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Barbera - Barolo - Cabernet Sauvignon - California Sparkling Wines - Champagne and Sparkling Wines - Chardonnay - Chianti and Cal-Italian - Pinot Noir - Proprietor Blends - Red Zinfandels - Savignon and Fume Blanc - Special Alternative Reds - Super Tuscan and Other Itlalian Reds - Syrah and Shiraz
Barbera
Bony Doon, Barbera, Ca’del Solo, Monterey, 1996 Tart blueberry and wild berry flavors, this is a company and narrowly focused wine, young and tannic. 2,000 cases made. Score: 86
Coppo, Barbera, Camp Du Royss, 1995 Lean, with modest cherry flavors. Score: 83
Rabbit Ridge, Barbera, Grand Reserve, California 1995 Score: 87
Renwood, “Linsteadt Vineyard,” Reserve Burera, Amador, 1995 A touch earthy and leathery, with ripe berry, cherry and raspberry flavors that finish with a slightly gamy edge. 550 cases made. Score: 87
Flora Springs, Napa Valley, Sangiovese, 1997 Fruit, with hints of earthy plum and strawberry. 3,300 cases made. Score: 85
Ricosoli Sangiovese, “Formulae”, Italy, 1996 Slowly opens to reveal some nice plum, berry and spice flavors. Supply and full-bodied. Score: 85
Robert Pepi, Sagiovese, Collins, Di Sassi, Napa Valley, 1995 Young and tight with spice, black cherry and hint of strawberry flavors emerging on the finish where the tannins are smooth and polished. Score: 88
Swanson, Sangiovese, Napa Valley 1996 Smooth and supple, with a pleasant range of cherry, vanilla, spice and cedary oak flavors that gain amplitude on the finish. 2,060 cases made. Score: 87
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Barolo
Borgogno, Burolo, Riserla, 1990 Clean, pure floral and red berry flavors, medium body, good intensity on the palate and a subtle, supple finish. Score: 85
Marchesi Di Barolo, Italy, 1993 Score: 88
Michele Chiarlo, Granduca, Reserve, Barolo 1982 Score: 89
Michele Chiarlo, Burolo, 1988 Score: 90
Michele Chiarlo, Reserve, 1990 Full bodied, big and ripe with violet aromas and plumy port – like flavors. Rich, thick and fruity. It’s well balanced for drinking soon through 2001. 1,500 cases made. Score: 89
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Cabernet Sauvignon
Benzinger, Sonoma County 1996 Well-oak style with lots of dill and cedar notes and enough cherry, herb and current flavors to broaden the palette. Score: 87
B R Cohn “Silver Label, San Luis Obispo County-Sonoma 1997 A solid core of licorice and tar like flavors. Score: 86
B R Cohn “Olive Hill Estate Vineyard”, Sonoma County 1996 Tight and cedar with a trim band of currant, tar, sage and berry. Score: 91
B R Cohn “Olive Hill Estate Vineyard” Sonoma 1988 Magnum Tannin have softened and the sweet plum and black cherry flavors have a nice black olive and herb accent. Score: 89
BR Cohn “Olive Hill Estate Elect Reserve” Napa Valley 1996 Smooth, ripe, supple and harmonious with pretty ripe black cherry, wild berry, currant and plum. 625 cases made. Score: 90
BV Rutherford, Napa Valley 1995 Earthy currant, cedar, sage and plum notes. Score: 86
Cape Mentelle, Maganet River, Australia 1991 Herbal flavors shoulder past the rustic black cherry flavors. Score: 85
Caymus, Napa Valley 1995 Bold, ripe, rich and flavorful with complex layers of currant, black cherry and plum flavors. Score: 93
Caymus Special Select, Napa Valley 1995 Big, ripe, rich and concentrated with layers of currant, plum, black cherry, spice, cedar oak and a dash of vanilla. Score: 95
Clos Du Val, Napa Valley 1995 Spicy currant and berry flavors of modest proportion. Finishing with firm, supple leathery tannin. Score: 86
Columbia Crest, Columbia Valley Washington 1995 Black cherry and currant flavors with hints of herb and tabasco. Score: 87
Conn Creek “Limited Release” Napa Valley 1994 Lighter side with a modest blend of cedar, celery and currant. Score: 87
De Martino, Maipo Valley Reserva Del Familia, Chile 1997 Mix of toast, coffee, ripe plum, black olive and licorice flavors. Score: 89
Diamond Creek “Volcanic Hill”, Napa Valley 1995 Intense and deeply concentrated, ripe, rich, lively currant, black cherry and chocolate flavors. Score: 94
Diamond Creek “Red Rock”, Napa Valley 1995 Complex cherry, currant and floral flavors. Classic in its balance and grace. Long on the finish. Score: 96
