Smells like pine kindling, and bursts into a ripe, red raspberry and other vanilla-infused, red berry fruit. Has some tart acidity and an intriguing smoky aftertaste. 3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $25
... Read More »Impressive/Gift
Reviews of impressive wines for gifts.
Cockburn 1998 Late Bottled Vintage Port
Aroma of almonds steeped in rose water, with the sip giving dark roasted or grilled berries. Finish of intense caramel and raisins.3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=6 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $20 What Did You Think?
... Read More »Graham 10-Year Tawny Port
Like ripe black cherries soaked in brown sugar, butter and maple syrup. After some time in the glass, it offers a pecan praline flavor that lasts for minutes. 3.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=7 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $30 What Did You Think?
... Read More »Sandeman 20-Year Tawny Port
Honey with dried orange and roasted almonds. A bit of astringent alcohol, but quite nice. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=8 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $40 What Did You Think?
... Read More »Bookwalter 2004 Merlot Columbia Valley
Family-owned winery in Washington State. Lush and rich with fully ripe blackberry, bitter coffee and sweet chocolate. Definitely a big merlot that will surprise you. 4.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $38
... Read More »Bodegas Roda 2001 Rioja Reserva
A family-run winery in Spain. The fun begins with a bubblegum aroma. Then it’s loaded with sweet black cherry, soothing vanilla, aromatic bittersweet chocolate and soft, elegant tannins. 4.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=2 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $45
... Read More »Pax 2004 Syrah Griffin’s Lair Sonoma Coast
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Frank Family Vineyards 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Headed up by a wine geek from Hollywood and winemaker Koerner Rombauer, Frank Family Vineyards has won my heart. I haven’t had a disappointing bottle yet. Their cab is elegance embodied. Tootsie roll flavors, laced with caramel, vanilla and honeysuckle … backed up with white pepper, blackberry ... Read More »
Boudreaux 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley
Some of the best values in wine these days come from Washington State. But keep this one a secret. This cab is a bit shy at first, but it opens up like a warm hug. Some supple tannins penetrate a base of bright, vibrant cherry and raspberry, tinged with plum
... Read More »Pommery 1995 Grand Cru Brut (France)
Extraordinarily good, with a wholesome baked bread backbone and a tart lemon and ripe peach taste. Long finish that begs for more. 4.5 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $50
... Read More »Taittinger Prestige Rosé
Green apple and tart cranberry, followed by a vanilla-tinged earthiness. A bit pricey, but worth it. I tried the other French Taittingers, but they were so woody, they were almost undrinkable. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $60
... Read More »Schramsberg 2002 Blanc de Noir
Earthy, with a baked pear bread character. Finishes with a tart citrus wash that freshens your mouth. 4 stars out of 5. Sweetness=1 out of 10 (dry to sweet). $33
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