Wine Reviews and News for Passionate Wine Lovers

2005 The Hess Collection Cabernet Sauvignon Allomi (USA, California, Napa Valley) Smooth wine. Deep red-purple color. Out of the bottle the nose was a little tight and hot. Immediately got chocolate and cinnamon with some fresh peppers. Palate was similar, with lots ...

Sipping Staglin Cabernet with Gary Vaynerchuk 1998 In Ft Lauderdale today with Gary Vaynerchuk for meetings.  We opened up a 1998 Staglin and I was a little surprised how earthy the 98 was.  As Gary said, "really Stinky",  that's kind of in ...

2004 The Colonial Estate Emigre (Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley) Different than what I expected from Australia.  In a good way. Overall and explosion, loads of spice, molasses and sugar and cinnamon toast. Interesting wine and good quality.  The nose was ...

2004 Napa Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon (USA, California, Napa Valley) Wow this was a surprise based on the price.  This Napa Cellars Cabernet is way under priced.  You can buy from their site at $29.00 but in my opinion this is a ...

2007 Markham Pinot Noir (USA, California, Napa Valley) This wine was uneventful.  Nice nose that is edgy and crisp with carnation and butter. The color is a dark garnet.  The start is boring and quickly transitions with a hard edge to the mid ...

2005 Palazzo (USA, California, Napa Valley) The best part of this wine is the nose.  Very complex dark fruits with oak and floral.  It was enjoyable sniffing and it lasted. Color was a medium purple.  The palate was good but not outstanding.  ...

1997 Chateau de La Tour Clos Vougeot (France, Burgundy, Côte de Nuits, Clos Vougeot Grand Cru) This chateau was earthy. Color was on the brownish side from the age and producer.  Pretty typical burgundy that could probably use about 20 years.  ...

2003 E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape) This wine was a little surprising in that it was one of the better rhones for the price. The nose had green pepper, cedar, cocoa, and a touch of floral lavender. Had a ...

2005 Jakes Fault Winery Shiraz (USA, California, Sonoma County) I try and try on the 10 dollar wines but very rare to hit one.  This wine was no different.  This wine is very industrial to me and feels fake.  The nose ...

Cakebread Cellars Chardonnay Reserve 2004 (USA, California, Napa Valley, Carneros) The Cakebread reserve chard was smooth, well rounded and flavorful.  Nice golden color.  The nose is sweet with pineapple, pear, and a great dose of french oak.  The palate was very balanced ...

2004 Qupé Syrah Central Coast   (USA, California, Central Coast) Ordered this Qupe Syrah in a tasting flight at a restaurant. The color was a typical Syrah. Dark in color with a touch of bright red around the edges. The nose was ...

Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard (USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville) Had this wine at the Venetian in Vegas. Tasted side by side with Staglin Cabernet.  Great experience. Very strong nose of dark fruits, blackberry, raspberry and some dried roses.  ...

2004 Pahlmeyer Jayson (USA, California, Napa Valley) Nice wine overall right from the start. The Jayson Bordeaux bled red wine was dancing in every category. Although it is more of a new world red wine with a fruit explosion. The color was ...

2006 ZD Wines Pinot Noir Rosa Lee (USA, California, North Coast, Carneros) Tasted this Reserve Pinot Noir at the winery in Napa and this wine first hit me with "I want more." I felt it was a solid syrah and a better ...

2003 Bodegas Montecillo Rioja Crianza (Spain, La Rioja, Rioja) This wine was edging toward the Brunello feel.  However the quality level was not there.  The color was deep purple and a hint of dark brown. The nose had some apple and pear.  ...