California Grapevine Reviews
*California Grapevine
ABOUT OUR TASTING NOTES
OUR TASTING NOTES are the result of weekly doubleblind tastings held in San Diego. Our scoring system at these tastings is based on the traditional 20-point Davis scale for wine evaluation. I also include a score using the currently more popular 100-point scale. The group score and the number of first, second, and third-place votes appear.
91 Points *first place
Spell Umino Vineyard Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2014
Medium-light to medium ruby color; attractive, forward, deep, intense, cherry and dark berry fruit aroma with hints of clove and dried herbs; medium to medium-full body; forward, rich, deep, elegant, red and dark fruit flavors with a velvety mouthfeel; medium to medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended. Appealing to drink now and also shows aging potential.
90 Points *third place
Spell Terra de Promissio Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014
Medium-light to medium ruby; attractive, forward, deep, black cherry fruit aroma with hints of dried herbs and sandalwood; medium to medium-full body; rich, fleshy, earthy, cherry and red berry fruit flavors with good acid balance and a hint of cola; a bit tight on the finish; medium tannin; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended.
89 Points *sixth place
Spell Nichole’s Blend Pinot Noir Sonoma County 2014
Medium-light ruby; fragrant, forward, cherry and red berry fruit aroma with herbal notes and a hint of cocoa; medium body; fleshy, supple, red fruit flavors with spicy notes, bright acidity, and a hint of cola; medium tannin; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended.
88 Points
Spell Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir Yorkville Highlands 2014
Medium-light to medium ruby; ripe, earthy, cherry and red berry fruit aroma with hints of mocha and dried herbs; medium body; tight, red cherry and cranberry fruit flavors with earthy and black tea notes; medium tannin; lingering aftertaste. Highly recommended.
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