Nomadica Sparkling California NV
Brilliant, light straw color with a medium bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of lemon grass and pear with supporting notes of orange peel and guava. The palate is in substantial agreement with the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of green melon, sandalwood, and sudachi. The finish is crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. $58 – 3 Stars – 85 points
Julien Schaal Granite Riesling Alsace 2020
Brilliant, medium green/gold color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of apple, peach, and honeysuckle with supporting notes of red grapefruit, apricot stone, bees wax, and orange peel. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, green apple, jasmine, and tropical fruit. The finish is long and lingering with lovely citrus accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. $27 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Rancho La Gloria AgaVida Agave Wine — Mango USA NV
Brilliant, very light straw color and slight effervescence. The aromatics are intensely fruity, offering scents of mango and passion fruit with supporting notes of honeysuckle and citrus zest. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit and green melon. The finish is sweet. Medium-bodied and adequately balanced with a vibrant texture. $12.99 – 3 Stars – 85 points
Milani 1985 Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2020
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry and black currant with supporting notes of dried herbs, bramble, slate, and black tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry, baking spices, mineral, and smoked meat. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a silky texture. $19.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Papapietro Perry Nunes Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2019
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black cherry and dried herbs with supporting notes of raspberry, black tea, and baking spices. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry, strawberry, pomegranate, and hibiscus flower. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a silky texture that does have edges thanks to tart fruits and spice. $64 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Papapietro Perry Peters Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2019
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of lavender, oak, and red currant. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry compote, wild boysenberry, mineral, and vanilla bean. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple yet vibrant texture. $64 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Ritual Organic Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley 2019
Brilliant, light green/gold color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red grapefruit, spring flowers, and lime with supporting notes of straw, mineral, and persimmon. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, citrus zest, and passion fruit. The finish is long and lingering with refreshing citrus accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $19.99 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Veramonte Reserva Organic Carmenere Colchagua 2020
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of blackberry and rosemary with supporting notes of forest floor and black plum. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black currant, earth, and mineral. The finish is tart with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $11.99 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Veramonte Primus, The Blend Apalta, Colchagua 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black currant, dried herbs, and bramble with supporting notes of iodine, mineral, cedar, and black tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, boysenberry, and hints of hibiscus tea. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. Made with a unique blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carménère, 10% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. $18.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Papapietro Perry Leras Family Vineyards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2019
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of oak, wild strawberry, and baking spices. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, hibiscus flower tea, braised rhubarb, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a silky texture. $64 – 4 Stars – 92 points