Diamond Creek “Gravelly Meadow” Napa Valley 1995 Amazing amount of fruit complexity and tiers of currant, black cherry, plum and spice. Score: 96
Dry Creek Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley 1996 Cherry, currant, herb and cedar oak flavors that finish with tannin. Score: 87
Frogs Leap, Napa Valley 1995 Complex plum, raspberry, cherry and currant flavors. Score: 88
Gallo Sonoma, Frei Ranch Vineyard Dry Creek Valley 1994 Firm tannin and a core of tart plum and dried cherry flavors. Score: 87
Gallo Sonoma, Barrel Creek, Alexander Valley 1994 Black cherry, cedar and spice flavors. Score: 89
Groth, Napa Valley 1995 Cedar, herb and currant notes. It’s a elegant style with a supple texture. Score: 88
Heitz Cellar, Napa Valley 1994 Currant, berry and plum notes. Finishes with drying tannin. Score: 88
Heitz Cellar, Martha’s Vineyard Napa Valley 1990 Score: 90
Heitz Cellar, Martha’s Vineyard Napa Valley 1991 Score: 90
Heitz Cellar, Martha’s Vineyard Napa Valley 1992 Mint-accented currant and black cherry flavors silky on the way to a long complex aftertaste. Score: 93
Heitz Cellar, Bella Oaks Napa Valley 1993 Complex flavors with currant, spice, sage and cedar notes. Score: 91
Heitz Cellar, Bella Oaks Napa Valley 1994 Score:90
Hahn, Santa Lucia Highlands 1995 Strong cola and herb flavors coming to the fore. Score: 84
Hess Collection, Napa Valley 1995 Earthy currant, black cherry and berry flavors dashes of mint and cedar. Score: 88
Jarvis Estate, Cave Fermented, Lake Williams Napa Valley 1993 Currant, black cherry, cedar and spice flavors at the core. Score: 88
Jarvis Estate, Cave Fermented, Lake Williams Napa Valley 1992 Score: 90
Kenwood Yulupa, Sonoma County 1995 Core of black cherry, licorice, toast oak and spice. Score: 88
Kenwood “Artist Series”, Sonoma County 1994 Core of spicy currant, earthy anise and cedar oak flavors folds together nicely. Score: 90
Kunde Estate, Sonoma County 1995 Currant and plum flavors are tart and compact. Score: 86
Laurel Glen, Sonoma Mountain 1993 Tea like accent to the cherry and currant flavors. Score: 85
Marcelina, Napa County 1993 Spicy currant, sage, mineral and tar notes and firm tannin on the finish. Score: 87
Melaren Vale, D’Arenberg Australia 1995 Blackberry and currant flavors take on a lovely tinge of spice, cedar and just a hint of mint. Score: 88
Mount Eden Vineyard, Santa Cruz 1996 Hints of currant, anise and chocolate earth notes at the outset. Score: 88
Per Sempre, Napa Valley 1995 Currant, leather, cedar and spice flavors. Score: 89
Per Sempre, Napa Valley 1994 Dense, earthy and leathery with a core of currant, anise and black cherry. Score: 90
Per Sempre “Select Reserve”, Napa Valley 1994 Tannic and leathery-core of earth currant and tar flavors. Finishes with a strong, woody, oak flavors. 220 cases made. Score: 91
Peter Michael “Les Pavots”, Knights Valley 1996 Concentration and complexity, it’s packed with crisp, firm, currant, spice, cedar, tar and wild berry flavors. Score: 93
Ravenswood, Sonoma County 1996 Dry and gustere with a wild berry and spice. Score: 87
Ravenswood “Gregory Vineyard”, Sonoma County 1996 Firm and tight with a slight camphor edge to the cherry and currant flavors. Score: 88
Stonestreet, Sonoma County 1995 A big ripe and intense style with flavors of rich fig, melon, apple, pear and apricot. Finishing long and full with a smoky oak accent. Score: 91
Talbott “ Sleepy Hollow”, Monterey 1996 Ripe, Rich and Creamy with layers of pear, pineapple, fig and spice and a pretty dose of smoky toast oak. Folding in on the long luxurious finish. Score: 93
Talbott “Cuvee Cynthia” 1996 Ripe, Rich and buttery with a creamy texture and intense pear spice, pineapple and citrus notes. 500 cases made. Score: 92
Truchard Carneros, Napa Valley 1996 Smooth, ripe, rich and creamy with lots of complex pear, anise, fig, hazelnut and earthy nuances. The texture is silky – smooth and the finish echoes fruit, spice and light oak. 1,323 cases made. Score: 92
Zaca Mesa, Santa Barbara County 1997 Bright and lively with spicy tangerine, nectarine and peach flavors that are smooth and concentrated. Score: 89.
