by Winepisser | Nov 22, 2017 | Quick Review
Citrusy lemon overpowers the natural grape here, but otherwise it’s a fine NZ SB. This one is very dry so may not win over those who are not already fans of the region’s sauvignon Blanc. It’s certainly great, but could have benefitted from the...
by Winepisser | Nov 20, 2017 | Quick Review
Competent but unremarkable SB from Sonoma.
by Winepisser | Nov 19, 2017 | Quick Review
No tasting notes.
by Winepisser | Nov 15, 2017 | Quick Review
Bright tart apple smacks bracingly with the usual mineral yumminess of NZ SB proving once more that the kiwis cannot seem to produce a single exception to their standard of excellence. Very nice.
by Winepisser | Nov 14, 2017 | Quick Review
Mosel reez is like sex, even when it’s bad it’s great, unless too much money has changed hands. This one gets middling reviews but is just great nevertheless. Very slight nose, but on the palate it’s traditional German Riesling. Semi sweet with faint...
by Winepisser | Nov 11, 2017 | Quick Review
Faint but floral nose flirts to reveal a fruit forward, bright and almost tart glass once on the tongue. California should pay attention, this is how chardonnay is supposed to be made. Just lovely.
by Winepisser | Nov 10, 2017 | Quick Review
Pungent nose of apple and onion grass is way better than it sounds, and really gives this a unique character. On the palate it’s a bit more traditional in the Cally SB sort of way, with tart fruit prominent here. Lacks the nautical mineral noted of New Zealand...
by Winepisser | Nov 5, 2017 | Quick Review
Ugly blend that is too fruity by half with another half of nearly chemical reek. Only some bright acidity saves this from a 1 star rating.
by Winepisser | Nov 3, 2017 | Quick Review
Color is like a 70s blacklight poster, deep purple baby. Potent blend with legs like an octopus, and just-right tannins. Finish was slightly lacking for me and it didn’t break out as particularly original, but it’s a very fine wine nevertheless.
by Winepisser | Oct 28, 2017 | Quick Review
Grassy and citric like it should be, but lacking nearly any hint of fruit. It’s rare that I would say this, but this SB comes off as overdry for a Marlborough offering. Many might like that, though.
by Winepisser | Oct 28, 2017 | Quick Review
From other reviews I was not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised. Nose gives off tobacco and only hints of fruit, but the palate just explodes with a melange of dark berries. You’d be forgiven for thinking this was a blend but it’s all malbec....
by Winepisser | Oct 28, 2017 | Quick Review
Wow, what a disappointment. Unusually fruit forward for an old vine zinfandel. Comes across as black cherry with an emphasis on the cherry. Actually came off as TANGY, if you can imagine that for a zin. The smooth tannins actually work against this, since they...
by Winepisser | Oct 28, 2017 | Quick Review
Put up in a one-on-one PS battle against the horrible Handcraft offering, this one won the contest by a mile. Well made petite sirah, with mild tannins being the main characteristic. Earth and fruit on the nose, while the palate puts forth cherries with an ever so...
by Winepisser | Oct 28, 2017 | Quick Review
Handcrafted by robots, or maybe people without hands? Mediocre PS that wilted when paired with a relatively bland chicken dish. Fruit disappears quickly and this has less legs than a cabaret show performed by amoebae. Probably good for cooking, if you don’t want...
by Winepisser | Oct 28, 2017 | Quick Review
Considering they are generally respected as the masters of pinot grigio, I’m rarely impressed the Italy’s latest offerings of this variety. This one presents more of the same: bright yellow color but little else; some notes of lemon and flowers but only if...
by Winepisser | Oct 28, 2017 | Quick Review
Fortunately it’s not the margarine mess that passes for California chardonnay these days (CA should just cede the wineries to the dairy industry), so this is pleasant enough. Slightly crisp with hints of citrus but with enough oak to please the fans. (No year...
by Winepisser | Oct 27, 2017 | Quick Review
Mediocre zin from Cosentino winery will pair nice with a meaty plate, but don’t expect much if drinking it by itself. OK but not memorable.
by Winepisser | Oct 15, 2017 | Quick Review
Rich black cherry and silky smooth tannins. Really luxurious. Drinks great right now.
by Winepisser | Oct 15, 2017 | Quick Review
Very fine Shiraz, very smooth with light and subtle fruit sneaking behind the deep ruby color. A great glass for those trying Shiraz for the first time, but pleased this seasoned lover of the grape as well. Recommended.
by Winepisser | Oct 8, 2017 | Quick Review
This year proved to be a huge year for New Zealand SBs, with dozens of them reviewed recently. It’s no secret I am a fan. This Stoneleigh from Marlborough, which I am pretty sure is where the Garden of Eden once existed, throws off a blast of lemon and fresh cut...
by Winepisser | Oct 8, 2017 | Quick Review
This Monterey County chardy has an interesting nose bearing the usual chardonnay scents but with a hint of cedar which really makes this intriguing. On the palate it’s the usual stuff, light cream and timid fruit. Not bad at all but just not memorable. At least...
by Winepisser | Oct 8, 2017 | Quick Review
Nose reminded me of the musty New York City apartment of my grandparents; that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Fruit forward but avoids jamminess, thankfully. Heavy berry flavors dominate with robust but not overpowering tannins. Came recommended by the server...
by Winepisser | Oct 8, 2017 | Quick Review
I am just not a fan of buttery chardonnay and this is only that. Hits all the usual beats, without anything to make it unique. Chardy enjoyers will, erm, enjoy; but I am utterly bored by this formula.
by Winepisser | Oct 8, 2017 | Quick Review
Pedestrian but not bad. The used sneakers of wine.
by Winepisser | Oct 8, 2017 | Quick Review
You can rarely go wrong with CDP, and I usually am ecstatic over any that I encounter. This one, however, left me wanting. A timid nose hinted at little of what the glass would offer the palate;in general, this hinted at a fruity back end, but was dominated by a...
