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

2021 Rivers-Marie Chardonnay Platt Vineyard, USA, California, Sonoma Coast, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2021
Score: 
97
Grade: 
A+

Always one of the best Chardonnay's.  Light goldeen in color, clear and bright.  The nose is great with green apples, spice, slight vanilla, and a hint of salinity.  Full bodied.  Voluptuous texture but crisp acidity.  On the palate, this is delicious.  The first sip reminds one of why they love Chardonnay.  Flavors of apples, spice, slight vanilla, and a rocks/mineral quality that keeps the wine from going over the top.  Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.  This is great on its own and would be great with many foods.  A Seafood Pasta in a creamy garlic sauce would work well.  

2016 Mila Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, USA, California, Sonoma, Alexander Valley, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2016
Score: 
94
Grade: 
A

First time trying this winery.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is lovely.  Complex aromas of cassis, black cherries, cedar, spice and slight earthy/tobacco notes.  Full bodied.  Medium to firm tannins.  Good balance.  On the palate, there is plenty of depth.  Not yet at peak but getting close.  Flavors of cassis, chocolate, clay, and damp earthiness.  Good finish.  Drink over the next eight to twelve years.  It is great on its own and will work well with many foods.  A nice choice with a Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham for the Holidays. 

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