ZD, California 1996/97 Crisp with a core of citrus, nectarine, herb and spice. The texture is a bit raw, but the wine is concentrated. Score: 88
Rocking Horse Stag’s Leap District, Robinson Vineyard 1994 Appealing, fruity flavors that turn spicy and simple at mid palate. 200 cases made. Score: 87
Signorello, Napa Valley 1996 Dark, ripe and intense with spicy current, plum and blackberry flavors picking up spicy oak, anise and tabasco notes. Score: 91
Silver Oak, Alexander Valley 1994 Currant, Plum and cedar oak flavors are outstanding. Score: 90
Silver Oak, Napa Valley 1994 Cedar aromas a woody edge, chewy currant and plumy flavors. Score: 91
Simi, Alexander Valley 1995 Core of currant, herb, tea and leather slowly comes to the fore. Score: 89
Stag’s Leap, Napa Valley 1995 Supple plum and wild berry flavors, moderately rich and tannic. Score: 87
Stag’s Leap “Cask 23”, Napa Valley 1995 Intense and concentrated with a rich, supply texture and loads of currant, anise, black cherry, plum and berry notes. Score: 93
St. Francis, Sonoma County 1996 Supple and fruity with smoke currant, plum and berry flavors. Score: 86
Swanson, Napa Valley 1990 Score: 89
Trefethen “Eschol”, Napa Valley 1995 Chunky cherry and wild berry flavors are ripe and lively. Score: 85
Trefethen, Napa Valley 1995 Dark, dense and intense with a tightly wound core of black cherry, currant, cedar and spice. Score: 88
Volker Eisele, Napa Valley 1993 Firm and focused with complex flavors of current, plum, green olive, cedar and spice. 800 cases made. Score: 89
Woodward Canyon, Canoe Ridge Vineyard, Artists Series, Washington 1996 Spicy currant and black cherry flavors that jump right up and show from the first sip. Score: 90
Pahlmeryer, Napa Valley 1996 Magnum Rich and smoky with complex fig, melon toast and anise flavors that are still a bit disjointed. Score: 90
Panther Creek (KJ) Paradise Vineyard, Arroyo Seco 1995 Clean and attractive with a core of ripe peach and citrus flavors. Fans out on the finish, picking up toast oak and spice notes. Score: 87
Penfolds, Konnunga Hill, South Australia 1996 Crisp and spicy. Here’s a bright open textured Cabernet that’s easy to like for its pear and peach flavors. Score: 87
Pine Ridge, Napa Valley Carneros, Dijon Clones 1997 Remarkably complex, deep, rich and flavorful with tiers of peach, pear, spice and toast oak. Very concentrated, well balanced and long on the finish. 1,650 cases made. Score: 91
Rabbit Ridge, Sonoma County 1997 Ripe and full bodied with an earthy, grassy edge to the pear and apple laced flavors. Finishing with a dash of vanilla-tinged oak. Score: 87
Raymond, Amberhill, Napa Valley 1997 Score: 78
Rombayer, Curneros 1997 Ripe, juicy, complex flavors with hints of pear, apple, pineapple and guava. Score: 91
Saddleback, Napa Valley 1995 Marked by a crisp citrus, especially grapefruit, edge with tart pear and pineapple flavors folding in to provide added depth and dimension. 1,012 cases made. Score: 87
Signorello, Napa Valley 1996 Sharply focused, ripe, rich and lively with complex concentrated pear, apple, spice and peach flavors. A bright and lively style that finished with vanilla and hazelnut. 1,000 cases made. Score: 92
Sonoma Cutrer, “Les Pierres”, Russian River 1996 Crisp and intense with a flinty band of pear, hazelnut, light oak and spice, gaining complexity on the finish. Score: 89
Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches 1996 Intense and spicy with a fruit core built around racy citrus and pineapple flavors. Score: 89
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California Sparkling Wines
Domaine Chardon, Blanc de Noirs, NV Toast, citrus, vanilla and hazelnut accents. The finish is fresh with an attractive lemon-lime edge. Blend of 81% Pinot Noir and 19% Pinot Meunier. Score: 88.
J by Jordan, 1994 Has a dash of ginger and grapefruit. The finish is long with hints of lemon and lime. Score: 89.
Roederer Estate, Anderson Valley, Brut, NV French producer, it offers lots of richness, depth and flavors with its well-focused pear, hazelnut, honey, fig and spice character. Displays wonderful finesse and has a long lingering finish, where it picks up a trace of almond. Score: 92.
Scharffenberger, NV Toast and yeast on the nose, but the fruit has a bit of a green edge. Still, it has pleasant nut, fig and citrus qualities. Score: 87.
Mirabelle, Brut, NV Clean and smooth, with bright apple and mineral tones. The finish is fresh but not terribly complex. Score: 86.
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Champagne and Sparkling Wines
A. Salon, 1982 Full of vanilla flavors, fine acidity, long finish. Only 4,000 cases were produced. Drink now. Score: 95.
A. Salon, 1988 Fresh and lively flavor, yet smooth in texture. This is a light but vibrant champagne with citrus and spice flavors lingering on the finish. A bit unimpressive now but has a track record for improving with time. Drink now through 2005. Score: 90.
Dom Peringnon, 1990 Toasty, earthy aromas and an expanding mousse make this an unusually assertive champagne. Creamy in texture, ripe and fruity flavor, it is distinctive but not for everyone. Drink now. Score: 89.
Krug Brut, Reims, 1989 Rich in texture and character, elegant balance and long finish. This vintage bubbly is its own cause for celebration. A unique spice quality adds complexity to the already deep persistent flavors. Score: 94.
