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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QUICK SIP: Joseph Phelps | Fogdog | Pinot Noir | Freestone Vineyards | Sonoma Coast | California | 2010 | $35 | 89 pts

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Here’s a spirited Pinot Noir from Joseph Phelps’ Freestone Vineyards, located in the cool and rugged Sonoma Coast region just inland from the Pacific coastline. Aromas of huckleberries and anise lead to flavors of ripe red berries, allspice, and lavender, … 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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VIRGINIA CORNER: Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery | Stafford, Virginia

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We recently happened upon Potomac Point Winery while driving along the back roads of Virginia, and what a pleasant discovery it was.  Located just 40 miles south of Washington, D.C., and only about a mile west of the Potomac River, Potomac Point produces a … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Buena Vista Winery | The Count | Founder’s Red Wine | Sonoma | California | 2008 | $20 | 88 pts

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Aromas: fragrant; black cherry & plum; anise; mocha Character: dry; full-bodied & fruit-driven; balanced & smooth; medium tannins and acidity; subtle oak Flavors: ripe blackberry; mission fig; roasted plum; touch of smoke Food Pairing: medium-sharp cheeses; pizza & Italian fare   Buena Vista … Continue reading

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EVERYDAY WINE PICK: Layer Cake Wines | Garnacha (Grenache) | Calatayud | Spain | 2010 | $15

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This Garnacha (Grenache) was produced in the Calatayud region of north central Spain from old-vine vineyards situated at 3,000 feet above sea level.  The high elevation, arid climate, wide daytime-nightime temperature swings, and dry, rocky soils account for an intriguing mélange of aromas and flavors and remarkable freshness.  … Continue reading

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VIRGINIA CORNER: Bluemont Vineyard | Merlot | Loudoun County | Virginia | 2010 | $20 | 87 pts

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Aromas:  expressive, with notes of ripe blueberry, damson plum, & a dusting of black pepper Character:  dry; medium bodied; easy-going, plump & juicy; creamy texture; light tannins & acidity; subtle, sweet oak Flavors:  rich, with notes of mixed berry compote, vanilla bean, bell pepper … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Obelisco Estate | Merlot | Reserve | Red Mountain | Washington | 2009 | $45 | 92 pts

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Aromas: cinnamon and spice; cherry; plum; hint of vanilla Character: medium-bodied & lively; old world style; light to medium tannins & acidity; toasty oak Flavors: true to aroma, with deep red berries, spice, earth tones and cedar Food Pairing:  tomato-based pasta dishes; pizza; lamb   Obelisco … Continue reading

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A BEAUTIFUL WINE: Rubicon Estate (Now Inglenook) | Cabernet Franc | Rutherford | Napa Valley | California | 2007 | $56 | 95 pts

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Aromas: perfumed; lavender; thyme; tea leaves Character: medium-bodied; elegant, harmonious & plush; medium tannins & acids; subtle oak Flavors: raspberries; clove; red bell pepper; graphite; black forest cake Food Pairing: versatile; roasted lamb; grilled salmon; Beef  Stroganoff   Much has been … Continue reading

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