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2010 Château Gaudin, France, Bordeaux, Pauillac - Wine Review

Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

Very nice wine that is slowly getting to peak but not there yet.  Purple in color.  The nose has cassis, pencil lead and spice.  On the palate, this is tannic.  Tight but unwinds in the glass.  Cassis and a nice nimneral undertone.  Some oak still showing but given a few years, this should come together nicely.  $40 retail.  Very nice classic Bordeaux to cellar.  

2014 Clos Margalaine, France, Bordeaux, Margaux - Wine Review

Score: 
87
Grade: 
B+

Another nice Bordeaux.  The retsail price is, however, $50.  Hopefully, it can be found for less.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose has cassis, cherries, slight barnyard and a fair amount of green bell pepper.  It is better on the palate, with fresher cherries and less bell pepper.  It does have drying tannins on the finish.  

2014 Clos Des Menuts, France, Bordeaux, St. Emilion - Wine Review

Score: 
87
Grade: 
B+

Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has cigar and cherries.  Penty of tannins.  The fruit seems a bit under ripe.  Some people like that style of Bordeaux but it was borderline with me.  Certainly a fine enough glass of wine.  It will cellar but I don't know that it will improve.  There is some complexity.   I am probably being a bit harsh but this retails for $30 and I would expect more.  

2015 Maison Riviere Alienor, France, Bordeaux, St. Emilion - Wine Review

Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

I get excited about finding great bottles and inexpensive prices.  One of the best ways to make those discoveries is to look for the inexpensive Bordeaux in great vintages.  2015 is the first great vintage since 2010.  This wine retails for about $10.  That is a great value.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has black cherries, slight earthiness and bit of tobacco.  On the palate, ripe red fruits; cherries, dark cherries and slight cassis.  Also a slight earthiness that should become more prominent with age.  Yes, I would not hesitiate to aly a few bottles down for 5 to 10 years and it shoul

2015 Fairbourne Estate Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand, Marlborough - Wine Review

Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

Wow, this was one of the better Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand that I have had in a while.  Blind, I would have guessed this to be from the Loire Valley.  Light gold in color.  The nose has nice white grapefruit with a nice minerality.  Those qualities contiue thru to the pa;late.  It is ripe but well within reason.  Excellent acidity.  Long finish.  My only complaint?  I tried to buy some and was unable to find any.  

2015 Jax Vineyards Y3 Taureau, USA, California, Napa

Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

This is a blend.  Purple in color.  The nose is very nice with dark cherries, black raspberries, dark chocolate, black pepper and spice.  Nice, full bodied texture.  Tannic. Tasty on the palate with black raspberries, pepper and black cherries.  Some complexity.  Nice finish.  Outstanding value at $20.  

2015 Jax Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Block 3, USA, California, Sonoma - Wine Review

Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

This is there luxury cuvee.  It was pop and pour which did this a disservice as it was quite tight.  Purple in color.  The nose is deep with cassis, coffee and slight peppery notes.  On the palate, this is quite tannic and tight.  It is delicious.  Plenty of cassis fruit.  Depth.  It slowly unwinds in the glass. The future is very bright for this. Around $125 per bottle is not inexpensive, but it is an excellent wine.  

2015 Jax Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Sonoma, Calistoga

Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-

An outstanding Sonoma Cabernet.  At $50, this is certainly priced in the ball park.  it is very tight right now, so it needs some cellaring or air before serving.  Purple in color.  The nose has sweet cassis fruit, some dark cherries and tobacco with spice.  On the palate, there are firm tannins.  Pretty black cherry fruit.  Nice finish.  

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