Louis Roederer “Crystal”, 1990 Combines open fruit flavors and vivid balance for a well focused, citrus flavored champagne with a fresh texture and crisp finish. Score: 87.
Tattinger “Comte Rosé”, 1993 Full of character with a firm texture, this rosé is very dry, quite full bodied, marked by a crisp cherry flavor and a firm finish. Quite good now but will improve with age. Score: 87.
Tattinger “Comte” Regular, 1989 Bright and lemony, this vivid, well-balanced, youthful champagne has a creamy texture and focused fruit flavors with just a hint of butter and vanilla. Score: 89.
Tattinger Prestige Rosé, NV A plush, appealing, fresh rosé champagne with a fine mousse and bright, light cherry and spice flavors. Score: 87.
Veuve, La Grande Dame, 1989 Full-bodied but sophisticated in both flavor and texture, this very dry but distinguished champagne boasts appealing layers of toasty, smoky flavors, a mouth filling mousse and a lingering finish. Score: 94.
Veuve, NV Fruity in character, creamy in texture with a lingering, tasty finish. Score: 88.
Perrier, NV Rich in texture and full flavored, this packs more punch than the usual champagne. Score: 87.
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Chardonnay
Acacia, Carneros, 1996 Slightly green, leafy edge to this moderately ripe and uncomplicated wine. Pear and lightly spiced oak on the finish. Score: 85.
Beringer Reserve, Napa, 1996 Ripe pear, smokey oak, fig and vanilla flavors, turning rich and elegant and revealing a fine balance and integration that lets the flavors linger on. Score: 95.
Cakebread, 1997 Elegant and refined, with hints of grapefruit, pear, citrus and spice, holding its focus on the after taste. Score: 88.
Calera, Central Coast, 1996 Ripe pear, fig, melon and citrus flavors are at first dominated by a toasty, smokey and woody edge. Score: 90.
Cambria, Katherines Vineyard, 1997 Ripe and spicy, with a lively core of tangerine, pear, fig and melon. Spicy vanilla-tinged oak adds dimension. It holds its flavor to the finish. Score: 90.
Chalk Hill Bold, ripe, complex and concentrated in style. Layers of rich fig, pear, pineapple and smokey, toasty oak that lingers on the long and complex finish. Score: 93.
Chalone, 1996 Elegant and complex. Smooth, ripe, rich and flavorful with a creamy texture and lots of ripe pear, apple, fig and melon.
Chateau Montlera, 1994 Crisp and flinty, with a core of citrus flavor that slowly unfolds into pear, apple, spice and cinnamon notes. Score: 91.
Chateau Potelle, Napa Valley, 1996 Intense and earthy with pronounced grassy overtones. It strays into savignon blanc territory where it takes a citrus and grapefruit edge. Score: 85.
Clos du Val, Napa Valley, 1996 Clean and spicy, with a dash of light, toasty oak and elegant pear and fig flavors. For those who prefer chardonnay on the understated side. Score: 87.
Far Niente, 1996 Tightly wound, with a crisp edge to the core of citrus and grapefruit. Finishes with a concentrated lemony aftertaste. Score: 90.
Ferrari-Carano, 1995 Reserve Depth and concentration of fruit, brimming with ripe, rich complex and concentrated fruit flavors. Tiers of pear, tropical fruit, melon and citrus shadings, yet manages to remain elegant and refined. Score: 93.
Fess Parker, 1996 Elegant and well balanced, with a cedary oak edge giving way to a core of pear and peach flavors. Score: 87.
Forman, 1996 A zingy style, with zesty grapefruit, lemon, pear and fig flavors that are rich and concentrated. Score: 90.
Forman, 1995 Features ripe pear, spicy oak, toast, hazelnut and buttery flavors. Score: 91.
Frog’s Leap, 1997 Simple with tart, earthy pear and citrus flavors of modest depth and proportion. Score: 85.
Grgich Hills, 1995 Spicy core of ripe pear, apple, citrus and melon flavors, this white reveals even more depth and concentration on the finish as the flavor lingers. Score: 92.
Groth, 1997 A fresh, crisp, flinty style, with tart apple, pear and citrus notes as well as a pleasant note of smokey, toasty oak. Score: 88.
Joseph Phelps, 1996 Rich, spicy flavors, it opens to reveal perfumed grape like pear and citrus notes and even a hint of bitterness. Score: 88.
Jordan, 1996 Ripe and elegant, with spicy pear, citrus and melon notes. Well balanced, with a clean, fruity aftertaste. Score: 88.
Kenwood, 1997 A spicy style, with a hint of litchi nut, and ripe pear and apple. This wine has flavors that are ripe and refreshing even if lacking in complexities. Score: 87.
Keinde, 1997 Complex with pretty ripe pear, apple, spice and melon flavors and a nice dash of spicy, toasty oak. Score: 87.
Logan, 1997 Shows off an earthy, gamey side before the ripe pear, citrus and spicy oak flavors work into the mainstream. Score: 86.
