Recent Online Exclusives
Recent Online Exclusives are the latest wine, spirit and beer reviews that did not appear in print.
Juvé y Camps 2008 Brut Nature Gran Reserva Reserva de la Familia Sparkling (Cava)
- Online Exclusive
- $17
Normally I’m a fan of Juvé y Camps. This bottling is bland on the nose, with a cleaning-solution aroma. The palate is foamy in feel and short in flavor, with a strange blend of bitter lettuce, brine and green herbs. Frankly, it’s not up to par, a possible reflection of the below-average 2008 vintage.
— M.S.
(6/1/2013)
Lazy River 2007 Pinot Noir (Yamhill-Carlton District)
- Online Exclusive
- $38
A whiff of leather opens this wine, which is well along its aging curve. There’s a bitter edge to the tannins, along with some rounded cherry cola flavors.
— P.G.
(6/1/2013)
Ledger David 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (Rogue Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $19
Very pale, almost transparent, despite alcohol over 14% abv, this very light, citrusy wine carries a background flavor of vitamin pill, and feels a bit flat in the mouth.
— P.G.
(6/1/2013)
Pali 2011 Alphabets Pinot Noir
- Online Exclusive
- $21
Pali has done a better job with Oregon fruit in the past, but this wine, from a difficult vintage, has a soapy entry and very light, rosewater flavors that quickly butt up against bitter, earthy tannins. The balance is off and the fruit is thin.
— P.G.
(6/1/2013)
Tierra Brisa 2012 Chardonnay (Mendoza)
- Online Exclusive
- $13
Generic, candied aromas of banana and peach are decent but not serious. The mouthfeel is zingy due to raw acids, while citrus and apple flavors are middle of the road. As advertised, the finish is tangy and zingy.
— M.S.
(6/1/2013)
Chateau Lettau 2010 Rendezvous Halter Ranch Red (Paso Robles)
- Online Exclusive
- $32
A simple wine, soft and candied, with raspberry and cherry flavors. It’s a Rhône-style blend based on Syrah.
— S.H.
(6/1/2013)
Carol Shelton NV Black Magic Late Harvest Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
- Online Exclusive
- $20
Other than being very sweet, this dessert wine has little to recommend it. It’s soft and rich in white sugar flavors, with traces of oranges, red currants, chocolate and anise. High alcohol gives it a peppery burn.
— S.H.
(6/1/2013)
Trophy Wife NV Big Red Wine Blend
- Online Exclusive
- $14
Despite the objectionable brand name, this is a sufficiently drinkable wine. It’s dryish and tannic, with cherry, berry, brown sugar and spice flavors.
— S.H.
(6/1/2013)
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2009 Va Piano
Having been given almost four years of age prior to release, this deep…
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