WINE REVIEWS and RATINGS

Our readers frequently ask, "Can you recommend some wines for tasting?"

Here is a list of some wines we have recently tasted, along with our impressions and suggestions. We hope you have an opportunity to try them yourself!
Click to see our rating system

Pezzi King Vineyards
1999 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel
Rating: 3+
Wow! 2 magnificent Zinfandels in a row! This one is very complex with intense color, and layers of flavors including chocolate raisins, baked plums, fresh berries and black pepper. Ideal balance of tannins and fruit. Intense flavors complement the long, warm finish. Another Zin that can be laid down for years to come. Try this one with minted rack of lamb, or even a garlic-stuffed rump roast.
CONTACT: Pezzi King Vineyards (800)411-4758
www.PezziKing.com

CrauforD                   (No, that is not a spelling error!)
2001 Zinfandel
Rating: 3
Big, bold, and dark, this is what Zin is all about. Soft in the mouth, with fresh cherries mingling with fresh ground peppercorns. Highly structured body with three unique mouth-feels: soft, then firm, then smooth. Long fruity finish with a satisfying pepper nip. Drink now, or cellar for 5-10 years. Ideal for eggplant parmigiana, or a crust-seared pepper steak.
CONTACT: Crauford Wines (707)257-3040

Frias Family Vineyard
1998 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon
Rating: 3+
One of the best Cabs I've had. Traditional Napa-style Cab with intense fruitiness, forward cassis, bark cherry and chocolate, and firm but smooth tannins. Supported by a big, round body with hints of spice and nutmeg. Loooooong finish. Serve with an elegant dinner of medium-rare prime rib, or enjoy as a fireside aperitif.
CONTACT: Manual Frias (415)566-2419

Montpellier Vineyard
2000 Syrah
Rating: 3
Intense smokey oak with blossoming notes of strawberry, berries, and creamy vanilla. Smooth, round body with a lingering finish. An absolute steal at $5 a bottle! Serve with a barbequed steak, or try it with a mustard roasted lamb chop.
CONTACT: Beverages and More in your area, or click: 1200 Spirits

David Bruce Winery
1999 Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir
Rating: 3+
Sharp ruby color in the glass. Beautiful lush fruit on the nose. Cherry and strawberry flavors in a medium and very well-balanced body. Elegant and supple, with a lengthy finish of cherry fading to smoke and spicy earth. It would be hard to find a more perfect example of a great California Pinot Noir. Delicious with garlic chicken or a roast beef.
CONTACT: David Bruce Winery (800)397-9972 www.davidbrucewinery.com
(Reviewed by Leland Myrick, www.winereader.com)

Karly Winery
2000 Pokerville Zinfandel
Rating 3
Deep ruby red color anticipates a luscious mouth of fresh cherries and a touch of black pepper. Soft, mild tannin structure with hints of raspberry, black tea, and mellow oak. Velvety mouth-feel belies a high alcohol content. Perfect for al dente Rotelle with garlic Roma sauce.
CONTACT: Karly Wines (209) 245-3922, www.karlywines.com

Barefoot Cellars
NV Chardonnay
Rating 2+
Ever want a really good wine that has many attributes of a great wine, but doesn't cost much? Tons of fat, oily chardonnay mouth-feel and a solid frame of vanilla, apple and toast. Hints of apple-pie spice and a long finish make the $10 wine (1.5L) a steal for its quality. Serve as an aperitif, with Basil-baked Halibut, or a platter of ripe pears, apples, and mild creamy cheeses.
CONTACT: Your local grocery

Jepson Vineyards
1999 Chardonnay
Rating: 3+
A truly classic wine in all its aspects. Apples and pear with hints of toast and spice blend seamlessly with a big, buttery start. Perfectly balanced acidity and a long, supple finish make this a rare treat. Ideal served with Steamed Clams, Fettuccini and Prawns, or Chicken Piccata.
CONTACT: Jepson Vineyards, (800)516-7342 www.jepsonwine.com

Dario D'Angelo
2000 Trebbiano D'Abruzzo
Rating: 3
Dry white wine. Aroma rich with vanilla and oak overtones. Subtle acidity balances well with clear tropical flavors: Pineapple, orange must and a hint of toast in the finish. Finely structured, light, but still complex with a long, supple finish. Highly recommended as an pleasing alternate to Chardonnay. Serve with steamed fish, chilled shrimp, crab or lobster.
CONTACT: Selected Estates of Europe, (914) 698-7202

Bargetto Winery
2000 Carignane
Rating: 3-
Dry red wine. Intense berry aromas lead to fresh fruit flavors, including notes of cherry and raspberry. Soft tannins are balance with moderate body. Light enough for an aperitif, but equally suited to a lighter meal of mild pasta sauces, barbecue, or turkey.
CONTACT: Bargetto Winery, (831)475-2664

Baywood Cellars
1999 Monterey Merlot, Vineyard Select
Rating: 3-
Uniquely styled Merlot, subtly different but with a cham all its own. Very soft hints of smokey redwood and blackberry in the nose. Velvety structure, with soft tannins supporting fresh cherry and pepper flavors. Table ready, the tannins are reminiscent of well aged wines, but with all the fruit still intact. Recommended with roasted meats, duck, or try with some semi-sweet chocolate (don't laugh until you try it!).
CONTACT: Baywood Cellars, (831) 645-9035

Our Rating System:

Please note the ratings, suggestions, and recommendations listed above are the opinion of the publisher, and are not intended as for public use in making purchasing or other decisions.

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* The information contained in this website is solely the opinion of the editor and the contributing writers. There are no warranties, either implied or express as to the suitability, availability, or pricing of wines, or to the accuracy of the information presented. Please drink responsibly, and do not drink and drive!