MacRostie, 1997 Intense wine with spicy, cedary oak and a solid core of ripe pear, melon and peach laced flavors. Finishes with toasty, smokey oak and just a bit of coarseness. Score: 87.
MacRostie Reserve, 1996 Core of earthy pineapple, citrus and butterscotch flavors. Is a very rich wine. Score: 90.
Marimar Torres, 1995 A lovely white, ripe and fruity, with lots of rich tangerine, pear, melon and spice flavors. It has a long, lingering aftertaste where the flavors resonate with intensity. Score: 90.
Matanzas Creek, 1995 Core of spicy citrus, pear, fig and melon flavors with amazing detail and a polished texture. Score: 94.
Mer Soleil, 1996 Compact with toasty, cedary oak and a rich core of pear, fig and citrus. Score: 91.
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Chianti and Cal-Italian
Frescobaldi, Chianti, Riserva, Italy 1994 Impressive perfumes of a violet, berry and Floral Character. Medium in body, with medium, fine tannins and a chocolate berry finish. 5,000 cases made. Score: 88
Ricasoli, Chianti Classico, Riserva, Italy, 1994 A lovely plumy wine with soft tannins and a fruity finish. Medium bodied. Score: 85
Ricasoli, Chianti, Italy, 1997 Plenty of right, grape character to this wine. Medium – bodied, with light tannins and a fresh finish. Score: 84
Ruffino, Riserva Ducale, Chianti Classico, Italy, 1993 An impressive wine, with berry, cherry and wet earth character. Medium -bodied, with firm tannins and mineral and fruity aftertaste. Score: 88
San Leonino, Chianti, Classico, Italy, 1994 Good berry notes woody on the finish. Medium bodied, with light tannins. Score: 86
Antinori, Chianti Classico Reserve, Italy 1995 Mushrooms, berry and earth. Medium body, with firm tannins, some new wood notes and a silky finish. Score: 86
Badia a Coltibuono, Chianti Classico Riserva 1994 Attractive cherry, light earth and spice character. A medium body with fine tannin and a crisp finish. Score: 85
Felsina, Chianti Classico Riserva 1986 Score: 89
Felsina, Chianti Classico Riserva 1987 Score: 91
Felsina, Chianti Classico Riserva 1989 Score: 87
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Pinot Noir
Aeacia, Carneros 1996 Smooth and polished with a supple core of cola and black cherry flavors. Finishing with a spicy edge and moderate tannin. Score: 88
Babcock, Santa Barbara County 1996 Smooth and polished but the flavors strays into the earthy, spicy vegetal, peppery side of Pinot Noir. Score: 86
Bonny Doon, California 1994 Ripe and Spicy with dried cherry plum and wild berry flavors. 910 cases made. Score: 87
BR Cohn, “Olive Hill Vineyard”, Sonoma Valley 1997 120 cases made. Score: 92
Byron, Santa Maria Valley 1996 Dense and earthy it unfolds to reveal a core of cherry, berry and beef flavors. Score: 87
Calera, Central Coast 1996 Austere with a slight green edge to the black cherry and blackberry flavors. Finishing with a dish of spice and firm tannin. Score: 86
Calera “Jenson” Mt. Harlan, 1993 Distinct for its exotic ripe and racy fruit flavors with layers of juicy cherry wild berry and plum notes. A very tasty wine. 1,775 cases. Score: 91
Cambria, Julia’s Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley 1995 An earthy beefy style with lots of herb, mushrooms, tea and meaty notes. 3,000 cases made. Score: 87
David Bruce, Central Coast 1997 Young and intense but the flavors hit most of the right notes with berry, leather, sage and spice. Finishes with firm tannin and hint of herb. Best now through. Score: 87
Deloach Estate, “Ofs Reserve”, Russian River Valley 1994 Dark ripe and richly flavored with layers of black cherry, currant, anise and spice. Turning supply and harmonious on the finish. 1,000 cases made. Score: 90
Domaine Carneros, Carneros 1996 Supple and complex with a range of ripe spicy cherry, plum and earth notes. It holds together and is well focused. Ready now. 3,600 cases made. Score: 88
Domaine Droyhin, Oregon 1996 On the light side but firm enough to pack in some chewy plum spice and toast flavors. Score: 86
Domaine Serene, Erenstead reserve, Willamette Valley, Oregon 1995 Light lean and crisp. A tight wine with modest berry flavors and a touch of smoky oak on the finish. 975 cases made. Score: 87
Edmeades, Anderson Valley 1995 Complex and flavorful with arrange of black cherry, cola, earthy and mushroom flavors. Score: 87
Gary Farrell, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley 1997 Attractive for its ripe bright cherry, black cherry and plum notes. It’s tight and trim turning supple and creamy, gaining richness on the finish where the flavors are complex. 1,500 cases made. Score: 89
Flowers, Perennial, California 1997 Score: 87
Flowers, Cornerous 1997 Score: 88
Flowers, Cape Meeting Ridge Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 1996 Score: 91
J by Jordon, Reserves Russian River Valley 1996 Score: 89
Longoria, Santa Maria Valley, Brun Navido Vineyard 1997 Pepper, herb and spice with a core built around beefy herb, plum and earthy Pinot Noir. Flavors that elegant and delicate on the aftertaste. 105 cases made. Score: 88
Macrostic, Carneros 1997 Smooth ripe and spicy with pretty black cherry, plum and berry notes. Finishing with a dash of anise and firm tannin. 2,200 cases made. Score: 88
Morgan Unfiltered, Monterey 1996 A touch earthy and smoky with a charred edge to the cherry and berry flavors. It’s best to let this soften and integrate a while. Score: 87
Panther Creek, Willamette Valley Oregon 1997 Currant and toast flavors. Closed up tightly, but it should unfold by 1999. 500 cases made. Score: 87
Ponzi, Reserve 25th Willamette Valley, Oregon 1995 Light crisp and juicy at first with an anise accent to the black cherry and smoke flavor.
