Experiencing the Greatness of Priorat at Clos Figueras

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We recently had the pleasure of visiting Clos Figueras, a winery and restaurant located in the tiny, yet famed, Priorat region of northeastern Spain. Spending time and tasting with proprietor Christopher Cannan, getting a first-hand look at his winemaking operation, … Continue reading

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Muse Vineyards | Raising the Bar for Winemaking in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley

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We have traveled up and down the historic Shenandoah Valley, in western Virginia, for many years. The valley is rich with mountain scenery, quaint agrarian towns, a four seasons (including ski) resort, and a growing number of wineries — now … Continue reading

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Two Distinguished Paso Robles Reds from Vina Robles

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Vina Robles founder/proprietor Hans Nef and Managing Partner Hans — R. Michel, both natives of Switzerland, operate their Paso Robles winery according to one essential maxim:  “European Inspiration — California Character.”  Two of their current-release red wines — crafted by winemaker Kevin … Continue reading

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2015 WINERY & WINES OF THE YEAR: Derby Wine Estates

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As 2015 draws to a close, the National Wine Review is naming Derby Wine Estates in Paso Robles, California, as our Winery of the Year, and Derby’s 2011 Fifteen 10 White and 2010 Fifteen 10 Red as our Wines of … Continue reading

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Frick Winery | Two Rhone Blends | Dry Creek Valley | California

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Bill Frick is a genteel man and skilled practitioner of gentle winemaking. Bill specializes in Rhone varieties, which he grows on the 7.7 acre estate he founded with his late wife Judith Gannon in 1976 in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek … Continue reading

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G.D. Vajra | Rosso | Langhe | Italy | 2012 | $15 | 87 Points

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“Recommended” Family-owned and operated G.D. Vajra, established by Aldo and Milena Vaira in 1972 in the Barolo appellation of the Italian Piedmont, crafts wines of exceptional expression and purity. We recently had opportunity to tour the winery with Isidoro Vaira, … Continue reading

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Derby Wine Estates | Mourvèdre | Paso Robles | California | 2011 | $34 | 91 Points

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“Highly Recommended” We introduced you to Derby Wine Estates this past July, with a review of their outstanding “Fifteen 10” red and white Rhone blends (93 points each) and “Implico” Bordeaux blend (91 points). (Revisit our feature review at this … Continue reading

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Macchia Wines | “Delicious” | Barbera | Lodi | California | 2013 | $20 | 88 Points

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“Recommended” Here is another “delicious” red varietal wine from Macchia Wines’ 2013 vintage roster. (This follows our recent review of Macchia’s 2013 “Dubious” Petite Sirah — 93 Points — which you can revisit at the link: Dubious) This is a … Continue reading

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Cornerstone Cellars | Two Sophisticated Reds from Napa Valley’s 2012 Vintage

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Merlot | Oakville Station | Napa Valley | California | 2012 | $75 92 Points | “Highly Recommended”  (A Cellar-Worthy Selection) This 100% Merlot is sourced from Oakville Station Vineyard blocks in the celebrated To-Kalon vineyard in Oakville, at the … Continue reading

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Avenel Cellars | Cabernet Sauvignon | Reserve | Oakville | Napa Valley | California | 2012 | $45 | 90 Points

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Avenel Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted by veteran California winemaker Marco DiGiulio. Marco is a native San Franciscan and U.C. Davis graduate who has devoted years to mastering the oenological art that is Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. His influence … Continue reading

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Low Places | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | California | 2012 | $45 | 91 Points

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“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” Named for the valley floor vineyards from which it was sourced, here is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that we think hits all the right notes for fans of the “benchland” style. This is a Full Monty Cabernet … Continue reading

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PICK of the RACK: Mascota Vineyards | Unánime | Gran Vino Tinto | Mendoza | Argentina | 2011 | $25 | 92 Points

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“HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” Unánime is a perennial favorite of ours this time of year, as it is a rich and savory red that serves well in transitioning into cooler fall weather. The 2011 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Malbec … Continue reading

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