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 […]
J Vineyards Brut Rosé NV
J Vineyards is the only domestic sparkling wine producer I’ve seen with a Coquard press, which is de rigueur in Champagne, but not so across the pond. Their NV Brut Rosé is a spirited blend of 66% Pinot Noir, 33% Chardonnay, and 1% Pinot Meunier, all from the Russian River Valley. The mousse is lively […]
Gallo Signature Series Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2013
An elegantly styled, full and fleshy Sonoma Chardonnay from Gallo’s Signature Line. The 2013 blossoms in the glass with aromas of bruised apple, yellow peach, caramel, acacia flowers and toasted hazelnut. High glycerol and admittedly high alcohol of 14.8%, but this is well integrated on the palate and nicely balanced by a burst of acidity, […]
Coquerel Terroir Pinot Noir 2012
Almost Burgundian in expression, the 2012 Coquerel Terroir Pinot Noir offers aromas of crushed raspberries, dried cherries, allspice, caramelized brown sugar, earth and mushrooms. Bright acidity lends lift to a core that is sweetly outfitted in red fruit, with marked purity, low tannins, and acid that hits the sides of the tongue and pleasantly lingers. […]
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. […]
Louis M. Martini Moscato Amabile NV
Served in a tumbler, rather than a stem, this convivial Moscato from Louis Martini sees a long, cool fermentation that is arrested before the wine ferments to dryness—and closely resembles it’s northern Italian cousin, Moscato d’Asti. Slightly sweet and lightly effervescent, with notes of honey and pear, Moscato makes for a great pairing with a […]
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 […]