Robert Sinckey, Carnerous of Napa Valley, 1995 show a nice core of concentrated plum, cherry and berry flavors, with fine oak shadings. 5,850 cases made. Score: 87
Saintsbury, Carnersous, 1996 Crisp and spicy with a bank of cola, black cherry, spice and cedar. Shows lots of richness and depth on the finish. Score: 88
Saintsbury, Reserve “Brown Ranch”, Carnerous, Estate 1996 Smooth and silky. An elegant style with dense rich black cherry, plum, leather, earth and beef flavors. Picking up a nice touch of toasty oak on the finish. 2,700 cases made. Score: 93
Schug Reserve Carnerous 1995 A touch of earthy. It slowly unfolds to reveal a broader range of berry and spice notes. All the while showing off it’s mushroom flavors. 481 cases made. Score: 87
Stonestreet, Russian River Valley 1995 An elegant style ripe and spicy with pretty plum, wild berry, tea, herb and cherry flavors. 1,161 cases made. Score: 89
Talbott, “Case”, Monterey 1995 Marked by herb, tea and sage notes with only a glimmer of wild berry and plum flavors. Score: 85
Yarra Yering, Victoria Australia 1995 Ripe and concentrated showing lots of smoky blackberry, plum and pepper flavors. 50 cases made. Score: 89
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Proprietor Blends
Cain Cuvee, Napa Valley 1995 Shows enough ripe currant and plum flavors, but the tannin level is high for some wine drinkers. Score: 85
Insignia, Joseph Phelps, Napa Valley 1995 Big, ripe, Rich and concentrated, jammed with juicy plum, currant, anise and black cherry flavors. Score: 95
Opus, Napa Valley 1995 Layers of current, dried cherry, sage and cedar. Impressive for its depth concentration, finesse and a long lively aftertaste. Score: 92
Opus, Napa Valley 1981 Score: 94
Opus, Napa Valley 1982 Score: 93
Pahmeyer, Napa Valley 1995 Ripe complex and full-bodied with pretty currant, black cherry, spice and cedar oak flavors that continue to develop far into the finish. 2,000 cases made. Score: 93
Viader, Napa Valley 1995 Ripe and complex cabernet blend with pretty plum black cherry and wild berry flavors. The texture is smooth and polished right up to the finish. A blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon and 47% Cabernet Franc. 4,400 cases made. Score: 92
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Red Zinfandels
Blockheadia Ringnosii, California 1997 Smooth ripe and juicy with lots of berry and cherry flavors balanced tannin, anise and tar accented finish. 590 cases made. Score: 89
Deloach, “Pelletti Ranch”, Russian River Valley 1996 Earthy cherry, wild berry and raspberry flavors into a medium weight modestly proportioned wine finishing with firm dry tannin. 3,600 cases made. Score: 87
Edmunds St. John, “Story Vineyard”, Amador County 1997 Well-focused core of wild berry, cherry and spice flavors. 600 cases made. Score: 88
Ferrari-Carano, Sonoma County 1995 Earthy wild berry and black cherry flavors that are slow to emerge. Strong oak and slight bitterness on the finish. Score: 85
Frogs Leap, Napa Valley 1996 Elegant in style that doesn’t try to overpower. Ripe plum and cherry flavors and fine polished tannin. Score: 87
Grigich Hills, Sonoma County 1995 Ripe cherry, raspberry, earth, mushroom and cedar flavors. Score: 88
Kenwood Mezzoni, Sonoma County 1994 Ripe smooth and spicy with lively blackberry, cherry and raspberry notes. 1,300 cases made. Score: 88
Kunde Shaw Vineyard, Sonoma Valley 1996 Earthy, gamy notes adding interest to the straightforward black cherry flavors. Score: 86
Morgan, Dry Creek Valley 1995 Earthy cherry and raspberry flavors, turning dry and cedar on the finish. Score: 85
Philippe – Lorraine, Napa Valley 1993 Score: 87
