2010 Kenwood Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Translucent dark ruby color, lightening a bit at the rim. Aromas of dark berry and currant fruit waft from the glass, along with shadings of cedar/menthol, light chocolate, vanilla, an note of herbs, and a kiss of cherry liqueur. It is medium-full… Read more
2011 Kendall-Jackson Riesling, Vintner’s Reserve, Monterey County
Bright straw color. The nose offers up varietal aromas of honeyed orange blossom, exotic flowers, peach, and light apricot jam. There’s an initial sweet presence in the mouth, where the fresh apricot flavor comes forward. This is a seamless… Read more
2007 Trione Red Wine, Alexander Valley
Opaque dark ruby color, lightening toward the rim. Aromas of dark chocolate, dill, field mint and a trace of tobacco leaf frame ample black berry and currant fruit. This Bordeaux-style blend is full in the mouth, showing medium-grained, rounded… Read more
2010 Lawer Family Wines ‘Hooker Home Pitch’ Syrah, Knights Valley, Sonoma County
This wine is nearly opaque dark ruby in color. The smoke-tinged dark fruits show both fleshiness and sharpness, followed by aromatic woodspice. The wine sweetens up on the palate, picking up licorice and hints of herbed game meat. Pair this red with… Read more
2011 Lawer Family Wines ‘Duck Shack’ Chardonnay, Russian River Valley
Medium straw color. The nose is fruit-laden, showing ample peach and apple, shaded with vanilla and toast. Juicy in the mouth, where crisp green apple is dominant. A clean, correct, balanced effort. Enjoy this easy-drinking Chardonnay, made in a… Read more
2010 Chateau Luby Grand Vin de Bordeaux, France
This wine is nearly transparent light ruby in hue, and exudes impressions of polished leather, red cherry, red currant, cigar box and fennel. Medium bodied and dusty, it’s fruity through the mid-palate with dry, silty tannins in the back end. Pair… Read more
2011 Francis Ford Coppola Winery ‘Sofia’ Blanc de Blancs, Monterey County
This is a blend of Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Muscat. The nose is floral and sweet, showing moderate Mandarin orange notes, rounded by vanilla. The initial burst of effervescence in the mouth leads to a surprisingly sweet-tart, dry finish. A clean… Read more
2010 Azienda Agricola Donati Camillo Malvasia dell Emillia ‘Il Mio”
Malvasia is hardly a commonly known grape in the U.S. market, and this is hardly your everyday sparkler. Gold and almost appearing oxidized, there’s pear, cedar, beeswax and lemon balm on the nose, with a taste remotely akin to slightly sweet cider…. Read more
2009 Whiplash ‘Redemption,’ California
From Reata Winery, this red blend (65% Syrah, 25% Barbera and 10% Zinfandel) is a translucent neon ruby color. The first waft from the glass shows candied red fruits, mint/menthol and sweet tar. Light on the palate, with no sense of heat or tannic… Read more
2010 Reata Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Transparent, dusty ruby color. The nose shows candied cherry, cola and black tea. Light bodied and sweet in the mouth, this is an easy-drinking red that can serve as an aperitif or match up well with lighter fare, like a picnic basket lunch or… Read more
