Grgich Hills Estate Merlot 2012
I had the pleasure of interviewing Ivo Jeramaz on my last visit to Napa Valley. He’s the nephew of winemaking legend, Mike Grgich and has taken the lead in much of the wineries day-to-day operations along with Mike’s daughter, Violet. Ivo is a quiet and thoughtful in his speech—and his wines seem to reflect this. […]
Cornerstone Cellars Stepping Stone Cabernet Franc 2012
I don’t see a lot of varietally labeled Cab Franc coming out of the Napa Valley. And it’s a different animal altogether from the CFs from the Loire Valley or even from Washington State. Expect a wine that is richer, more robust and concentrated, with a very nearly opaque garnet robe and enveloping notes of […]
Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Sporting classic notes of pencil shavings, black currants, mint, and fine dust, Louis Martini’s 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is like a no-frills 4-door sedan. Its structure is concentrated on the fore palate, with firm, fine tannins followed by plush blackberries, black Italian plums, figs, spice and anise, thus delivering Napa Cab expression at a […]
Coquerel Le Petit Coquerel Sauvignon Blanc 2012
It’s easy to understand why Coquerel calls Sauvignon Blanc its flagship varietal—clearly the result of excellent fruit quality combined with the sheer talent of Bordeaux-born winemaker, Christine Barbe. The 2012 Le Petit Coquerel boasts a vibrant nose of gooseberries and lime zest, punctuated by spicy undertones reminiscent of juniper berries and white pepper. Lovely on […]
Coquerel Tempranillo 2011
A tad rustic on opening, the The 2011 Coquerel Tempranillo arrives on the scene with a bouquet of freshly turned soil and a hint of barnyard. However, after more than an hour of being open, layers of fruit rise to the surface, roasted strawberry and red cherry, along with a beguiling floral top note of […]
Trinchero Haystack Vineyard Malbec 2012
From Haystack Rock Vineyard, perched 2,200 feet above sea level, within the heart of the Atlas Peak AVA, a sub-appellation of Napa Valley. High altitude combined with poor, shallow soils creates vine stress, and in the case of this complex and alluring 2012 Malbec, yields firm tannins, high acidity and pronounced minerality on the finish. […]
Trinchero Cloud’s Nest Vineyard Malbec Mt. Veeder 2012
Cloud’s Nest Vineyard, as the name implies, lies in the Mt. Veeder sub-appellation of Napa Valley and boasts incredibly steep, gravelly, well-drained soils and cool, easterly exposure. Tasted alongside Trinchero’s Haystack Malbec—it is the perfect illustration of terroir. Here, the wine shows lushness, with abundant structure. Dark notes of ripe plum and blackberry sauce ripple […]
Le Petit Coquerel Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Expressive without being the least bit heavy, the 2012 Le Petit Coquerel expresses classic notes of graphite, cassis, blueberries, cedar, and even a pleasant touch of gaminess. There is fantastic balance here, with terrific purity of fruit, plus tannins and acidity in equal measure. This is one of the more poised, delicate Napa Cab’s I’ve […]
Lewelling Wight Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
The 2004 Lewelling Wight Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is big, glossy, slightly muscular number. Heady aromas of butterscotch, vanilla, maple syrup, mocha, and blackberry jam, plus a top note of alcohol rounds out the nose. The core of this wine as anticipated: sweet and silky. Layers of spice and subtle char notes add dimension, there is, […]
Le Petit Coquerel Verdelho 2013
Christine Barbe is the winemaker at Coquerel and she brings years of experience with her, having worked at both Château Carbonnieux and La Louvière in Pessac-Léognan. Her deft handling of this crisp and enchanting white shows—the 2013 Le Petit Coquerel is imbued with bruised pear, cucumber and lemongrass notes. Refreshing and bright, with racy acidity […]