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Wine Scores
Below is a listing of the wine review scores we frequently reference in our notes. While these sources remain an excellent source of information, we always recommend that you trust your own palate. Scores in these publications often represent the personal taste of an individual critic, which may not always coincide with your own. We have a huge team of excellent wine professionals that can match wines you've had in the past with new arrivals that meet your flavor profile.
- Allen Meadows - Burghound
- Connoisseurs Guide
- Gambero Rosso
- James Halliday
- James Suckling
- Malt Advocate
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
- International Wine Cellar
- Wine & Spirits
- Wine Enthusiast
- Wine Spectator
- The Wine News
- Malt Advocate
Reviewers
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Staff Favorites - Melissa Smith
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Reviews
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2007 Orin Swift "Papillon" Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend
Review Date: 8-3-2010
I am a huge fan of the wines from Orin Swift, but this vintage of Papillon is exceptional. Big and ripe with cigar box nuances on the nose, this is another powerhouse from the cult winemakers that brought you my other favorites the Prisoner and Veladora.
For the back-story on the Papillon, and therefore the Prisoner references, check out this link: http://thewineconsultant.com/newsletter/351/
Price: $49.99
Ginga Shizuku "Divine Droplets" Junmai Daiginjo Sake 720ml
Review Date: 7-5-2010
Yet another epiphany sake, or rather, the epiphany sake. I had this at none other than the French Laundry. I would have to riffle through old menus in order to determine what it was paired with, but that in itself should say something about the sake! That it left a greater impression than the course! Considering the history in the making of this sake, it is amazing that it is available for only $65. This is the Grand Cru of sakes, the essence of perfection.
Price: $64.99
Franck Bonville "Belles Voyes" Brut Blanc de Blancs Champagne
Review Date: 7-4-2010
Another DI FTW (Direct Import For The Win). I dream about this champagne. Fantastic vintage, phenominal grapes, perfectly selected barrels, taste this blind and you will understand the hype asssociated with its price.
Price: $67.99
Konteki "Pearls of Simplicity" Junmai Daiginjo Sake 720ml
Review Date: 7-4-2010
The moment I tasted this junmai daiginjo it spoke to me. The famed sake rice Yamada Nishiki is polished to 50% steamed and softened with soft water from an underground spring, resulting in this sake being beautifully balanced, fuller than most, with a long finish. Lighter foods will compliment this sake and allow it in turn to heighten the subtle flavors of the dish. Pork and lemongrass, scallops with a red pepper coulis and a drizzle of fresh olive oil, or simply on its own this is one of my favorite sakes in this price range.
Price: $38.99
Mantensai "Star Filled Sky" Junmai Ginjo Sake
Review Date: 7-4-2010
Star Filled Sky was one of the first sakes to open my eyes to the possibilities of this beverage. A Junmai Daiginjo polished to 50%-55%, Star Filled Sky uses Yamada Nishiki & Tamakasae and the popular yeast strain #9 which results in the high fragrance, fruity yet clear and crisp characteristics. Floral, honeyed, and almost a mushroom redolent umami character come out on this one.
Price: $27.99
Hou Hou Shu Hana Shu "Pink" Sparkling Sake 300ml
Review Date: 6-27-2010
The pink version is infused with hibiscus and rosehips. Like the original, secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle. Again, call me crazy, but I love this stuff. It is a tad viscous and tastes like a sparkling berry frozen yogurt. It's what I imagine Hello Kitty getting crunk on. I think it is ridiculously fun and I'm just getting started on crazy pairings with insane cupcakes and macaroons.
Price: $14.99
Hou Hou Shu Sparkling Sake 180ml
Review Date: 6-27-2010
Call me crazy, but I love this stuff. It is a tad viscous and tastes like a sparkling frozen yogurt. It's what I imagine Hello Kitty getting buzzed on. I think it is ridiculously fun and I'm just getting started on crazy pairings with insane cupcakes and macaroons.
