Epinions Recent Reviews for PeterLRuden

A Carneros Conundrum: How much do you wish to pay?

Fri, 31 Mar 2006 23:48:48 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 2004 Acacia Napa Valley Carneros Pinot Noir is notable for its luscious fruit flavors, a great bouquet and the potential to be an even better wine a few short years down the road. The main question that your humble reviewer has concerning it is...

Knights In Red Satin

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 23:03:51 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - Days of future passed Tonight both myself and my good friend, Sweet Paulie aka Paul Frye, mark our return to writing wine reviews at Epinions.com with two reviews of Beringer’s Knights Valley Appellation Collection Cabernet Sauvignon from...

This Harpoon Is On Target

Tue, 8 Apr 2003 01:37:49 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - Thar she blows! (Translation: Dinner's ready!) Man the Harpoons! (Translation: Do you want a beer?)

Whilst I was shopping in the local supermarket for things like toddler food and other mundane items, I paused at the beer cooler...

Black Forest Is A Fine Black Beer

Sun, 30 Dec 2001 01:10:57 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - Saranac Black Forest Beer is a very well made lager in the German "Schwarzbier" (Black Beer) style. With darkly roasted malt flavorings and a supple, smooth finish, this extremely dark beer is surprisingly refreshing and not nearly as heavy as...

A Winter's Tale

Sat, 1 Dec 2001 00:08:15 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - A Christmas Beer Carol?

Imagine yourself, if you will, in an English pub during the early days of the Industrial Revolution. Sitting at a table and tasting a Samuel Adam's Winter Lager that he had just ordered with his meal is...

Jorma & Jack At Their Best, Yet America's Choice Is An Overlooked Gem

Thu, 15 Nov 2001 00:36:18 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - America's Choice, clad in the funky Tide detergent box parody jacket cover, is an all time classic album by a legendary pair jammers. This disc is a digital remastering of an album that was originally released in 1974, which found Hot Tuna...

Ya, Das Ist Oktoberfest!

Sat, 10 Nov 2001 06:28:46 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - Samuel Adams Octoberfest Beer is a very tasty beer in the Marzen style that is great with food and pretty reasonably priced. Though it may be a little lighter in body than the classic German Oktoberfest Marzen brews, it is still heavier than many...

BuyAndHold Can Be A Winning Strategy

Sun, 4 Nov 2001 03:11:40 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - Over the years I have learned a few things about investing by virtue of being naturally curious and a voracious reader, but I am not an investing professional. Thus gentle readers, please take Pete's advice here with the number of grains of salt that you...

Baby’s Got A Cool Set Of Wheels!

Sat, 27 Oct 2001 05:09:00 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - The 2002 Nissan Altima offers excellent handling, powerful brakes, the latest safety features, lots of room and a choice between a powerful yet economical 175 horsepower 2.5 liter DOHC four cylinder power plant or a muscular DOHC 3.5 liter, 240...

1998 Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz: The Real Reason Jacob Climbed His Ladder!

Tue, 23 Oct 2001 04:25:12 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1998 Jacob's Creek Reserve Shiraz South Australia is one of the best Shiraz wines you will find at any price. At about $16.00 per bottle it is as good as many costing much more, and it is among the best in its price range.

Writing...

You Might Not Want To Pay To Wait For This One

Sat, 1 Sep 2001 01:09:48 GMT

rating: 3/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1997 Sterling Napa Valley Merlot has a structure and style akin to a red wine from Bordeaux, but it might not have enough fruit flavors to develop into a very good wine even if you're willing to pay $20.00 to wait around for it. It is, perhaps,...

1998 Summers Napa Valley Charbono: Charming, Unusual and Too Expensive

Tue, 28 Aug 2001 00:06:07 GMT

rating: 3/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1998 Summers Napa Valley Charbono Villa Andriana Vineyard serves up lovely berry and cherry aromas and is quite good with food, but it is a bit pricey for what you get. If this wine was about $6 to $8 cheaper per bottle than its $22 price tag, it...

A Chocolate Malted With A Kick!

Sun, 26 Aug 2001 23:45:36 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - Samuel Adams Cream Stout, while perhaps not a true "milk stout" is a rather fine brew in its own right. Its rich chocolate-like flavors and nose, together with its smooth, full body makes for a delightful stout experience. Its even reasonably...