Rabbit Ridge, Barrel Cuvee, California 1996 Well proportioned with spicy, peppery wild berry and cherry flavors that linger on the finish. Score: 86
Ravenswood, Sonoma County 1996 A core of berry and cherry flavor is appealing as is the peppery notes on the finish. Score: 88
Ravenswood Vinters Blend, California 1997 Score: 86
Renwood, Amador County 1996 Smooth, ripe, rich and exotic with layers of ripe plum, cherry and berry showing fine depth and richness. Score: 89
Ridge, Sonoma Station California 1996 Ripe berry, cherry, plum and anise. Finishing with complex flavors and a long lingering aftertaste. Score: 88
Ridge Lytton Springs, California 1997 Spicy plum and wild berry and toast cedar oak flavors. A touch of hot on the finish. Score: 88
Ridge, Pagani Ranch, California 1996 Smooth ripe and flavors of cherry, jam, wild berry and strawberry that gently unfolds. Score: 90
Rocking Horse, Lamborn Vineyard, Howell MTN 1996 Spicy, peppery, wild berry and plumy notes. Score: 90
Rosenblum, Contra Coasta 1995 Spice, sage and wild berry flavors, unfolding to reveal more cherry, plum and raspberry flavors. Score: 89
Rosenblum, Passo Robles 1995 Ripe and fruity with jam plum, black berry, cherry and wild berry flavors that linger on the supple elegant finish. Score: 88
Truchard Carnerous, Napa Valley 1997 Dark, rich and structured with thick opulent black cherry, berry, pepper, sage and spice notes turning mint on the aftertaste. 888 cases made. Score: 89
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Savignon and Fume Blanc
Babcock, Eleven Oaks, Santa Ynez Valley, 1996 Earthy on the nose, but on the palate it comes around nicely in the old world style. It is brightly textured with a strong herbal, grassy edge backed by plenty of grapefruit, line and fig flavors. Score: 89.
Bernardus, Monterey, 1997 A sharp, tangy style, with lots of grapefruit, lemon and herbs. It is a racy wine but doesn’t show much depth. Score: 87.
Cain Musque, Ventana Vineyard, Monterey, 1997 Fragrant and bright, packed with lemon, lime, peach, p[ear, grapefruit, sweet pea, honey and melon flavors. Score: 90.
Cakebread, 1997 Bright and tangy, this has pretty grapefruit and melon tones. On the finish, it lingers with a honeyed, lemon-lime accent. Score: 86.
Chalk Hill A rich, full-bodied style that boasts hazelnut, fig, orange and lemon flavors. All framed by a healthy dose of sweet oak. Score: 90.
Duckhorn, Napa Valley, 1997 Tropical fruit character, mango and papaya come to mind, is the hallmark of this wine. Fig, sweet pea and melon flavors co-star. Though bright and refreshing, it has a silky smooth feel on the palate. Rich and lovely. Score: 90.
Ferrari-Carano, 1998 Ripe melon, grapefruit and fig notes are prominent, but still has the awkwardness of youth. Score: 87.
Grgich Hill, 1995 Lively, complex flavors of melon, passion fruit, grapefruit and a touch of grassiness. Tangy, long finish. Score: 89.
Hahn, Russian River, 1997 Sports some nice, silky citrus, herb and mineral qualities. Score: 86.
Kenwood, Sonoma, 1997 Fairly complex, with a blend of melon, grapefruit, lemon and herbal aspects. Score: 88.
Matanzas Creek, 1996 Tangy, citrus flavors and pretty, ripe melon notes framed in sweet oak, with a squeaky clean finish. Score: 86.
Murphy Goode, Sonoma, 1997 Bright and perky. Firm and tightly wound around a core of vivid grapefruit, anise and lemon flavors. Score: 88.
Robert Pepi, “Two Heart Canopy”, 1996 Spice, cloves, mandarin orange and overly bright grapefruit flavors are not quite integrated in this bouncy wine. Finish is on the tart side. Score: 84.
Spottswoode, 1997 Bright lemon and tart plum flavors come to the forefront, backed by a light, toasty quality. Score: 87.
