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Armanino Family Cellars 2010 Amber Ridge Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $55
Armanino’s 2010 shows a welcome return to form after the 2009. Indeed, it’s more like the ’08, vastly rich in raspberry and cherry compote, gingersnap cookie, sweet, caramelized oak and exotic spice flavors. Feels like pure silk and satin in the mouth, making it perfect for drinking now.
— S.H.
(5/1/2012)
Armanino Family Cellars 2008 The Whitewing Amber Ridge Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley)
- $50
This beautiful Pinot Noir drinks well now because it’s so fruity, delicately structured and crisp. Shows oak-inspired and refined raspberry, cherry, cola, pomegranate and cedar flavors that finish in a rich swirl of exotic spices. Has the inherent balance to develop through at least 2014.
— S.H.
(8/1/2010)
Armanino Family Cellars 2009 The Pointer Cabernet Sauvignon (Howell Mountain)
- Cellar Selection
- $80
Plenty of tough mountain tannins in this classically-huge Howell Mountain Cabernet. Combined with dryness and acidity, it makes for one tough drink. Deep down is a solid core of blackberries, complexed with spices and earthy-mineral notes. This is surely one to age. Hold until 2018, and could go well beyond that.
— S.H.
(6/1/2012)
Armanino Family Cellars 2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- $95
A rich, sleek Cabernet, made in a controlled manner emphasizing dry elegance rather than massive fruit. You’ll find complex blackberry, tobacco and mocha flavors, wrapped into firm tannins. Now–2014.
— S.H.
(6/1/2011)
Armanino Family Cellars 2008 The Ringneck La Encantada Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
- Cellar Selection
- $50
You should give this some time in the cellar, because right now, it’s all about juicy primary raspberry and cherry fruit and sweet, smoky oak. Nothing’s come together. We know that Pinot Noirs from these southerly, north-facing slopes of the valley yield wines of longevity, and this well-made, tart one, from such a well-regarded vineyard, should reward after 4–6 years.
— S.H.
(8/1/2010)
Armanino Family Cellars 2008 The Pintail Doctor's Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands)
- $50
A big wine, full-bodied and ripe, flooding the mouth with jammy raspberries, cherries, vanilla and sweet oak and a combination of all elements that’s as rich as white chocolate. But it’s entirely dry, with fine acidity. Defines the ripe, muscular style of Santa Lucia Highlands.
— S.H.
(8/1/2010)
Armanino Family Cellars 2009 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $95
Marked by acidity, strong tannins and powerful fruit, this Cabernet is a three-way playoff. The fruit is the obvious early victor, flashy in plums, blackberries, cassis and cedar. But the astringency makes it difficult to enjoy now. Cellar for six years, and see what happens.
— S.H.
(5/1/2012)
Armanino Family Cellars 2007 The Ringneck La Encantada Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)
- $49
Marked by acidity and grapeskin bitterness, this is a Pinot Noir to stash in the cellar, in order to let everything resolve. It shows fresh, vibrant flavors of cherries, raspberries and red currants, and is very dry. Should hit its window of opportunity between 2010–2012.
— S.H.
(8/1/2009)
Showing items 1
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