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2004 Dessilani Piemonte Nebbiolo Spanna Riserva, Italy, Piedmont - Wine Review

Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

Bought on release for $19.99 and consumed in 2017, this is what value wines are all about.  Sure, its not Barolo, but it drinks in that style and is excellent.  Ruby in color.  The nose is mature with cherries, dust, tar and dried roses.  On the palate, this does not have much depth but nice cherry and dried cherry fruit.  Good acidity.  Certainly at its peak or slightly past.  It begs for food and delivers at the table.  Great value.  

2014 Bevan Cellars Ontogeny

Score: 
98
Grade: 
A+

Stunning wine.  I know this isn't one of the single vineyards, but for half the price, this is amazing.  Purple in color.  The nose is amazing.  Cassis, slight blueberries, a slight floral note and spice.  On the palate, this is open and drinking great.  An almost samless texture.  Juicy acidity.  Cassis, blueberries, spice and slight char.  Great finish.  Its one of those wines where each sip makes you want another one right away because it is so good.  Then, the bottle is empty.  Will this improve?  I don't know but I do know that Bevan reds drink great young and there is no reason to wai

2015 Justin Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

Score: 
87
Grade: 
B

This is very solid Cab.  Its always been a good value as well in the world of California Cabernet.  Purple in color.  The nose has cassis, dark cherries, and spice.  On the palate, this is medium bodied.  One dimenstional perhaps but quite tasty.  Nice cassis fruit.  Easy drinking.  A great wine for a crowd.  Nice finish.  

2013 Bodega Numanthia Toro Termes, Spain - Wine Reviews

Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

Always a solid value, this vintage is no exception.  Purple in color.  The nose has dark cherries, coffee and splight plums.  On the palate, this is delcious.  Plenty of dark cherry and plum fruit.  Some oak showing.  Great texture.  This is a pretty big round wine that will drink well on its own or with food.  A sure fire crowd pleaser.  

2008 de Lancellotti Pinot Noir Estate, USA, Oregon, Willamette - Wine Review

Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

This strikes a nice middle ground in the area of Pinot Noir.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has black cherries and cherries with some baking spices.  On the palate, this is lush and juicy with nice black cherry fruit.  A slight bit of sour cherries.  Good finish.   Apparently, this was made by Bergstrom who has since taken over the vineyard.  

2001 Pride Mountain Vineyards Syrah, USA, California, Sonoma - Wine Review

Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

Great showing for this.  Still quite youthful.  Purple in color, to the rim.  On the nose, this has black raspberries, slight black pepper, hints of roasted meats and slight charcoal.  Grat rich texture.  Pure black raspberry fruit with great intensity.  Layers of fruit with earth.  Long finish.  Just a fantastic wine with at least a decade or two left.  

NV Drappier Champagne Brut Nature Dosage Zero, France - Wine Review

Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

100% Pinot Noir (Blanc de Noirs) Champagne that got no dosage.  It might be a bit austere for some, but I really enjoyed it.  Light gold in color.  The nose is all about minerality though there is some tart cherry notes.  On the palate, this is lean and intense.  Minerals with a slight tart cranberry note.  Good depth.  Nice finish.  Would work well with foods.  

2015 Quilt Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa - Wine Review

Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

This is a fine wine.  Puple in color.  The nose has cassis, spice and slight chocolate.  Nice full bodied texture.  Plenty of cassis and some plums with spice.  There doesn't seem to be a lot of depth and it could use a bit more acidity.  That said, it is enjoyable for what it is and drinks easy with no food.  Pleasant finish.  

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