Decugnano Dei Barbi IL Rosso IGP Umbria 2020
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of raspberry, garrigue, and mulberry with supporting notes of dried herbs, black tea, and cassis. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, red cherry, forest floor, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of Syrah 40%, Sangiovese 30%, and Montepulciano 30%. $39 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Avinyo La Ticota Brut Gran Reserva Cava 2016
Brilliant, light straw color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of quince, ripe pear, and tangerine with supporting notes of citrus zest and brioche. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of lemon curd, bitter melon, white peach, and toasted bread. The finish is crisp and refreshing. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Aged for a minimum of 60 months on the lees before disgorgement — zero dosage. $49 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Salcheto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2021
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry, cranberry, and black tea with supporting notes of cocoa, dried herbs, and slate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of raspberry, boysenberry, forest floor, and black cherry. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. $25 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Luciano Ercolino Fontana Della Loggia Falanghina Irpinia 2022
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of grapefruit, honeysuckle, and jasmine with supporting notes of kumquat, kiwi, and quince. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard, citrus, and tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, slate, lychee, green tea, and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent yet vibrant texture. $25 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Champagne André Diligen Véhémence Champagne NV
Brilliant, medium golden color with a fine bead of bubbles. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of apricot stone, pear, and artisan cider with supporting notes of pineapple, soursop, slate, and quince paste. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard and tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of citrus zest, white peach, wet stones, and brioche. The finish is long, lingering, and tart. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. $55 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Lucchetti Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico 2023
Brilliant, medium straw color. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of honeysuckle, green melon, and lime with supporting notes of green apple and beeswax. The palate confirms the nose, delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of guava, citrus zest, and slate. The finish is tart with trailing citrus notes. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $17 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Legado de Farro Verdejo Godello Castilla y Leon 2023
Brilliant, light gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of citrus zest, spring flowers, and nectarine with supporting notes of green tea, guava, and apple. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of green apple, slate, grapefruit, and peach. The finish is crisp. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $14.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Ola Sol Agave Wine Mexico NV
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, crystal clear. The aromatics are redolent of Blanco Tequila, offering scents of cooked agave, mineral, and citrus zest with supporting notes of wildflowers and straw. The palate echoes the nose, delivering a baked agave-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit and flowers, sweet grass, and honey rising on the finish with hints of slate. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. A great alternative to Tequila for those looking to have a second or third Tequila-based cocktail. $31.50 – 4 Stars – 92 points