Category Archives: New World

QUICK SIP: Mill Creek Vineyards and Winery | Merlot | Kreck Vineyards | Alexander Valley | Sonoma County | California | 2009 | $28 | 89 pts

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Mill Creek is a small estate winery owned and operated by three generations of the Kreck family.  Founders Bill and Yvonne Kreck planted their vineyards in 1965, and in 1974 established the winery in Healdsburg at the southern end of Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley.  … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Mariah Vineyards | Syrah | Mendocino Ridge AVA | Mendocino County | California | 2006 | $18 | 88 pts

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Aromas:  wild berry; black peppercorn; bell pepper; graphite; pine Character:  dry; lean structure; full-bodied; earthy & brambly; medium tannins; racy acidity; cedary oak; hints of wood ash Flavors:  blackberry; cured tobacco; lemon zest; juniper berry; hints of smoked meat Food Pairing:  sharp cheeses; grilled meats & BBQ; … Continue reading

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“Classically California Chardonnay” Tasting 2013: The Winners

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“Classically California Chardonnay” (CCC) is how we refer to the full-bodied, rich, ripe, and oaky style of Chardonnay that has long been associated with California.  “Big,” “opulent,” ”butter,” “peach,” and “vanilla” are common descriptors of this style; characteristics resulting from super ripe fruit, secondary (malolactic) fermentation, and prolonged aging … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Page Springs Cellars | Syrah | Clone 474 | Colibri Vineyard | Cochise County | Arizona | 2010 | $38 | 88 pts

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Aromas: black peppercorn; lavender; cola; grappa Character: dry; full-bodied; earthy; racy acidity; medium tannins Flavors: black currant & sour cherry; red & green bell pepper; dried herbs; hints of jalepeno, wood ash & roasted meat Food Pairing: sharp cheeses; roasted meats & BBQ; game   Page Springs Cellars … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Field Stone Winery | Sangiovese | Lucio’s Block | Alexander Valley | Sonoma County | California | 2010 | $25 | 88 pts

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Aromas: raspberry; pink grapefruit; touch of tea Character: medium-bodied; moderate tannins; bright, medium-high acidity; vivid, savory, and refreshing; creamy texture; subtle oak Flavors: Rainier cherry; dried cranberry; red bell pepper; accents of dried basil, cinnamon, & chocolate Food Pairing:  medium-sharp cheeses; tomato-based pasta … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Scott Harvey | Syrah | Mountain Selection | Amador County | California | 2008 | $22 | 92 pts

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Aromas:  fresh cherries; vanilla bean; cinnamon Character:  full-bodied & robust; fruit-forward; medium tannins and acids; silky texture; integrated oak Flavors:  cherries & boysenberries; dark chocolate-covered dried fruit; sweet cured tobacco Food Pairing:  barbeque spare ribs; grilled sausage; roasted pork   Scott … Continue reading

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VIRGINIA CORNER: Philip Carter Winery of Virginia | Fauquier County | Virginia

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In our last Virginia Corner posting – October is Virginia Wine Month! – we discussed how close the Virginia wine industry has come to realizing Thomas Jefferson’s musing that “we could in the United States make as great a variety of wines … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Lail Vineyards | Blueprint | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | California | 2009 | $50 | 91 pts

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Aromas:  blackcurrant; black tea; pencil shavings Character: dry; full-bodied; silky and elegant; dusty tannins; medium acidity; forward oak Flavors:  black- and blue-berries; sweet cured tobacco; touches of tarragon and spice; mineral undercurrent Food Pairing:  crisped pork belly; beef shortribs; crispy duck; roasted pork … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Talmage | Syrah | Mariah Vineyards | Mendocino County | California | 2006 | $30 | 90pts

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Aromas:  kirsch; peppercorn; dried herbs; woodsmoke Character:  dry; full-bodied & savory; firm structure; fruit-earth balance; medium acids & tannin; integrated oak Flavors: black plum & dark fruit compote; roasted red bell pepper; black olive; anise Food Pairing: sharp cheeses; smoked meats & fish; … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Mendocino Farms | Redvine Series | Mendocino County | California | 2006 | $25 | 87 pts

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Aromas:  dried black currant; dried herbs; cedar Character: dry; full-bodied and robust; medium tannins, acidity & oak Flavors:  black cherry; bell pepper; black tea; touch of leather Food Pairing:  Steak, roasted & smoked red meats; hard, sharp cheeses; moussaka   Mendocino Farms is not … Continue reading

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