2014 Raymond Vineyard & Cellar Merlot Reserve Selection, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+
Current Price: 
$23.00USD

This is a nice value in inexpensive Merlot.  It is a blend of 88% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec.  Medium ruby in color.  The nose has plums, cherries and spice.  On the palate, this is light to medium bodied.  Light cherry fruit.  Easy drinking.  Nice finish.  This is made for immediate drinking.  It drinks well on its own and would be great with burgers or grilled chicken.  Drink over the next couple of years.  

2015 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard, USA, California, Napa, St. Helena, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Score: 
96
Grade: 
A+
Current Price: 
$135.00USD

Nice to check in on this wine.  It is a spectacular wine now but its best days are still ahead.  Purple in color.  A thin ruby rim.  Opaque and bright.  The nose is huge.  Lots of cassis, black cherries, graphite, violets, and roasted herbs.  On the palate, this has firm tannins.  Plenty of cassis and black cherry fruit.  Underlying char and slight earthiness.  Deep and somewhat impenetrable.  it is delicious.  Gulpable, but once the seams meld together, this wine will be even better.  Try not to pop a cork now.  It will work well with a steak or roasts.  If opening now, give it a longtime

2011 Rivers-Marie Cabernet Sauvignon Panek Vineyard, USA, California, Napa, St. Helena, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2011
Score: 
95
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$105.00USD

2011 was a challenging vintage in Napa.  as it nears the ten year mark, however, it appears that like 98 and 2000, those that were able to make more classic styled Cabs produced wines that have caught up with age.  True, these wines are not as good as the top vintages, but they are excellent wines and now is  the time to start checking in on them.  Purple in color, ruby at the rim.  What a great nose.  Not over blown but nice cassis fruit with some graphite and a hint of char.  On the palate, this is layered and complex.  Nothing under ripe.  Cassis intertwined with dry earthiness and a bit

2012 Detert Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc, USA, California, Napa, Oakville, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

Detert is one of the owners of a section of the To Kalon vineyard.  Way back in the day they used to sell to Robert Mondavi.  For my money, they make the best Cabernet Franc in Napa and some of the best in the world.  While it is not inexpensive, for the quality, it is well priced (in Napa terms).  Definitely a mailing list to be on.  Purple in color, a thin ruby line at the rim.  The nose is great with black cherries, cigar tobacco, slight char and a bit of earthiness.  On the palate, this is open and drinking well if still young.  Medium tannins.  Lots of black cherry fruit with some with

2014 Emerson Brown Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Napa, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2014
Score: 
92
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$55.00USD

This has certainly improved since release.  I don't think it will get better but no hurry.  Purple in color.  Bright ruby in color with purple swirls.  On the palate, this has cassis, some dark chocolate and baking spice.  On the palate, light tannins.  Flavors of cassis with underlying spice and a touch of earthiness.  Good balance.  Lively energy.  Medium to full bodied.  Good finish.  This should drink well for the next five to seven years, possible longer.  It will go great with a grilled burger but also on its own or just with pizza.  

2017 Jax Vineyards Cabernet Franc 4 Barrels, USA, California, Calistoga, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2017
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$60.00USD

A nice in between style of Cab Franc.  Not super ripe but nothing green either.  Purple in color, maroon at the rim.  The nose is nice.  Dusty with black cherries and slight cigar tobacco.  On the palate, this is medium bodied.  Nice black cherry fruit.  A bit of tobacco underneath.  Nice finish.  This is drinking well now and should continue for the next five to seven years.  It drinks easy on its own but will also work with grilled foods and roasts.  

2018 Truchard Chardonnay, USA, California, Carneros, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$26.00USD

Light golden/green in color.  The nose is nice with lemons, pears, floral tones and a bit steely.  just a slight hint of burnt coconut.  On the palate, this is reasonably crisp.  Pear with slight spice/oak.  Nice mouthfeel.  Good finish.  This drank well on its own and worked with with a butternut squash soup.  It probably should be consumed in the next three to five years.  

2015 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, USA, California, Sonoma, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Current Price: 
$50.00USD

This did not seem like a proper bottle.  It was quite advanced for its age.  Most likely a cork issue? Golden in color, clear and bright.  The nose has a slight oxidized note to it.  Also, butterscotch and vanilla.  No fruit on the nose.  On the palate, it is a bit cleaner with some lemon and some vanilla.  Clipped on the finish.  A shame as this should have been a bit fresher but it happens.  Drinkable depending on your aversion (or not) to oxidized wines.  I ten to not have as much an issue as most.  If I had to score it, maybe an 83?

2010 Damilano Barolo Lecinquevigne, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2010
Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

Purple in color, ruby at the core.  The nose is dusty with light cherries.  On the palate, this is simple.  Sweet ripe cherries.  Soft texture.  Enough acidity.  Easy finish.  This is good but not what makes Barolo special.  It seems to be at peak now.  It probably should be consumed in the next five or so years.  A nice wine with pizza or pasta.  

2015 Cavallotto Barolo Bricco Boschis, Italy, Piedmont, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2015
Grade: 
A-
Current Price: 
$91.00USD

Another standard bearer of good value in Barolo.  It is surprising how well Barolo drinks young these days.  It is still tannic and benefits from cellaring, but is accessible Ruby in color with purple swirls.  The nose has cherries, dusty, dried cherries and slight roses.  On the palate, this has a lovely texture.  Firm tannins.  Not showing much depth and complexity at this stage.  Will it develop?  Time will tell.  Nice cherry fruit over a bit of dried flowers.  Good finish.

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