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Posts Tagged ‘saddleback’

2006 Saddleback Cellars Old Vine Zinfandel

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

87 / C+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 15 Dec 2008

Medium purple core with a lighter rim. Brambly fruit aromas with brown sugar, a hint of fresh herbs and a pop of black pepper. Juicy entry on the palate with an herbal edge. Well balanced, but not overtly fruity as one might expect from old vine Zinfandel. Lots of acidity with nice tannic structure and chocolate on the finish.

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2004 Saddleback Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

90 / B

Tasted by Mike Supple - 15 Dec 2008

Dark ruby core with a ruby rim. The nose is somewhat muted at first, but opens up as the glass sat implying continuing development in the bottle if you have the patience to let it evolve. Aromas of violets and earth are backed by black cherry and cassis with a touch of sweet vanilla. A hint of green pepper on the front palate is quickly followed by dark fruits - black cherry, blackberry, plum - and accented by hints of toasty vanilla. Fairly tannic with body and acid to match making this a well balanced wine that should age for many years.

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2007 Saddleback Cellars Chardonnay

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

89 / B+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 15 Dec 2008

Medium gold core with a clear rim. Toasty oak aromas flow over baked yellow apples, brown sugar and light hints of pear. Nice and round on the front palate with great balance acidity in the middle. Medium-to-full bodied. This is rich yet well balanced with a nice roasted apple and pear finish.

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2007 Saddleback Cellars Pinot Blanc

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

90 / A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 15 Dec 2008

Bright pale yellow core with a clear rim. Very floral and tropical aromas jump out of the glass: mango, candied flowers, ripe peach and wet stone with a touch of golden delicious apple. Fresh, crisp apples on the front of the palate followed by a touch of orange and tons of mango, all supported by light flint. Medium acidity with a long, lingering finish. This is incredibly easy to drink, yet impressively balanced and complex.

I highly recommend this one for drinking before a meal, with any type of fish or cream sauce dish, or just hanging outside on a warm spring or summer day. Throw a bottle in a cooler, drag to a park and just people watch.

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2007 Saddleback Cellars Pinot Grigio

Sunday, February 1st, 2009

89 / B+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 15 Dec 2008

Pale gold core with a clear rim. Light aromas of honeydew, yellow pear and a touch of stone. Nice entry into the mouth - round and fuller than expected from a Pinot Grigio. Flint and melon flavors with a nice concentration of lemon, peach and a touch of cream. Round and lush through the finish.

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2004 Saddleback Cellars Merlot

Thursday, January 22nd, 2009

89 / B

Tasted by Mike Supple - 15 Dec 2008

Dark core with a garnet and ruby rim. Very ripe fruit aromas of blueberry and cassis. Fresh and lively, backed by a touch of nutmeg and cream. Juicy in the mouth with tons of blueberry up front. Lots of tannins making it a well structured wine. A hint of tobacco and burnt coffee come in on the back, with a lingering cherry finish.

It’s worth mentioning that this is 100% Merlot (all of the Saddleback wines that are listed as specific varietals are 100%). Wineries can legally blend in up to 25% of something else without mentioning it on the label. I have nothing against blends, I just like to know what I’m drinking!

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