N.V. Gruet Brut Rosé (USA, New Mexico) The nose had strawberry and yeast, a little citrus, and a hint of stone towards the end. The palate was dominated by yeast with strawberry undertones. There was also stone and a little citrus. It finished with a good cherry flavor. (87 pts.)
2007 Bird in Hand Shiraz Two in the Bush (Australia, South Australia, Mount Lofty Ranges, Adelaide Hills) The nose had black currant and cherry, pepper, floral notes, and a bit of tar and mocha at the end. The palate was soft and juicy, with black currant, pepper, tar, mocha, and a pleasant cherry finish. (90 [...]
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2007 Toad Hollow Chardonnay Unoaked Francine’s Selection Mendocino County (USA, California, North Coast, Mendocino County) The nose had pear, citrus, and some floral notes. The palate was crisp, with a lot of floral notes, plus some citrus and apple. The finish was a little bitter. (79 pts.)
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2008 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley (Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley) The nose had cherry, grilled meat, dried berries, coffee, and a little licorice at the end. The palate was soft and rich, with blueberry, cherry, roasted meat, licorice, and a smoky finish. (93 pts.)
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2007 Chappellet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Signature (USA, California, Napa Valley) The nose had spicy chocolate, blackberry, cherry, smoke, and vanilla. The palate was soft and rich. with espresso, blackberry, cherry, smoke, and a spicy finish. (93 pts.)
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2007 Viña Cobos Cabernet Sauvignon Bramare (Argentina, Mendoza, Lujan de Cuyo) The nose had smoke, earth, blackberry, black currant, and some floral notes toward the end. The palate was rich and thick, with blackberry, black currant, spice, smoke, and an earthy finish. (92 pts.)
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2005 Terra Valentine Cabernet Sauvignon Wurtele (USA, California, Napa Valley, Spring Mountain District) The nose had a load of milk chocolate and plum. The palate had loads of chocolate, some plum, and a floral finish. (89 pts.)
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2006 Piping Shrike Shiraz (Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley) The nose was very smoky, with tar, bacon, and blueberry. The palate was rich and juicy, with blueberry, tar, smoke, and a finish of bacon fat. (90 pts.)
2008 d’Arenberg Shiraz The Stump Jump (Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale) The nose was a bit tight, but I did get a little spice, some floral notes, and a hint of blueberry. The palate was very fruity, with blueberry, cherry, and raspberry. It finished with spice, and lavender. (87 pts.)
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2005 Gravity Hills Syrah Base Camp (USA, California, Central Coast, Paso Robles) The nose had spice and red fruit, some leather, and a peppery finish. The palate was soft and fruity, with strawberry, cherry, and blueberry. It also had leather, spice, pepper, and some licorice on the finish. (88 pts.)