Monthly Archives: May 2012

PICK of the RACK: Madrigal Vineyards | Petite Sirah | Napa Valley | California | 2007 | $33 | 92 pts

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Aromas:  black & blueberry; vanilla bean; toasted coconut. Character:  dry; fruit-driven; rich, lush and full-bodied;  chewy tannins; medium acidity; soft oak. Flavors: ripe dark berries & fruits; vanilla bean; black pepper; dark chocolate-covered coconut. Food Pairing: grilled meats; roasts; game; wonderful by itself.   A Wine on … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Cedarville Vineyard | Cabernet Sauvignon | El Dorado County | California | 2007 | $29 | 90 pts

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Aromas:  deep, black cherry; cocoa; vanilla. Character:  dry; rich & full-bodied; fruit & earth in balance; medium tannins; medium acidity; well integrated oak. Flavors:  black currant; sweet cured tobacco; black tea; pepper & spice; graphite. Food Pairing:  sharp cheeses; steak; grilled … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Cedarville Vineyard | Grenache | El Dorado County | California | 2008 | $25 | 88 pts

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Aromas:  vibrant red berry fruit; chocolate; sandalwood. Character:  dry; fruit-driven; mid-weight; smooth mouthfeel; low tannin; medium acidity; light oak. Flavors: brandied cherries; cinnamon; tinge of mineral. Food Pairing:  soft, creamy cheeses; grilled meats & fish; tomato-based pasta dishes; delicious without food.   I recently had … Continue reading

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WINE STUFF: The Glass Matters

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On a recent Saturday night, my wife and I joined some good friends at their home for dinner, wine and conversation.  I took a couple of bottles of wine, of course, but I also took my own wine glasses.  In … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Scott Harvey Wines | Vineyard 1869 Zinfandel | Amador County | California | 2008 | $45 | 89 pts

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Aromas:  fresh raspberries; graphite. Character:  dry; fruit-driven; mid-weight; smooth mouth-feel; low tannin; medium acidity; light oak. Flavors:  red berries; cinammon; vanilla; black pepper; mineral. Food Pairing:  Creamy, soft cheeses; grilled meats & fish; tomato-based pasta dishes.   Scott Harvey’s newest Vineyard … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: KitFox Vineyards | Proprietary Red Wine “Foxy” | California | 2010 | $15 | 82 pts

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Aromas:  deep cherry liquor; spearmint; allspice. Character:  dry; fruit-driven; mid-weight; soft mouthfeel; low tannins; light acids; light oak. Flavors:  ripe cherries-n-cream; dusting of cocao; spearmint; plum and smoke. Food Pairing:  pizza & pasta; BBQ; hotdogs on the grill; easy-drinking on its own.   … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Pali Wine Co. | Pinot Noir | “Summit” | Santa Rita Hills | Santa Barbara County | California | 2010 | $29 | 90 pts

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Aromas:  blackberries; boysenberries; spice. Character:  fruit-driven; rich & full-bodied; luscious mouthfeel; medium tannins; robust acidity; subtle oak. Flavors:  dark fruit compote; flinty minerality; dusting of dark chocolate. Food Pairing:  dry, sharp cheeses; roasted chicken; tenderloin of beef or pork.   Here’s an assertive, voluptuous, … Continue reading

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