Price: $8.99
Marolo Liqueur made with Grappa and Chamomile 375ml
Review Date: 5-11-2010
Yeah, what he said. I was looking for a digestif and skeptically took David's advice. Once at home I poured a skosh...and was blown away! What a perfect way to end the day! I could literally feel the holistic benefits of the chamomile taking effect, well I'm sure the alcohol helped with that too. If I'm too hyped on the Firelit, I could see using this grappa to come down.
Price: $25.99
Rihaku "Wandering Poet" Junmai Ginjo Sake 720ml
Review Date: 5-11-2010
I don’t know that I was enlightened enough to write 1000 poems like the fabled poet, but maybe a haiku or two in appreciation of the rich mouth feel, the honeydew and kabocha, and the clean finish. A delightful; sake to pair with spicier pan Asian dishes.
On a side not, I was recently given the opportunity to taste this sake as a Namazake, or unpasturized, and it came out decidedly meaty, wild, and bready by comparison. It was an eyeopening tasting that proved namas are not always better than when they are tamed by pasturization.
Price: $31.99
2004 Dunn "Howell Mountain" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Review Date: 4-2-2010
Rich black fruit, light bodied and with a slight build up of brett, it still comes through as beautifully settled. A fantastic Cabernet, dare I say my favorite out of Napa Valley, is drinking well now but will continue to age beautifully over the next several years.
Price: $84.99
Tentaka Kuni "Hawk in the Heavens" Junmai Sake 720ml
Review Date: 3-28-2010
Lovely sake, wonderful acidity provides a palate cleanser perfect for spicy foods. Consider this the next time you're looking to pair a wine with an Indian or Moroccan meal.
Price: $29.99
Tozai "Living Jewel" Junmai Sake 720ml
Review Date: 3-23-2010
Nice sake for the price, balanced, a good everyday sake sure to please the masses.
Price: $15.99
Small Hand Foods Orgeat Syrup 8.5oz
Review Date: 3-13-2010
What an amazing product! After interviewing Jennifer from Small Hand Foods about her available products for the SF WineChef podcast, I was champing at the bit to get my small hands on the first bottle to hit the shelves. I immediately went home, printed out the recipes from her website and got to playing and testing (I love my homework). This will not be what you are expecting if you are looking for a sweet almond addition to your Mai Tais. This is the real deal made from a pre-prohibition recipe using the finest California ingredients and techniques. A touch of orange blossom water and lemon are used giving this cocktail component a varied effect on your cocktails. More of a texture than a flavor, I tend to use slightly more than the recipes on her website suggest in order to have the almond essence come through in a more balanced manor. I can’t wait to power through the rest of her line!
Price: $12.99
North Shore Gin No. 11
Review Date: 2-23-2010
It's always hard to decide what to take home at night and everyone here is all to eager to throw out their two cents. Driscoll is always the loudest so I ended up with a bottle of this and a four pack of Fever Tree Tonic. I'm a sucker for packaging so I wasn't thrilled about bringing this bottle home, but the second I opened this bottle I was in enveloped with sweet, fresh juniper, pink peppercorn...I was swooning. Thanks David!
Price: $31.99
Hendrick's Scottish Gin 750ml
Review Date: 2-8-2010
This made me fall in love with gin again. Cucumber and rose petals mingle with a milder juniper than most gins. Perfect on ice with a fine tonic and a few dashes of bitters a la "Islands in the Stream."
Price: $26.99
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More Favorites
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2009 Waterkloof "Circumstance" Syrah Stellenbosch South Africa ($24.99)
2011 Waterkloof "Circumstance" Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch ($19.99)
2010 Waterkloof "Circumstance" Chardonnay Stellenbosch ($19.99)
2009 Waterkloof "Circumstance" Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch South Africa ($24.99)
2010 Charles Baur Pinot Blanc ($12.99)
2009 Patricius Sárga Muskotály (Yellow Muscat) Tokaj (Dry) ($14.99)
Campo de Encanto Pisco de Peru 750ml ($32.99)
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum 750ml ($34.99)
