Recent articles

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.  

2013 Dancing Coyote Petite Sirah, USA, California, Clarksburg - Wine Review

Score: 
84
Grade: 
B

I love Petite but this wasn't really doing it for me.  Its only $15 so for them money, it is hard to complain.  Unlike many wines in this price category, this has some really good things but then some not so good things.  Purple in color  The nose has some black raspberry fruit but also some green notes not too unlike bell pepper (which I rarely see in PS).  There is also a fair amount of volatile acidity on the nose.  On the palate, it is better with black raspberry fruit and underlying graphite.  Also very thick tannins.  I would suspect this is meant to drink early, but it might develop

NV J. Bookwalter Notebook 3NV Red Blend

Score: 
85
Grade: 
B

This is a blend of 3 varietals and 3 vintges.  I presume it is sort of a let's get rid of the leftovers type of wine.  Not that there is anything wrong with that assuming the price is low.  And in this case, it is.  I believe this retails for around $12.  Ruby/purple in color.  The nose has bell peppers and cherries.  On the palate, there are firm tannins.  Cherry notes.  Not much depth but it is a solid wine to drink.  Certainly a fair value.  

Pages