Cline Syrah California: Good Stuff At Less Than 10 Bucks!

Thu, 28 Jun 2001 19:27:07 GMT

rating: 3/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1998 Cline Syrah California is a nicely made version of the Rhone varietal that is both flavorful and inexpensive. Versatile, satisfying and pretty widely available, you might consider making it your "house red" for a while.

Another...

Shazaaam! This Penfolds Is Magical Shiraz

Sat, 2 Jun 2001 23:31:58 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1996 Penfolds Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz is some of the best wine of any kind you will find in its price range. Boasting generous, concentrated and lovely fruit flavors, this beautifully balanced wine has mild tannins making it ready to drink now, yet...

1997 Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva: Moderately Priced, Moderately Good

Fri, 25 May 2001 23:56:05 GMT

rating: 3/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1997 Frescobaldi Chianti Rufina Castello di Nipozzano Riserva, like most Chianti wines is a good accompaniment to a variety of meals. Moderately priced and ready to drink, it is a solid performer but not particularly memorable.

Two...

1999 Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carneros: Saints Be Praised

Mon, 21 May 2001 23:18:07 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1999 Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carneros is yet another fine Pinot Noir from the Saintsbury winery. Having delicious, concentrated fruit flavors and an appealing, long finish, this wine will be even better in a year or two. Although it is about...

The Sebastiani Family Is Making Great Under $20 Cabernet In Sonoma

Sun, 13 May 2001 00:33:42 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1997 Sebastiani Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is a terrific Cab that is very drinkable now and will get even better in a few years if you cellar it. Bursting with delicious, concentrated fruit fruit flavors, mild tannins and having a complex...

Sam Adam's Solid Gold Pilsner

Fri, 11 May 2001 00:15:29 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - Samuel Adams Golden Pilsner is as fine a Pilsner as you will find on the market today. Beautifully balanced with terrific hops flavors and a rich body, this beer is everything that the big three's beers claim to be, but never are!

...

Goin' Nuts For Sammy's Nut Brown Ale

Wed, 9 May 2001 17:38:08 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - Samuel Smith's Nut Brown Ale, made by the Samuel Smith Brewery in Tadcaster, England, is a finely crafted and balanced masterpiece of a brown ale. Best served cool, it will enhance one's enjoyment of many foods if you are willing to pay its...

Cline's Zins Come Of Age

Sat, 5 May 2001 23:58:39 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1997 Cline Zinfandel Bridgehead Vineyard, Contra Costa County is a terrific red zinfandel wine from one of the most innovative California producers of zinfandel and "Rhone Ranger" wines. A little on the pricey side, this wine is worth the bucks...

1995 Chateau Camensac: Taking The Fifth

Fri, 27 Apr 2001 23:46:43 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1995 Chateau Camensac is a well made, affordable "fifth growth" Bordeaux wine that exhibits the Old World's focus on terroir, balance and subtlety while having a gorgeous bouquet. An interesting change from New World lushness, it will not set you...

Great Bod, But Doesn't Have A Lot Upstairs

Sun, 22 Apr 2001 00:12:08 GMT

rating: 3/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - Boddington's Pub Ale boasts a smooth, creamy body, a rich, creamy head and a refreshing character, but it lacks enough hops or malt flavors to make it memorable. Although it is quite pleasant, for the amount you have to pay to get it you can find...

Selaks Is Sensational Sauvignon Blanc From New Zealand

Fri, 20 Apr 2001 23:50:44 GMT

rating: 4/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1999 Selaks Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc offers layers of terrific fruit flavors, enticing aromas and a wonderfully smooth finish for only $12.00 a bottle. You will be hard pressed to find a better Sauvignon Blanc for the money than this rewarding...

Paul's Salmon And The Only Pinot I Have Ever Loved

Sun, 15 Apr 2001 01:17:11 GMT

rating: 5/5 by: Epinions Author PeterLRuden - 1996 Saintsbury Pinot Noir Carneros Reserve may cost a great deal, but its deep, dark fruit flavors and polished finish are worth splurging on. It is the best Pinot Noir I have ever tried and perfect for a special dinner such as my friend Paul's...