Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - California - Napa
A big, mouth filling wine, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon, shows the personality of the vintage in its intense fruit. There is plenty of underlying structure in this deep, resonant Cabernet Sauvignon. Mint, flowers and sweet red berries are some of the nuances that are woven into the finish. This is far from an easygoing Napa Cabernet. Although delicious today, it should drink well for a number of years. Another year or so in bottle should help the elements come together even more fully. The 2010 is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - California - Napa
Montelena's 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate wraps around the palate with serious depth. Even with all of its intensity, the 2009 has a silkiness that makes it incredibly delicious at this early stage. Red berries, flowers, tobacco and sweet herbs all flesh out on the generous, radiant finish. While many 2009s are a bit tight today, Montelena's 2009 Estate is showing very nicely, although it is keeping some cards close to the vest. I imagine the 2009 will start to enter its prime drinking window around age 8-10 and drink well for at least another decade beyond that. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California - Napa
WA 89
In the glass, this wine has a classic Chardonnay hue of pale golden straw. The bouquet draws you in with delicate nuances of wet stones, lichee, white peach, orange blossoms, and a slight hint of toasted almonds. The palate is soft and fleshy and loaded with bright citrus tones of sweet mandarin and Meyer lemon, white nectarine and rich tropical notes of guava, pineapple, and lichee – all complemented by subtle sweet oak. There is a delicate smoothness to this Chardonnay and fantastic weight throughout. This is the wine you’ll want to bring to the next big dinner party or business lunch– get ready to accept the kudos.
Varietal: Bordeaux Blend | Location: United States - California - Sonoma
WA 90
Their famous cuvee, which was once named Wine Spectator Wine of the Year, the 2007 Cinq Cepages is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage. Hints of bay leaf, black currant, sweet cherry, cedar and subtle smoke are all present in this lush, medium to full-bodied, opulent and heady wine. Broad and savory, it seems to be on a fast evolutionary track and should be drunk over the next decade.
Readers looking for a bevy of outstanding white wines at remarkably fair prices need look no further than the copious number of selections from Chateau St. Jean. There's a lot to like at all different price points, but the under $25 grouping is especially strong, as evidenced by the following tasting notes. This winery has long been one of the leaders in producing Loire Valley-styled Sauvignon Blancs, which they call Fume Blanc. The Pinot Noir program is less successful than the Chardonnays, but progress is evident with each new vintage.
Tel. (707) 833-4134; Fax (707) 833-4200Their famous cuvee, which was once named Wine Spectator Wine of the Year, the 2007 Cinq Cepages is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage. Hints of bay leaf, black currant, sweet cherry, cedar and subtle smoke are all present in this lush, medium to full-bodied, opulent and heady wine. Broad and savory, it seems to be on a fast evolutionary track and should be drunk over the next decade.
Readers looking for a bevy of outstanding white wines at remarkably fair prices need look no further than the copious number of selections from Chateau St. Jean. There's a lot to like at all different price points, but the under $25 grouping is especially strong, as evidenced by the following tasting notes. This winery has long been one of the leaders in producing Loire Valley-styled Sauvignon Blancs, which they call Fume Blanc. The Pinot Noir program is less successful than the Chardonnays, but progress is evident with each new vintage. -- Robert Parker Read More
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - California - Sonoma
Sonoma County is a diverse growing region with a complex terrain of small valleys, benchlands and hillsides. A coastal appellation, it is favored with fog in the morning and sunny afternoons cooled by maritime breezes. From the cool Carneros area in the south to the more moderate Russian River and Alexander Valleys further north, a wide variety of grapes can enjoy the optimum climate to achieve rich varietal flavor.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California - Alexander Valley
WA 89
The 2009 Chardonnay Belle Terre is a beautifully layered wine. Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren ages the Belle Terre in French oak barrels (55% new) and gives the wine full malolactic fermentation, both of which contribute to the wine's multiple dimensions of fruit. This rich, creamy Chardonnay should be enjoyed over the next few years. It, too, delivers considerable quality for the money. The sumptuous, layered style works very well. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. This is a fabulous set of wines from Chateau St. Jean, winemaker Margo Van Staaveren and her team. From top to bottom, these wines deliver tons of value and character. Tel. (707) 833-4134, www.chateaustjean.com
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - California - Sonoma
This classic Sonoma County Chardonnay displays bright aromas of lemon cream, mango and notes of toasted hazelnut. This wine has a subtle elegance with a lingering finish.
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon | Location: United States - Washington - Columbia Valley
WS 89
WE 90
This is a splendid rendition of Chateau Ste. Michelle's mainstay Cabernet, rich and round, with a sophisticated mix of grapes, including Malbec, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot and Syrah. Dark fruit flavors of black cherry and cassis create a lush center, and the wine is more evolved and smoother, with less obvious oak and barrel flavor, than the pricier Cabs from Ste. Michelle.
Varietal: Chardonnay | Location: United States - Washington - Columbia Valley
It is the goal of Head Winemaker Bob Bertheau to make it a pleasurable, food-friendly wine. This is a fresh, soft style of Chardonnay with bright apple and citrus fruit character with subtle spice and oak nuances. We blend Chardonnay grapes from vineyards all over Washington's Columbia Valley to make this a complex, interesting wine. Sur lie aged for more than six months in a mix of French and American oak barrels (10% new) with regular stirring to soften the wine and integrate fruit and oak flavors.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: United States - Washington - Columbia Valley
The mostly stainless steel fermentation makes this a crisp, clean, refreshing style of Sauvignon Blanc, offering fresh aromas and flavors of lemongrass, apple and melon. We add a touch of Semillon, which contributes an appealing fig character and a beautifully soft, rich quality to the wine.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: United States - Washington - Columbia Valley
This 100% Sauvignon Blanc from our Horse Heaven Vineyard delivers aromas of ripe pear and notes of citrus fruit. The wine was fermented in a combination of oak and stainless steel tanks. The stainless steel fermentation preserved the Sauvignon Blanc’s vibrant character and refreshing, crisp quality.
Varietal: Riesling | Location: United States - Washington - Columbia Valley
The 2011 Eroica Riesling exhibits aromas and flavors of white peach, grapefruit and sweet lime with subtle mineral notes. The mouth-watering acidity is beautifully balanced by flavorful Washington Riesling fruit. After more than a decade we have truly found our “Eroica style,” striving for beautiful bright fruit with crisp acidity and enhanced mineralilty.
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc | Location: United States - California - Napa
Pear, lime zest, and apricot blossom aromas awaken the senses. The mid-palate expands into a rich and long finish. Melon and lychee are supported by flinty minerality, making this wine a perfect pairing for spicy dishes.