Wine Spectator and The Wine Advocate Reviews
June, 2016
This week Wine Spectator released a few scores for Leeuwin Estate and John Duval while The Wine Advocate reviewed Leeuwin as well and Dobbes Family Estate out of Oregon.
Wine Spectator:
90 pts Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Elegant, with wisps of mint and sage. A mineral streak runs through the core of plum and currant flavors, ending with firm but polished tannins. Drink now through 2030.
90 pts John Duval Annexus Grenache 2013
Generous, plush red fruit flavors meet spicy, nutty notes and a touch of cigar box aromatics, with thick, velvety tannins and a spicy finish. Drink now through 2030.
89 pts Leeuwin Estate Art Series Riesling 2015
Delivering green apple and lemon flavors that are lean, fresh and bright, this white has tangy acidity and a crisp, mouthwatering finish, with a touch of minerality.
89 pts Leeuwin Estate Art Series Sauvignon Blanc 2014
Fresh herb notes of thyme and lemongrass are bright and juicy, with pear and lemon flavors and plenty of intensity on the finish.
The Wine Advocate:
91 pts Leeuwin Estate Art Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series has a fragrant nose of crushed blackcurrants, blackberries and dried Provence herbs with hints of black pepper, cedar, menthol and undergrowth. Medium-bodied, it has a great core of muscular, youthful fruit with grainy, approachable tannins and a refreshing herbal lift to the finish.
91 pts Dobbes Family Estate Chardonnay 2014
The 2013 Chardonnay sees 11 months in French oak (30% new) following five months in tank before bottling. It has an attractive bouquet that offers praline, white chocolate and almond scents that are neatly integrated with the new oak. The palate is well balanced with a sensual, soft texture counter-balanced by the acidity. It leads to a finish that offers lovely praline and hazelnut notes, and the aftertaste is persistent. This is a well crafted Chardonnay.
89 pts Dobbes Family Estate Patricia’s Cuvee Pinot Noir 2013
The 2013 Pinot Noir Patricia’s Cuvee, matured in 55% first fill barrels, has a well-defined bouquet with dark cherries, stewed black tea and wild hedgerow notes. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a little chewiness that should be addressed with 12 months in bottle, and finishes with a generous pinch of black pepper and tobacco on the finish. This is a commendable wine of the vintage.
89 pts Dobbes Family Estate Griffin’s Cuvee Pinot Noir 2013
The 2013 Pinot Noir Griffin’s Cuvée has a sweet, rather high-toned bouquet that does not quite have the complexity of the Patricia’s Cuvée of the Symonette Vineyard Pinots. The palate is well balanced with ripe blackberry and blueberry fruit belying what is a sturdily structured finish that will benefit from 12-18 months in bottle.
88 pts Dobbes Family Estate Symonette Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013
The 2013 Pinot Noir Symonette Vineyard sees ten months in French oak, 40% new. It has a straightforward redcurrant and cranberry-scented bouquet, a touch of balsamic emerging with time in the glass. The palate has a structured entry, gently gripping the mouth with broody dark berry fruit and a lightly spiced, clove-infused finish that needs more flesh to develop.
87 pts Wine by Joe Pinot Gris 2014
The 2014 Pinot Gris Wine By Joe, which sees no wood contact, has a commendable melon and dried honey-scented bouquet that is well defined. The palate is fat and generous, a Pinot Gris that cares little for finesse but gives lots of texture. Slightly chilled, I can imagine this offering a lot of pleasure on a summer’s day.