2013 articles & reviews
Beverage Testing Institute - World Value Wine Competition: The Improviser - Gold Medal, 94 Points, "Best Buy"
"..Layered aromas of pomegranate chutney, dried blueberries, and sour cherries, and mild Asian spices...a fruity , medium-to-full body, and a long chewy, juicy, ripe fruit and white chocolate toffee driven finish with velvety tannins. A superb sipper or table wine that will be great with spicy lamb." Reviewed Sept. 6, 2013 - Click here to read the entire review.
Beverage Testing Institute - World Value Wine Competition: 2012 Swingsville Zinfandel - Gold Medal, 94 Points, "Best Buy"
"...outrageous aromas of mulberry pie and beefy pot roast(!) with a satiny, velvet finish. Quite unlike any other zin that we've tasted, but somehow the exotica all comes together and is utterly fascinating..." Reviewed Sept. 18, 2013 - Click here to read the entire review.
Just Wine Points - 97 Points - May 2013
R&B Cellars Methode Champenoise "Chansons des Etoiles"
"Nice, fresh cherry, strawberry, stone fruit, citrus and pineapple aromas, with compliments of yeast, white pepper, floral spices and flint. Everything come through on the palate in a wonderfully balanced, fresh, crisp, sparkler that lingers on and on."
Just Wine Points - 96 Points - May 2013
R&B Cellars 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Lyric of the Vine
"Beautiful aromas of blackberry, cherry, black raspberry, plum and saddle leather, with hints of mint/eucalyptus, pepper and oak. Holding up very well for its age, this cab has a nice spicy character, is well balanced and smooth all the way through the long, round, lingering finish."
Just Wine Points - 95 Points - May 2013
R&B Cellars 2010 Zydeco Zinfandel
"Pretty raspberry, cherry, blackberry, briar and anise enveloped in pepper spice and a good dose of spicy oak. Nice character on the palate, a bit oaky but the fruit underneath is fresh and just enough to carry it through the lingering finish."
Affairs of the Vines - Rhone Shoot-Out - July 2013
Gold Medal, 90 Points / 4 Hearts "Love at First Sip" - 2010 Pizzicato Petite Sirah: "Black pepper, blackberries and blueberries aromas and flavors. Dark and deep palate. Classic Petite Sirah. BIG tannins but lots of fruit to carry."
Affairs of the Vines - Cabernet Shoot-Out - Jan. 2013
Gold Medal, 90 Points. 4 Hearts "Love at First Sip": "Black currant and rhubarb, French oak and black fruit on the nose. Raspberry and cassis on the entry. Complex palate, Nicely structured. Gripping tannins surround young black fruit. Cocoa back notes."