2008 Rhys Pinot Noir Horseshoe Vineyard, USA, California, Santa Cruz - Wine Review

Vintage: 
2008
Score: 
95
Grade: 
A

This is in a great place.  Rubyt/purple in color.  The nose is great with cherries, macerated cherries, a bit earthy, some sandalwood and slight cranberries.  Full bodied.  Sikly texture.  Layers of complexity unwind in the glass.  Cherries and dark cherries, wet forest floor and spice.  Great balance.  Long finish.  Seems like it is getting close to peak but not quite there with a long life left.  Great wine!

2015 Fairway & Vines Ben Curtis Cuvee, USA, California, Mendocino - Wine Review

Score: 
82
Grade: 
B-

This is a cuvee made for golfers, in this case Ben Curtis.  I suspect it is sold at Golf Courses.  I don't really know what grapes are in it.  Purple in color.  The nose has cherries and raspberries.  On the palate, this is big fruit.  The label lists 14.9% alcohol.  It is sweet and jammy.  Not my favortie style but if that is what one likes, they may like this a bit better than I.  Certainly a fun wine to get to be able to try.  

2014 Chateau l'Abbaye de Giraudon

Score: 
84
Grade: 
B

Ruby/purple in color.  The nose is earthy with cherries.  On the palate, the cherries are tart finishing up a bit shrill.  Not great depth.  That said, there is something nice and comfortable about this wine.  It is earthy with some tobacco notes.  If under $12, there may be some value.   

NV L'exeption d'Aimery Crémant de Limoux Rose, France, Languedoc - Wine Review

Score: 
88
Grade: 
B+

A very nice value in sparkling wine.  This is a blend of Chardonnay (70%), Chenin (20%) and Pinot Noir (10%).  Pink in color.  A nice mousse of medium sized bubbles.  On the nose a bit of strawberries and a bit or orange peel.  On the palate, orange peel including a bit of bitterness along with some orange citrus.  Slight strawberry note.  This is a fun aprkler with enough acidity to work at the table.  Good finish.  

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.  

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