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Specially Selected Alternative Reds
Arrowood “ Malbec”, Sonoma County 1995 Score: 88
Beringer, “Allurium, Knights Valley 1995 Currant, coffee, berry and spicy flavors, the texture is supple and polished, the finish deceptively complex. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Mulbec. Score: 90
BV, Tapestry, Napa Valley 1995 Dense and concentrated Bordeaux style blend, a cone of earthy currant, spice plum and cherry flavors that fan out nicely on the finish. Score: 89
David Bruce, Petite Syrah, Central Coast 1997 Complex and well balanced, with ripe dark fruit flavors – lots of plum and wild berry and pretty dashes of sage and spice adding dimension. Score: 90
Duckhorn Paraduxx 1996 Score: 87
Estancia, Meritage, Alexander Valley 1995 Bordeaux style red blend notable not only for it’s richness and depth, but for its more-than reasonable price. Complex and concentrated, this has tiers of ripe plum currant and age flavors with pretty oak shading. Score: 89
Hedges, Cabernet-Merlot, Washington 1997 Pretty berry and spice flavors dance along the velvety texture and remain bright and lively through the generous finish. Score: 87
Justin “ Isosceles” Paso Robles 1996 Smooth and flavorful with a pretty array of cherry, berry and chocolate flavors. Finishes with deep plush tannins. 2,050 cases made. Score: 93
Kiona, Cabernet-Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington 1996 Smooth and spicy around a core of bright citrus flavors. 630 cases made. Score: 85
Ridge Bridgehead, Mataro, California 1997 Complex with a meaty edge to plum currant and cedar notes. Finishes with good length and supply tannins. Score: 87
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Super Tuscan, Amarone, Dolcetto,
Barbaresco, Brunello and Other Italian Reds
Bertani, Amarone, Classico Superior, Italy, 1988 Tobacco, leather and brown sugar phase, with a glycerine like texture and rich, full-bodied structure. Score: 88
Borgogno, Barbaresco, Riserva, Italy, 1990 Score: 87
Bosco, Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo, Italy 1996 Score: 85
Dolcetto D’Alba, Priavino, Italy 1996 Score: 86
Ferrari-Carano “Siena” Sonoma County, 1996 Harmonious and well integrated red, smooth, ripe, rich and concentrated, with complex black cherry, raspberry, anise, sage and spice flavors. Score: 91
Frescobaldi, Brunello Di Montalcino, Reserva, 1990 Slightly coarse and rustic now but this is a huge wine, full bodied and very rich, adding velvet tannins and a long finish. Score: 89
Mastroberardino, “Tauras”, Riserva, Italy 1986 A good solid red wine with a pleasant black cherry, currant and tobacco flavors and nice spicy on the finish. Quit tannic. Score: 87
Michele Chiarlo, “Rabaja”, Barbaresco, 1990 Very high toned floral aromas with red cherry and leather flavors. There’s good concentration and a chewy texture to this well structured red. Score: 90
Michele Chiarlo, Barilot, Piedmont, 1990 More spice and wood accents here, the cherry flavor already receded into the background. Elegant, with moderate complexity, yet the time tannins need until 2000 to smooth out. Score: 86
Ornellaia, Marchese Lo Dovico, Italy, 1993. Pretty berry, cherry and dried herb character with a hint of new wood. Medium – bodied with soft tanning and juicy finish. Score: 88
Rabbit Ridge, Montepiano, California 1995 Flavorful and sturdy, not tannic, generous with its blackberry and floral flavors. Finishes softly. A blend of Sangiovese, Barbera, Lambrusco and Cabernet Franc. Score: 85
Sassiciaia, Tunuta San Guido – Bolgheri, Italy 1995 This is a prototypical Sassicaia for its great complexity. Offers Mineral, lead pencil, tar, cassis and black olives notes, solid backbone and firm, elegant finish. Score: 94
Seghesio, Ruri, Nebbiolo, Italy 1988 Score: 87
Simposio, Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano, 1990 Score: 91
Taurino, Salice Salentino, Riserva, Italy 1994 Score: 86
Tommasi, Amarone, Della Vulpolicella 1988 Compact with plum, spice and dried cherry flavors up front and cola like flavors on the finish. 3,000 cases made. Score: 87
Tommasi, Amarone, Della Vulpolicella, 1990 Full-bodied, smooth in texture and port-like in character. Nicely mature. The chocolate, gamy flavors match with rich meat dishes or after-dinner cheeses. 3,100 cases made. Score: 88
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Syrah and Shiraz
Beckman Vineyards, Syrah, Santa Barbara County, 1997 Blackberry and slightly weedy flavors against a crisp frame of juicy acidity. 450 cases made. Score: 87
Cape Mentelle, Shiraz, Margaret River, Australia 1993 A chewy wine with only a bit of plumy, anise-scented fruit flavors. Score: 86
Edmunds St Johns, Durell Vineyard, Sonoma County 1996 Dark-colored, with rich complex meaty currant, plum and wild berry flavors that are tightly wound. 700 cases made. Score: 88
Fess Parker, Syrah, Santa Barbara County 1996 The cedar oak stands out a bit in this but with time it should reveal its plum ad smoky berry flavors. Score: 87
Penfolds, “Grange” South Australia, 1993 Ripe, Smoky and spicy, this is a wine of extraordinary subtlety and complexity, powerful without showing to much muscle. It layers its anise, black cherry and blueberry flavors to keep them zingy through the finish. 2,049 cases made. Score: 94
Penfolds Bin 389, Cabernet/Shiraz 1995 Mouthful of Cabernet with floral –scented blackberry and spice flavors that remain smooth to the finish. Score: 89
Penfolds Old Vine, Barossa Valley, Australia 1994 Ripe and open textured with black cherry and anise flavors swirling through the wide-open finish. Score: 88
Truchard, Syrah, Carnerois, Napa Valley 1995 Dense and earthy with a smoky meaty leathery edge to the ripe currant and berry flavors. Finishing with a chewy tannic after taste. Score: 90
Yarra Yering, Shiraz, Victoria, Australia 1996 Dark and chewy, a distinctive, raw mouthful of blackberry, licorice and vanilla flavors that smooth out a bit on the harmonious finish. 20 cases made. Score: 90
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