Expert articles and wine tasting videos profiling wines from California, California wine regions, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, & more.

2013 Palazzo Cuvee Blanc, USA, California, Napa - Wine Review

Score: 
93
Grade: 
A

Really excellent white wine.  Way exceeded my expectations.  Light gold in color.  The nose has lemon oil and a slgiht waxy quality.  Someone said white peaches, but I did not get that.  On the palate, a slightly oily texture.  Good acidity.  Lemons and honey but dry.  The finish adds some grapefruit pith.  This is complex and interesting and seems like it should age a bit.  Really very nice.  It is $60 but if that is in your wheel house, this is worth it.  

2015 Palazzo Red Cuvee, USA, California, Napa - Wine Review

Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

This is blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 25% Cabernet Franc from fruit that was "declassified" from the top barrels.  It is meant to be more of a value offering.  Purple/ruby in color.  The nose has sandalwood, cedar, clay and cherries.  Also a bit of tarragon.  Medium bodied.  Firm tannins turning drying at the end.  On the palate, sour cherries.  Some depth.  Good finish.  There is some upside and this is young and should improve a bit.  

2016 Ironside Cellars Reserve Red, USA, California, Napa - Wine Review

Score: 
90
Grade: 
A-

This is a blend from Napa of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.  It comes in a big heavy bottle and makes a nice presentation.  I beleive it is under $20 and for that, this is a very nice value indeed.  Purple in color.  The nose has cherries, black raspberries, dust, and spice.  On the palate, there is a jucy acidity.  Some tannins.  Nice cherry fruit with dark cherries and black raspberries.  Soft tannins. This is very easy drinking and quite tasty.  Would make a nice wine for parties or to give as a holiday gift.  

2014 Ironside Cellars Red, USA, California - Wine Review

Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

Purple in color.  The nose is nice with cherries and boysenberries.  Some apice as well.  On the palate, this is easy drinking but there is some complexity.  Perhaps that is from the mix of varietals but it is nice.  Juicy texture.  This is a very good wine.  It does taste a bit manipulated but if the final outcome is a tasty wine at a reasonable price, that is fine.  

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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