Winery - Crystal Valley Cellars
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Here’s a good, veryday Merlot, with some complexity. It’s dry and balanced, with a good array of black cherry, blackberry and toasty oak flavors. Has the flash of a very fine wine, without quite the depth, but the price is fair.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Smells raw and minty, and tastes tart in green tannins and acids, turning cherryish on the finish. Perhaps the winemaker was trying to avoid superripeness, but this wine is too sharp to enjoy.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Has a lot in common with far more expensive Cabernets. The dark color promises a richness that’s confirmed with a sniff revealing ripe cassis fruit and smoky oak. In the mouth, it’s quintessentially fine California Cabernet, rich and dry, balanced and delicious. Lacks the extra dimensions of the best stuff, but not by much. Impressive, and a great value. —S.H.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Crystal Valley is a Cosentino brand, and this single-vineyard wine is fruity and tasty, with the rich, honeyed texture of a fully ripe wine. Has a kiss of oak and a nice, long, citrusy finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A lean but smooth, herb-tinged red cherry and ripe tomato profile marks this distinctive wine. In some ways a bit Pinot-like, it has a lively mouthfeel. Finishes tart, with leather and oregano accents on the moderately long finish.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Ripe, polished and pretty, this charming wine has full-throttle apple and pear flavors and tasty spice. It’s refreshingly crisp and well-structured, with a long, rich finish. Mainly Lodi grapes, from Cosentino.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Plenty of jammy black cherry fruit here, really easy to drink and to like for its soft texture. Wears a light jacket of oak that adds seasoning.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A nice, easy drinking wine with some extra features that make it worth your while. Soft in texture, it’s loaded with ripe black currant, dark chocolate and oak flavors. Makes you want to keep on sipping.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Made primarily from Delta and Lodi grapes, this is an innocently good Chardonnay, rustic in character, but likeable for its fruit, touch of oak and thoroughly dry character. It finishes with a rich streak of vanilla-drizzled peaches and cream.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Part of the huge wave of statewide appellation Chards now hitting the market. This one is strictly down the middle, offering modest peach and apple flavors and a good texture.
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