Category: wine mini-reviews

09 Trapiche Torrontes (Mendoza): Much to like for tropical fruit lovers; Torrontes fans might find much to gripe about (except price). $7 C+ # 08 Ruffino Chianti (Chianti): Only about 75% Sangiovese, but it’s a total chewy cherry, crowd-pleasing steal of a deal nonetheless. $9 B- # 07 Novelli “Rosso Cube” (Umbria): Probably the earthiest,…

07 Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon (Sonoma/Napa Counties): Mr. toasty oak told Ms. Blackberry that he'd "be gentle." But he lied. $23 B- # 07 Ghost Pines Merlot (Sonoma/Napa Counties): Frighteningly supple crowd-pleaser. Dunno who brought the toasted nuts, but they're good $20 B # 09 Dancing Coyote Albarino (Clarksburg): Wow. Alive, well, fruity, peachy, lively,…

07 Chateau Pineraie Malbec (Cahors): The berries are red, the booze is hot, the brett is funky, & the finish is bittahhhhh. €7 C+ # 09 Chateau Quattre (Cahors): Aparently, hard limestone soils worked by long-standing producers equates to explosive red fruit goodness. €6 B # 08 Rigal Les Terrasses (Cahors): After the supple mouthfeel…

06 Hall Merlot (Napa Valley): The dark fruits & cocoa are an attraction, but the extraction action might prove to be a distraction. $28 B # 08 Polka Dot Riesling (Pfalz): Refreshing & a touch sweet, limes & lemons abound. Certainly the most fun PD offering I've had. $10 B- # 06 Gaja Ca Marcanda…