Wine Reviews

Browse collection of wine reviews.


Terra Noble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

Juiciness seems to know no boundaries in this Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile's Terra Noble. Hailing from Colchagua Valley, this red is practically exploding with ripe redcurrant fruit flavor and elegant dried herb aromas. Where it really shines, though, is on the palate—which is equal parts restrained elegance and mouth-watering freshness.

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Davis Bynum Virginia's Block Jane's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

Refreshing, aromatically intriguing, and complex in texture, Davis Bynum's Jane's Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from Sonoma's Russian River Valley has "crowd pleaser" written all over it. Starting with citrus blossom notes and aromas of lime and guava, and ending with abundant flavors of grapefruit and green apple, it will difficult to find anyone who *wouldn't* want to sip a chilled glass of this on a warm, sunny day.

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Owen Roe Sinister Hand Red, Columbia Valley

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

Owen Roe's Sinister Hand Red is juicy, funky, spicy, and inviting—and makes a great case for planting a lot more Rhône varieties in Washington's Columbia Valley. There's a lot to like about Owen Roe's interpretation of the a Rhône blend (incorporating Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and others), not least of which is its sub-$30 asking price. Rounded out by oak-aged notes of vanilla and cedar, you'll likely find Sinister Hand to actually be an affable and friendly drinking companion.

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Chelsea Goldschmidt 'Guidestone Rise' Merlot, Alexander Valley

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

This absolute bargain of a single vineyard Sonoma Merlot is named after vintner Nick Goldschmidt’s eldest daughter. With bright red and blue plum fruit flavors, hints of dried herbs and black olives, and a generously plush mouthfeel that doesn't lack for structure, you might just do a double-take on this red's approachable price-point after the first sip.

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Bonny Doon Vineyard Picpoul, Central Coast

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

Leave it to the iconoclastic Bonny Doon Vineyard to offer up a take on the ancient French Mediterranean grape Picpoul. And they do it with gusto, producing one of the fruitier (think ripe green apple, grapefruit, and pomelo) versions you're likely to encounter of this zesty, refreshing white. When warmer weather (finally) lands, this is a wine that's a perfect fit to have on hand in copious (chilled) quantities.

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Chateau Marsau, Francs Cotes de Bordeaux, France

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

Here's a whole lot of red fruit tastiness from one of France's unsung appellations. Or, rather, a collection of appellations that includes Cotes de Bordeaux's Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon and Francs. Offering surprising complexity, depth, and longevity for an under-$30 price point, in the best vintages the spicy, plummy reds from Marsau are an absolute steal.

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Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

If you need a reminder of why Sonoma's Alexander Valley has long been one of the favorite locations for Cabernet Sauvignon lovers, Sebastiani's Alexander Valley Cabernet is a great place to get re-educated. Jammy and bold but still retaining elegance and structure, this red combines an easy-going palate with an intellectually stimulating panoply of spice and wood aromas.

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Cattleya 'Alma de Cattleya' Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

Born and raised in Columbia, Bibiana González Rave had dreamed about becoming a winemaker since she was a young girl, and through passionate determination made that dream a reality. If you're a Sauvignon Blanc lover, that's good news, because her 'Alma de Cattleya' Sauvignon Blanc is a gorgeous melding of California style tropical fruit flavors with the kind of bold, zesty, spicy and exotic aromatics more commonly associated with Sauvignon from New Zealand than from Sonoma!

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Qupe Bien Nacido Vineyard 'Y' Block Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

Qupe's 'Y' Block Chardonnay seems perennially overlooked by wine media and critics, though for the life of me I cannot fathom why. The plus side of this is that its price remains consistently reasonable despite its steady increase in quality vintage after vintage. This white showcases Santa Barbara's telltale mixture of vibrant citrus flavors, fresh flower blossom aromas, and enticingly creamy texture.

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Bodegas Bianchi 'Famiglia Bianchi' Malbec, San Rafael, Argentina

Contributed by: Joe Roberts

Like your reds, meaty, smoky, silky, and easy-going? Meet Argentine stalwart Bodegas Bianchi's 'Famiglia Bianchi' Malbec. After a hint of dried violets, this Malbec turns on the afterburners, sending waves of dark red fruit flavors and smoked meat aromas your way without letup until the very last drop is gone from the glass.

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