I’m not sold on the Hitchcock-meets-James Bond labels (or the name), but the prices of Liberated’s wines are hard to beat. One doesn’t often find wines of this quality at the $20 or lower level, but these guys are putting together a solid product. Thoughts follow.

2014 Liberated Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County – Lightly tropical, with big mineral notes and plenty of acidity. Some coconut notes add an exotic touch to an otherwise straightforward, New World sauvignon blanc. Refreshing and easy-drinking, without some of the ammonia notes that California sauv blancs typically exhibit. A- / $13

2012 Liberated Pinot Noir Monterey – A classically structured pinot, with dark cherry tempered by black pepper and a touch of tobacco. Gentle acidity leads to a relatively lengthy finish that echoes pepper and a touch of balsamic. Surprisingly complicated for a Monterey pinot, and worthwhile. A- / $15

2012 Liberated Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County – A well-crafted but milder expression of cabernet, with currant notes, some black tea, vanilla, and a bit of dusty wood that builds over time. Relatively drying, it still keeps the fruitier components alive on the palate, finishing with some baking spice. B+ / $20

liberatedwine.com

2012 Liberated Pinot Noir Monterey

$15

9

Rating

9.0/10

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