Wines from Shenandoah Valley (CA)

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Amador Foothill Winery 2001 Grand Reserve Sangiovese (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

Price $28

From a winery that takes Sangiovese seriously comes this dry, tannic, bitter, Chianti-like interpretation. It has California-ripe cherry flavors, but the acidity is high and cutting enough to easily handle olive oil, butter or beef. — S.H. (12/31/2005)

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Amador Foothill Winery 2004 Sauvignon Blanc (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

Best Buy

Price $11

This winery often turns up real jewels. Fans of dry Sauvignon Blancs need to stock up on this one by the case. It has New Zealand-like gooseberries and citrus flavors and a long, rich, spicy finish. — S.H. (12/31/2005)

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Easton 2003 Barbera (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

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Price $22

Shows an unusually controlled approach to Barbera, with a balanced texture more like a fine Merlot. The blackberry, coffee, leather, grilled meat and slight oak flavors finish rich and complex, and totally dry. Best now and through 2010. — S.H. (6/1/2006)

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Easton 2002 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

Price $30

One of the best Sierra Foothills Cabs I’ve tasted, this wine is soft and lush in fruit, with rich, intricate tannins framing well-ripened cassis and blackberry pie flavors. The wine is dry and balanced, with just a hint of rusticity. — S.H. (6/1/2006)

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Amador Foothill Winery 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

Best Buy

Price $12

If you’re tired of all those flabby, lemonade-sweet Sauvignon Blancs, you’ll welcome this one. It’s refreshingly dry and crisp, a wine that really cleanses your palate. With 25% Sémillon, it shows very pure citrus and fig flavors, with a rich creaminess from partial barrel fermentation and aging on the lees. — S.H. (6/1/2008)

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Amador Foothill Winery 2007 Estate Aglianico (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

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Price $25

This winery’s style always has been to produce food-friendly wines, and this one certainly is. Sommeliers might want to check it out as an interesting alternative to Zinfandel. It’s dry and high in acidity but very fruity, with a range of blackberry, currant, raisin, licorice and pepper flavors. — S.H. (7/1/2010)

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C.G. di Arie 2007 Petite Sirah (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

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Price $25

Pretty soft and delicate for a Petite Sirah, with the silkiness almost of Pinot Noir, except for the dark black color and firm, dry tannins. The blackberry, currant and leather have a touch of smoky cedar. Drink this pleasant wine with Mexican food, spare ribs, lasagna. — S.H. (11/1/2010)

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C.G. di Arie 2007 Block #4 Primitivo (Shenandoah Valley (CA))

Online Exclusive

Price $25

This wine resembles Zinfandel, although it’s drier and smoother in the mouth, with a silky texture. Nonetheless, it has robust flavors of wild, dried dark fruits and berries, sprinkled with cocoa and black pepper. It’s a nice wine to drink now with everything from roast ham to grilled chicken. — S.H. (11/1/2010)

Most Reviewed Varietals

Barbera Cabernet Sauvignon Italian Red Muscat Petite Sirah Port Blend Rhône-style Red Blend Sangiovese Sauvignon Blanc Shiraz/Syrah Viognier Zinfandel

Most Reviewed Wineries

Amador Foothill Winery Bella Piazza Bray C.G. di Arie Domaine de la Terre Rouge Easton Noceto Renwood Shenandoah Sobon Estate Terre Rouge Villa Toscano

2010 Andeluna Altitud

This is a high-quality Malbec with fleshy berry aromas that veer towards…

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