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November 2009Compare and Buy
$49.99
This is a juicy, flavorful, harmonious Cabernet drinking perfectly at age 10. Rich and classic, if straightforward, currant-laden Cabernet fruit, velvety feel, full-flavored without being at all heavy; clean finish. Classy structure holds it together nicely; should be good for some years to come.
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This unusual white, which I believe is 100% Chardonnay (not Sauvignon Blanc as the master title suggests), has a profile that reminded us more of a heavier-weight Viognier or Spanish Albarino than the typical buttery California Chardonnay. Deep golden/honey color, floral and herbal nose highlighted by notes of blood orange, lime, minerals, and white fruits. Weighty feel in the mouth, a touch of apricot in the finish.
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$31.99
This is my favorite Home Ranch Zinfandel yet, and that is saying something since it is, year in and year out, my favorite of the Seghesio Zins. Silky and refined yet powerful and classically structured, this wine is already sensational. Deep, ripe, spicy, lip-smacking berry, cassis, and plum fruit flavors cascade over the taste buds, and there's even a subtle lead-pencil component there for added complexity. Beautifully balanced with a seamless feel to it from start to finish. Magnificent Zinfandel.
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Greenwood Ridge wines - white and red - always seem to be well-balanced, flavorful, and harmonious, without ever pushing the alcohol or density envelope. The '07 Zin is no exception, displaying deep, attractive plum and berry fruit and a nicely integrated level of spiciness. Smooth and restrained enough to complement rather than dominate the food they're served with - not always the case with Zinfandel. Like all Greenwood Ridge wines, fairly priced.
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$59.99
Purchased on sale for $40 at the winery during a wonderful sale, this Cabernet had superb aromatics that reminded me of a top-flight St. Julien like Leoville Las Cases. Dark currants, cranberry, black cherry, and subtle violet-like floral notes highlight the complex nose. Structured very like a top Bordeaux - less weighty in the mouth and much less alcoholic than some of the bigger Conn Valley Eloge's of recent years. Perhaps it lacks a bit of grip compared to those bigger wines, but it is still a sensational Cabernet, especially at less than 1/2 the cost of current vintages. It's drinking great right now and will continue to do so for at least another 10 years.
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$39.99
For some reason, I found the 2006 Rochioli Estate Chardonnay to be a bit less complete and interesting than other recent vintages. That said, this wine still possesses the usual Rochioli purity and crispness along with peachy fruit, subtle spice, and a smoky edge, especially in the finish. Good Chardonnay, but I prefer the 2005, 2007, and 2008 vintages to the 2006.
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$22.99
When first opened, this excellent Chardonnay came across as tight and mineral-driven, like a wine that's just beginning to mature and has a long life ahead. But with airing it opened magnificently to display ripe white fruit flavors (especially sweet pears), subtle oak spice, seamless rich texture, and long finish. Nothing overdone or overblown in this Chardonnay, which had a very classy feel from start to finish. Pricey but delicious, worth springing for on special occasions, and capable of being great for years to come.
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$104.95
Outstanding Napa Cabernet, in its prime. Silky smooth, but with plenty of grip. Terrific ripe fruit caresses the nose with classic cassis, violet, and oak spice aromas. In the mouth the wine delivers layers of classic Cabernet fruit flavors in a seamless, velvet texture. I always gripe about Silver Oak's prices, but have to say that the Silver Oak Napa Cab is almost always superb. I also remain impressed with how beautifully these Cabernets age, considering how early they're drinkable. To my taste, these are generally two steps up in elegance, depth, and overall quality from the much-larger production Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernets.
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$25.99
I love this Chardonnay! Similar to the 2006, the 2007 may be even richer. Very full in flavor yet with a pitch-perfect level of balancing acidity. Rich, complex aromas and flavors include peach, apricot, and tropical fruits along with an orange-citrus edge, some slight oak toastiness and a sweet straw/leesy element. Mouth-coating richness and long finish, with not a hint of cloying over-ripeness or sweetness. Very fairly priced for the quality level.
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$34.34
This delicious Chardonnay manages to be light on its feet yet filled with rich citrus and mineral flavors and a crisp and precise feel in the mouth. Well balanced and easy on the palate, with a sense of purity and transparency that suggest it will age well.
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