![\"\"](\"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Nov_2017.jpg\")
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Key to the 5-star rating system:<\/strong><\/em> Wine colour indicators – Red<\/span>, Whites<\/span>, etc.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Foci …<\/strong> Premium California (PC<\/strong>) Argentina …<\/strong> Australia …<\/strong> Austria …<\/strong> Canada<\/strong> (British Columbia) …<\/em><\/span> Chile …<\/strong> France<\/strong> (Bordeaux) …<\/em><\/span> Italy<\/strong> (Sicily) …<\/em><\/span> New Zealand …<\/strong> Portugal …<\/strong> South Africa …<\/strong> Spain …<\/strong> United States<\/strong> (California) …<\/em><\/span> ________________________________________<\/p>\n In-Store Discoveries: wines that appear on the shelves of your local Vintages outlet …<\/strong> If You Can Afford It: wines worth their high price …<\/strong> Other Stuff That’s Fine, But It’s Not Wine …<\/strong> What I’ll Be Lining Up For (November 25, 2017) …<\/strong> Happy Shopping<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2819,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[153,72,190,53,230,58,106,120,62,48,240,94,40,182,79,241,81,160,64,242,243,133,47,170,103,52],"class_list":["post-4147","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-vintages-releases","tag-argentina","tag-australia","tag-bordeaux","tag-british-columbia","tag-burgundy","tag-california","tag-canada","tag-chile","tag-france","tag-italy","tag-midi","tag-new-zealand","tag-ontario","tag-oregon","tag-portugal","tag-puglia","tag-red-wine","tag-rhone-valley","tag-rose","tag-sicily","tag-south-africa","tag-spain","tag-tuscany","tag-united-states","tag-washington","tag-white-wine"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4147"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4147\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2819"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.michaelpinkuswinereview.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
5 = Outstanding … 4.5 = Excellent … 4 = Very Good … 3.5 = Good<\/em><\/p>\n
The Skinny …<\/strong> While big ticket California is the focus there are still some great wines for not a lot of dough – look at the Rhone, Spain and a few from Italy. There’s also a bargain of a Burgundian Sparkling Rosé to celebrate the holidays in style.<\/p>\n
BenMarco 2015 Expressivo<\/em><\/span> ($39.95 – #263517) – one of the richest and creamiest versions of this wine I’ve tasted: crème de cassis, blackberry and chocolate. (*** ½+)
Catena 2014 Alta Historic Rows Malbec<\/em><\/span> ($49.95 – #982355) – spicy cassis, blackberry, oaky and savoury on the finish. (*** ½+)<\/p>\n
D’Arenberg 2016 The Hermit Crab Viognier\/Marsanne<\/em><\/span> ($17.95 – #662775) – nice aromatics with tropical fruit, grapefruit zest and a lanolin finish. (****)<\/p>\n
Laurenz V. 2015 Friendly Gruner Veltliner<\/em> <\/span>($19.95 – #66225) – pea pod, green bean and tropical fruit backed by nice acidity and a long finish. (*** ½+)<\/p>\n
Burrowing Owl 2014 Athene<\/em><\/span> ($44.95 – #371336) – rich blackberry, mocha, black cherry with a spicy coffee-laden finish. (****)
Canada<\/strong> (Ontario) … click on wine name for full review<\/em><\/span>
Chateau des Charmes 2014 Riesling Icewine<\/em><\/a> ($67.00 \/ 375ml – #413724) – ****
Charles Baker 2014 Picone Vineyard Riesling<\/em><\/a> ($35.20 – #241182) – ****
Domaine Queylus 2014 Tradition Pinot Noir<\/em><\/a> ($29.95 – #392738) – *** ½+
Featherstone 2015 Joy Premium Cuvee Sparkling Rosé<\/em><\/a> ($29.95 – #450700) – ****
Henry of Pelham 2012 Cuvee Catharine Carte Blanche<\/em><\/a> ($44.95 – #315200) – **** ½
Henry of Pelham 2015 Cabernet Icewine<\/em><\/a> ($39.95 \/ 200ml – #672402) – *** ½+
Henry of Pelham 2016 Estate Chardonnay<\/em><\/a> ($19.95 – #268342) – *** ½
