Cameron Hughes Lot 735 Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Barbara County 2018
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and violet with supporting notes of blackberry jam, baking spices, hibiscus flower, and cigar box. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, raisin, and sour cherry. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a juicy and meaty texture. $16 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Cameron Hughes Lot 730 Zinfandel Lodi 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blueberry and boysenberry with supporting notes of raspberry, earth, and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, boysenberry, mineral, and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. $13 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Cameron Hughes Lot 729 Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2018
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and strawberry with supporting notes of forest floor and dried herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, slate, and hints of earthy red beet. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. $16 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tongue Dancer Pinot de Ville - Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and fresh herbs with supporting notes of violet, boysenberry, clove, and sour cherry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, five spice, pomegranate, and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple and juicy texture. $66 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of lychee and honeysuckle with supporting notes of white peach, apricot, and orange peel. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit, lemon curd, citrus zest, ginger, and hints of pineapple. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus notes. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet decadent texture. $50 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of anise, black tea, slate, and campfire. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, five spice, and smoked meat. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and subtle, sweet balsamic notes on the finish. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty yet silky texture. Made with a blend of 40% Mourvedre, 27% Syrah, 23% Grenache, and 10% Counoise. $60 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Earl Stevens Selections Moscato California NV
Slightly cloudy, medium gold color with light bubbles. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of spring flowers and orange peel with supporting notes of peach and pineapple. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with tropical notes as well that delivers flavors of guava, lychee, cantaloupe, and a hint of bees wax. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent yet sprite texture. $14 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Earl Stevens Selections Function Red Blend California NV
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry jam and plum with supporting notes of vanilla bean and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a sweet, black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, five spice, and vanilla cream. The finish is long and lingering with soft, silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a creamy texture. $15 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Earl Stevens Selections Prosecco DOC NV
Brilliant, light pale straw color with a medium bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest and green apple with supporting notes of honeysuckle and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of peach, grapefruit, and quince. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. $15 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of honey, orange peel, and lychee with supporting notes of blanched almonds, apricot stone, and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of pear, custard, sandalwood, and soft oak accents. The finish is long and lingering with subtle tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a creamy yet vibrant texture. I sense that this may be the most age-worthy Esprit Blanc that I have tasted. It's drinking well now but could easily evolve into an epic wine. $45 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
