, orange peel, as well as a hint
of spice. A lovely, smooth wine with nice acidity, it can
be enjoyed on its own or paired with a Shiitake mushroom
and tofu stir fry with a sweet soy sauce. Just 195 cases
were produced of this very nice wine.
Score: 90 |
Loma
Prieta 2007 Saveria Vineyard Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
The
Saveria Vineyard has a history of producing first-class
wine, and this Pinot is not an exception. Its nose is a
deep blend of raspberry, strawberry, musty forest floor,
clove, and cinnamon sticks. The palate is light and smooth
with sweet red berry flavors that unfurl into notes of truffles,
figs, toasty oak, and spice. The wine closes upon notes
of strawberries and fresh minerals. Portabella mushrooms
or salmon with a balsamic vinegar marinade would pair quite
nicely.
Score:
90 |
Loma
Prieta Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon / Santa Clara Valley
Aged
in a combination of French and American oak, this Cabernet
Sauvignon has supple tannins and a nice depth of flavor.
Allowed to open in a glass, flavors of currants and earth
flow into floral notes, with hints of tar, oak, and brown
sugar rounding out the profile. Pair this with a grilled
beef filet in a green peppercorn-brandy sauce and sit down
to a bottle.
Score:
83
|
McHenry
Vineyards 2005 Estate Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
The
2005 harvest produced small, concentrated berries, and the
quality of the fruit translated into this flavorful and
complex wine. The bouquet opens up with ripe spiced cherries,
cinnamon, cola, and raspberry. Highlights of cinnamon and
lush black cherry unfurl into pockets of rose petals and
finish with lingering fresh mineral notes. A bright wine
with a nice clean acidity, it is great as an aperitif. The
wine would also pair superbly with smoked meats or a fine
cigar.
Score: 91 |
Mount
Eden 2006 Estate Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
Grown
in the Los Gatos area, sandwiched between the San Francisco
Bay and the Pacific Ocean, the fruit produces vibrant, crisp
wines. Swirling a glass releases a nose of wet earth, raspberry,
cherry, and exotic spice. The palate is quite bright with
the cherry and raspberry flavors returning, unfolding into
notes of earth and vanilla, which close upon a cocoa powder
finish with lingering accents of minerals.
Score:
88
|
Organic
Wine Works 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor's Reserve
/ Mendocino County
Using
not just organically grown grapes but also organic methods
of production, Organic Wine Works is an atypical label.
The wineís connection to the earth is clear in the
stout earthy nose that layers sour floral notes, with herbal
nuances, a touch of feta cheese, and ripe dark fruit. Blackberry,
sour cherry, forest floor, and a hint of toffee make up
the palate. Fans of robust, earthy wines wonít be
disappointed.
Score:
81
|
Organic
Wine Works 2007 “Radical" Cabernet Sauvignon
/ California
This
is a totally organic wine from start to finish. Swirling
a glass opens up a nose of dark plum, black currants, and
cinnamon, with hints of tobacco, black olive, and floral
notes. A sip of this easy drinking wine brings forth smooth
red fruit flavors that mingle with accents of lavender and
olive. Try a glass with a rich, sharp cheddar.
Score: 83 |
Organic
Wine Works 2006 Zinfandel Proprietor's Reserve / Lake County
Winemaker
John Schumacher has been producing organic wine since 1989
when he founded the label. This Zinfandel has a ripe red
fruit nose with rich, complicating notes of elegant mountain
spice and earth. When sipped, the wine wraps the senses
in raspberry, cherry, and blackberry flavors. Deeper notes
of leather, sweet tobacco, and spice flow into a pleasant,
lingering finish. A smooth mouthfeel and silky tannins make
this wine easy to drink and enjoy.
Score:
90
|
Organic
Wine Works 2007 Zenful Zinfandel / California
Another
in a long line of organic wines from John and Lorraine Schumacher,
this Zinfandel opens up with a palpable nose layering smoked
meat, menthol, herbaceous notes, and dark spiced plum. The
palate combines plum and cherry fruit flavors with earthier
tones of herbs, truffles, and coffee that flow into a slighly
dusty finish.
Score: 82 |
Organic
Wine Works 2007 Maverick Merlot / California
Swirling
a glass releases a powerful nose with heavily perfumed floral
tones mingling amongst chemical and mineral notes. A sleek
wine without heavy tannins, the mouthfeel is quite smooth.
Red berry flavors along with gamy notes flow into hints
of coffee and minerals, which give the wine a kind, soft
finish.