Hidden Bench 2015 Estate Chardonnay<\/em><\/a> ($29.95 – #68817) – ****+
Peller Signature Series Ice Cuvee Rosé<\/em> <\/a>($35.75 – #113035) – *** ½+
Reif 2014 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/a> ($25.95 – #304162) – *** ½
Stratus 2013 Red<\/em><\/a> ($48.20 – #131037) – ****<\/p>\n
Concha y Toro 2015 Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay<\/em><\/span> ($19.95 – #342857) – oak with plenty of butter and spice nuances: peach puree and baked apple also make an appearance. (*** ½+)
Lapostolle 2013 Red Blend<\/em><\/span> ($17.95 – #524892) – this is a simple sip but it sure is tasty. (*** ½)
Perez Cruz 2013 Pircas de Liguai Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/span> ($29.95 – #536839) – silky smooth and supple with a touch of pepper, mocha-black cherry and earthy. (****)<\/p>\n
Chateau Pierre de Montignac 2009<\/em><\/span> ($23.95 – #437954) – cassis, learther, blackberry and oak, all with a nice bit of age on it. (*** ½)
Tauzinat 2015 L’Hermitage Red<\/em><\/span> ($27.95 – #486704) – black raspberry, cherry, leather, smoke and hefty tannins. (*** ½+)
France<\/strong> (Burgundy) …<\/em><\/span>
Louis Bouillot Perle D’Aurore Brut Rosé Cremant de Bourgogne<\/em><\/span> ($21.95 – #48793) – pleasant raspberry-cherry with lemon and lime; price makes it an accessible bubbly. (****+)
France<\/strong> (Loire) …<\/em><\/span>
Joseph Mellot 2016 La Chatellenie Sancerre<\/em><\/span> ($29.95 – #525154) – lemon, tropical, peach with fruit driven sweetness yet has a dry citrus-pith finish. (*** ½+)
France<\/strong> (Midi) …<\/em>
Chateau L’Hospitalet 2014 La Reserve Rouge<\/em><\/span> ($28.95 – #682492) – blueberry, wood smoke, licorice and subtle spice. (****)
Tessellae 2015 Old Vines Granache\/Syrah\/Mourvedre Cotes du Rousillon<\/em><\/span> ($18.95 – #343517) – silky smooth with raspberry, cassis and black cherry. (****)
France<\/strong> (Rhone) …<\/em><\/span>
La Ferme du Mont 2015 Le Ponnant Cotes du Rhone-Villages<\/em><\/span> ($20.95 – #171371) – delicious red berry, cherry, white pepper, hint of leather, develops complexity in the glass. (****+)
La Ferme du Mont 2015 Premiere Cote Cotes du Rhone<\/em><\/span> ($17.95 – #251645) – juicy red fruit dominant with blueberry backing; simple and sexy with a spicy finish. (****)
Xavier 2015 Arcane XV Le Diable<\/em><\/span> ($29.95 – #526301) – supple black cherry, chocolate, savoury and smoky. (****)<\/p>\n
Fazio Aegades 2015 Grillo<\/em><\/span> ($17.95 – #388637) – waxy and toasty with tropical and lanolin notes. (*** ½)
Italy<\/strong> (Tuscany) …<\/em><\/span>
Icario 2011 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano<\/em><\/span> ($19.95 – #534602) – chocolate, licorice, herbal and dried raspberry. (****)
San Felice 2015 Chianti Classico<\/em><\/span> ($19.95 – #282996) – spicy tobacco with both black cherry and blackberry. (*** ½+)
Italy<\/strong> (Umbria) …<\/em><\/span>
Castello della Sala Bramito 2016 Chardonnay<\/em><\/span> ($24.95 – #176792) – fresh and lively with peach, apple, floral and a hint of vanilla. (*** ½+)
Italy<\/strong> (Venezie) …<\/em><\/span>
Tommasi 2015 Palanca<\/em><\/span> ($15.95 – #527077) – sweet cherry and dried dark fruit, very Zin-like with spiced cherry, wonderfully fresh and fruity with a spicy finish. (****+)<\/p>\n
Stoneleigh 2017 Latitude Sauvignon Blanc<\/em><\/span> ($21.95 – #324228) – grapefruit zest, pink grapefruit and zesty. (*** ½+)
Whitehaven 2013 Pinot Noir<\/em><\/span> ($24.95 – #532929) – earthy-cherry, nice texture and well-balanced. (*** ½+)<\/p>\n
Calem 2000 Colheita Single Harvest Tawny Port<\/em><\/span> ($46.95 – #264259) – there’s a creamy texture here with hazelnut, spiced-orange peel and it just keeps giving; sip to enjoy. (**** ½)
