Showing items 1
through 8 of
10
Michael Florentino Cellars 2005 Zinfandel (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $36
The Zin is cut with 15% Syrah, a nice choice. Smooth and plummy and loaded with spice cake flavors, it’s a moderate 13.5% alcohol—light for Zin—but has plenty of oomph in the mouth, ripe fruit and a pleasing chocolaty finish. Great presence and polish elevate this well above the ordinary.
— P.G.
(7/1/2008)
Michael Florentino Cellars 2005 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $32
This is reminiscent of the best Glen Fiona Syrahs from the Rusty Figgins era. It’s 100% varietal from the Lonesome Springs Vineyard, quite dark and spicy with sweet berry fruit. Consistent stylistically with the other releases from Michael Florentino Cellars, this adds interesting details of white pepper and baking spices. Forward, fleshy, appealing, delicious and…
— P.G.
(7/1/2008)
Michael Florentino Cellars 2005 Quinta de la Dolce Bella (Port) Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $25
Made with genuine Portuguese varietals—Touriga, Tinta Cao, Souzao and Tinta Madeira—this excellent Port-style fortified wine could pass for a young ruby or LBV. Very fine winemaking and truly delicious fruit.
— P.G.
(7/1/2008)
Michael Florentino Cellars 2005 Tempranillo (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $30
Light, elegant and spicy, this polished wine shows an unusual mix of blueberry and peach fruit flavors, and the impression of tart citrus and peach continues under the sweeter, dominant berry as it moves into a finish sporting fine tannins and crisp acids. A fine effort for this rarely seen (in Washington) varietal.
— P.G.
(7/1/2008)
Michael Florentino Cellars 2005 Malbec (Columbia Valley (WA))
- Online Exclusive
- $38
Winemaker Michael Haddox is exploring unusual, emerging grape varieties in Washington State. This well-made Malbec is just the start, showing dried cherry fruit, graham cracker toast, and hints of stone and graphite. It’s chewy and muscular, an interesting debut for the winery.
— P.G.
(7/1/2008)
Michael Florentino Cellars 2006 Mourvèdre (Columbia Valley (WA))
- $36
The Mourvèdre is the most complex and substantial of the 2006 reds from Michael Florentino. It’s a wine with hints of muscle and depth, its tart red fruits threaded around earth, pepper, smoke, caramel and mocha flavors. The wine persists without becoming harsh or hot, and the way it evolves in the mouth suggests midterm aging potential as well.
— P.G.
(12/31/2008)
Michael Florentino Cellars 2006 Syrah (Columbia Valley (WA))
- $32
Syrah is still finding its way in Washington, and a certain sameness affects many of these wines. This tastes like the product of relatively young vines; spicy, leafy and lightly peppery, with tart cranberry and raspberry fruit, it’s balanced and similar to a lighter Zin from the Dry Creek Valley; tasty and fresh, without over-reaching.
— P.G.
(12/31/2008)
Michael Florentino Cellars 2006 Merlot (Columbia Valley (WA))
- $30
Upon opening, the wine has scents that are ripe, leafy and slightly pruney, but the flavors come across as light and true. Cherry, fig and plum fruits, somewhat cooked, somewhat candied, mingle in a soft and fruity wine that takes some hours to smooth out. The fruit is both a little too ripe, and a bit green, the tannins green and the finish leafy.
— P.G.
(12/31/2008)
Showing items 1
through 8 of
10
advertisement
What We're Tasting
2008 Rodney Strong Reserve
Here’s a fruity, soft, flamboyant Cabernet, packed with plum, blackberry…
Facebook Activity
advertisement
Twitter Activity