2006 Heitz Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2006
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

Heitz Cellars is one of the more iconic wineries in Napa.  While they made their name from the single bottling of Martha's Vineyard, the regular Cabernet is very nice as well.  It also ages quite well.  At age 13, this one is drinking quite well.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim; this is bright and mostly opaque.  The nose has cassis, cedar, slight sandalwood, and a bit of cherries.  On the palate, there are more black cherries but the cassis is still there too.  This is clean.  Some level of depth.  Tannins seem fully resolved but not past prime.  Good finish.  This probably should be con

2013 Carlisle Syrah James Berry Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2013
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

Truly one of the great Syrah vineyards in the world, James Berry Vineyard is the home of Saxum, but Justin does sell off some fruit and Mike Office gets some for his Carlisle winery.  Purple in color, dense and bright.  The nose has black raspberries, white pepper, slight roasted herbs and hints of roasted meat.  On the palate, this has a great texture.  Still young with firm tannins, it opens in the glass showing black raspberries over char with a slight peppery note.  Good balance.  Bright acidity.  Long finish.  This should still develop further but no harm opening now although a few hou

2005 Poliziano Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Vigna Asinone, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2005
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

This is, perhaps, the top producer of Vino Nobile.  It is made in the Area of Montepulciano in Tuscany from the Sangiovese grape and not be be confused with Montepulciano d'Abruzzo which is made from the Montepulciano grape.  This is mature and at peak.  Deep ruby in color.  The nose has cherries, wet lea leaves, slight sandalwood and dust.  On the palate, this has fresh cherries, slightly sour cherries, and a slightly oxidized note.  Nice level of complexity.  Good acidity.  Long finish.  This is drinking at its best and should be consumed in the next three or so years but it certainly wil

2016 Sandlands Chenin Blanc California, USA, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$45.00USD

One of my favorite Chenin Blanc's from California.  Light golden in the glass.  The nose is mostly about minerality but there is some honey, and slight orange peel to it as well.  On the palate, this is dry but with a viscous texture.  A nice backbone of acidity.  Minerals with some underlying dried oranges.  Long finish.  One get's the feeling this could last for a long time, but to be safe, it probably should be consumed in the next five to seven years.  It will go well with Asian foods.  

2015 Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Famiglia Zingarelli Riserva, Italy, Tuscany, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$24.00USD

Brilliant showing for this wine.  What a great value.  Everyone in the room commented on how good this was.  Perhaps a bit modern and fruit forward for a "traditional" Chianti, but it is delicious and affordable.  Purple in color with ruby swirls.  The nose has black cherries, slight chocolate, dust and slight loose tea.  On the palate, the chocolate and black cherries dominate at this point.  Medium tannins.  Enough acidity to counter the fruit.  Deep.  It unwinds in the glass.  Good finish.  This is delicious on its own and will work well with burgers or pizza.  It should develop for the

NV Società Agricola Monte Alto Franciacorta Extra Brut, Italy, Lombardy, Wine Review

Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

Franciacorta's are serious sparkling wines from Italy.  They are not to be confused with Prosecco's or some of the other lighter sparkling wines that are very popular these days.  The best Franciacorta's hold their own against sparkling wines made anywhere in the world.  Light golden in color.  There are a log of tiny bubbles.  The nose has toast, lemon and slight lanolin.  On the palate, this is slightly crisp.  Full bodied.  Nice, persistent lemon/lime notes.  Good finish.  This drinks well on its own and will work with all but the meatiest of dishes.  It should probably be consumed in th

2009 Epoch Estate Wines Sensibility Paderewski Vineyard, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$45.00USD

This is a blend from Paso Robles.  It is 75% Grenache, 21% Mourvedre and 4% Syrah.  At age ten, it is still youthful but drinking great.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has black cherries, black raspberries, graphite, black pepper and spice.  On the palate, this is big and full bodied.  Slight tannins.  Lots of black raspberry and black cherry fruit.  Great mouth feel.  Long finish.  This drinks great on its own and will work with roasts or grilled foods.  It will drink well for the next ten to twelve years.  

2015 Selbach-Oster Zeltinger Himmelreich Riesling Kabinett halbtrocken, Germany, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$20.00USD

This was a bit shut down on night one, but really opened beautifully on night 2.  Light to medium golden in color.  The nose has nice minerality along with a bit of pineapple and an interesting slight mint note.  On the palate, this is slightly viscous.  There is just a hint of sweetness.  Good acidity.  The pineapple and minerals carry thru along with a touch of Granny Smith apples.  Moderate finish.  Its probably best at this point to give it a bit of air or just wait a few years on it.  It will work great with Thai or Chinese foods.  It should last another ten years at least if well stor

2017 Bedrock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc Judge Family Vineyard, USA, California, Sonoma, Bennett Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

This is a nice Sauvignon Blanc.  Light golden in color.  The nose has nice minerality with a touch of grapefruits.  On the palate, the taste is consistent.  The best thing about this is the somewhat oily texture.  It is refreshing.  Worked well with some Shihito peppers.  It should probably be consumed in the next few years.  

Pages