Crasto 2015 Vinho Tinto<\/em><\/span> ($17.95 – #81588) – lots of deep dark black fruit with smoky anise and earthy-herbal notes. (****)
Grilos 2014 Reserva Red<\/em><\/span> ($16.95 – #523597) – blackberry, cassis, raspberry, sour cherry and spice. (*** ½+)<\/p>\n
Mulderbosch 2014 Faithful Hound<\/em><\/span> ($20.95 – #922443) – smoky coffee and cassis with graphite and menthol. (*** ½+)<\/p>\n
Altanza 2009 Club Lealtanza Reserva<\/em><\/span> ($29.95 – #293852) – tobacco, cherry, mocha and spice. (****)
Baron de Magana 2011<\/em><\/span> ($19.95 – #280552) – pleasant with sweet spices and red fruit; easy drinking. (*** ½+)
Honoro Vera 2016 Monastrell<\/em><\/span> ($13.95 – #167684) – sweet blackberry and cherry, mocha, vanilla, blueberry with a smoked meat finish. (****+)<\/p>\n
Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs<\/em><\/span> ($34.95 – #223792) – crisp and clean with green apple, lemon and a touch of almond biscotti. (****+)
La Crema 2014 Russian River Pinot Noir<\/em><\/span> ($45.95 – #906404) – spiced cran-blueberry and juicy cherry. (*** ½+) – PC<\/strong>
Manifesto 2015 Zinfandel<\/em> <\/span>($20.95 – #472472) – sweet raspberry-mocha but with nice balancing acidity and a respectable 13.9% alcohol. (*** ½+)
Ravenswood 2013 Teldeschi Single Vineyard Zinfandel<\/em><\/span> ($44.95 – #684589) – a rich version of Zinfandel but it really does pale compared to the Ridge in this release. (*** ½) – PC<\/strong>
United States<\/strong> (Oregon) …<\/em><\/span>
Domaine Drouhin 2014 Oregon Pinot Noir<\/em><\/span> ($49.95 – #961284) – sweet cherry fruit, cran-cherry, white pepper and earthy tannins on the finish. (*** ½+)
United States<\/strong> (Washington) …<\/em><\/span>
Chateau Ste. Michelle 2015 Riesling<\/em><\/span> ($16.95 – #685651) – talc, peach, apple, lemon and a nice hint of sweetness. (*** ½)<\/p>\n
Don Maximiano 2014 Founder’s Reserve<\/em><\/span>, Chile ($84.95 – #396333) – *** ½+
Flowers 2015 Chardonnay<\/em><\/span>, California ($69.95 – #215210) – *** ½+<\/p>\n
Alchimedes 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/span>, California ($79.95 – #431825) – ****+ (PC<\/strong>)
Andrea Oberto 2012 Albarella Barolo<\/em><\/span>, Italy ($62.95 – #527374) – ****
Ca’Rome 2011 Romano Marengo Cerretta Barolo<\/em><\/span>, Italy ($71.95 – #000455) – ****+
Caymus 2014 Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/span>, California ($199.95 – #711663) – **** ½ (PC<\/strong>)
Drappier 2012 Millesime Exception Champagne<\/em><\/span>, France ($74.95 – #513895) – ****
Duckhorn 2014 Merlot<\/em><\/span>, California ($64.95 – #992529) – **** (PC<\/strong>)
Far Niente 2015 Chardonnay<\/em><\/span>, California ($108.95 – #539130) – *** ½+ (PC<\/strong>)
J. Lohr 2013 Carol’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/span>, California ($88.95 – #246918) – **** (PC<\/strong>)
Moet & Chandon 2008 Grand Vintage Brut Rosé<\/em><\/span> Champagne, France ($98.95 – #69831) – ****
MollyDooker 2016 Carnival of Love Shiraz<\/em><\/span>, Australia ($89.95 – #242743) – ****
Ridge 2015 Geyserville<\/em><\/span>, California ($64.95 – #723072) – **** ½ (PC<\/strong>)
Shafer 2014 One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/span>, California ($154.95 – #45476) – **** (PC<\/strong>)
Silver Oak 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon<\/em><\/span>, California ($184.95 – #936039) – **** – (PC<\/strong>)
Two Hands 2015 Bella’s Garden Shiraz<\/em><\/span>, Australia ($64.95 – #636407) – *** ½+<\/p>\n
Alfred Schladerer Himbeergeist Black Forest Raspberry Eau-de-Vie<\/em><\/span>, Germany ($38.95 – #58974) – ****
Lazzaroni Amaretto di Saronno<\/em><\/span>, Italy ($39.95 – #242941) – ****+<\/p>\n
Honoro Vera 2016 Monastrell ($13.95 – #167684) – Spain
Louis Bouillot Perle D’Aurore Brut Rosé Cremant de Bourgogne ($21.95 – #48793) – Burgundy
Tommasi 2015 Palanca ($15.95 – #527077) – Italy<\/p>\n