Score:
n/a |
Organic
Wine Works 2007 Notre Terre / California
One
of the Organic Wine Works special blends, as the name suggests,
it is true to the earth. The nose is dominated by inky grape
and blueberry aromas, with pockets of earth, herbs, clove,
and a woodsy element merging together. When sipped, blueberry
and boysenberry flavors flow into notes of earth and green
olive, which close upon a soft minerally finish. A light
wine with mellow tannins, it could pair with a variety of
dishes.
Score: n/a |
Silver
Mountain Vineyards |
Silver
Mountain Vineyards 2006 Estate Chardonnay /
Santa Cruz Mountains
Produced
from the Mount Eden clone, known for its small, concentrated
berries, this 100% Chardonnay was aged for 11 months in
oak. Swirling a glass lets loose sweet fragrances of orange
blossoms, notes of creamy vanilla, and hints of toasty oak.
The palate is packed with bright citrus fruit including
lemon and ripe orange that finishes with a pleasant touch
of acidity. Open a bottle now and pair it with grilled chicken
season in rosemary and garlic, or give it a few years in
the cellar, and see what awaits.
Score:
87 |
Silver
Mountain Vineyards 2007 Rosè of Pinot Noir / Central
Coast
America
has yet to have a love affair with Rosè, but this
wine may help them along the way. A blend of fruit grown
in Monterey County and the Santa Cruz Mountains, the wine
was aged 5 months in stainless steal. Ripe aromas of summer
drift up from a glass with cherry, cranberry, and watermelon
enveloping the sense alongside accents of lavender. When
sipped, the bright red fruit returns finishing on a lovely
hint of spice. This wine is the perfect companion for a
warm spring day.
Score: 90 |
Silver
Mountain Vineyards 2005 Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from Muns Vineyard 2,600 feet up in the Santa Cruz Mountains,
it sits above the fog line and enjoys gentle seas breezes
from the Monterey Bay, making it ideal for growing Pinot.
Swirl a glass and take in the rich aromas of cherry, strawberry,
cola, and truffles along with soft floral notes. Sip slowly
and allow the bright red fruit flavors to drift over the
palate flowing into a finish of rose petal and cinnamon.
Perfect to pair with roast chicken, grilled salmon, or bbq
pork, this wine may just become your weekend favorite.
Score:
91 |
Silver
Mountain 2006 Miller Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir /
Santa Cruz Mountains
Miller
Hill Vineyard is located less than a mile from the winery
at a 1750 foot elevation. In a freshly swirled glass, rich
aromas of black cherry, strawberry, and raspberry mix with
notes of orange peel, vanilla, and smoky oak. When sipped
slowly, red fruit flavors flow into hints of hickory, rose
petal, toasty earth, and orange spice. A crisp wine right
out of the bottle, giving it a day to breath brings out
its smooth and silky character. Grilled chicken with a touch
of mesquite seasoning makes for a very nice pairing.
Score:
89 |
Silver
Mountain Vineyards 2001 Alloy / Central Coast
Bringing
together fruit from the Santa Cruz Mountains and Santa Clara
Valley, this Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Merlot, and Petit Verdot was barrel age in French, American,
and Hungarian oak for 22 months. The resulting wine is smooth
and slightly jammy, with supple tannins and rich fruit flavors
of currents, cherries, and blackberries, with more herbal
notes lingering just beneath. A very nice wine to enjoy
with a fresh cut of lightly seared tuna.
Score: 89 |
Storrs
2006 Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
Sourced
from the southern part of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the
southwest-facing vineyards enjoy plenty of sunshine along
with Monterey Bay's cooling breezes. Bottled in mid-April
of 2008, the wine's nose is rich with bright red berries,
refreshing minerals, and a hint of mint that are balanced
nicely by a smooth touch of vanilla and chocolate. Cherry,
strawberry, vanilla, and red currants dominate the palate
with subtle notes of chocolate, spice, and earth rounding
out the flavors. The wine finishes with soft nuances of
minerals and chewy dried cherries. A light, elegant Pinot,
with just a kiss of acidity, it drinks quite smoothly.
Score:
91 |
Woodside
Vineyards 2005 Pinot Noir / Santa Cruz Mountains
This
is a rich, flavorful Pinot from the Skyline region of the
Santa Cruz appellation. The nose is ripe with black cherry
and raspberry mixing brilliantly with floral notes, traces
of earth, a touch of vanilla and dark chocolate, as well
as a sprinkle of allspice. Red berry flavors dominate the
palate flowing to notes of musty forest floor and sweet
spice. The finish is fresh with lingering notes of minerals.
An elegant, smooth wine with a nice hint of acidity, it
is easy to savor a glass. Paired with a mushroom and spinach
calzone, it was even better.
Score:
91 |
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|
