Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rosé Paso Robles 2018
Brilliant, light peach color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of nectarine and wet stones with supporting notes of strawberry, mineral, and red grapefruit. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of orange peel, pomegranate, and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with hints of rose petals. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 76% Grenache, 20% Mourvédre, and 4% Counoise. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Wakefield The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley 2013
Brilliant, deep crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, blueberry, and cigar box with supporting notes of black tea, cassis, and slate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of ripe black plum and black currant. The finish is long and lingering with dense and chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich texture. This is a complex and dense Cabernet with decades of cellar potential. $140 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Westwood Legend Red Blend Sonoma Valley 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and baking spices with supporting notes of cassis, smoked meats, and forest floor with hints of cigar box. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, black tea, and vanilla bean. The finish is long and lingering with firm but polished tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a rich and meaty texture. Made with a blend of 55% Cabernet, 24% Grenache, 14% Syrah, and 7% Mourvedre. This Bord-Rhone red blend will best show its nuances if you utilize your decanter. $55 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Smoking Loon Steelbird Rosé California 2018
Brilliant, medium pink color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of strawberry and peach with supporting notes of raspberry and pomegranate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of watermelon and pomegranate. The finish is semi-tart with bright berry and melon accents. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 60% Barbera, 27% Syrah, and 13% Grenache. A super value! $7.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Wakefield The Pioneer Shiraz Clare Valley 2014
Brilliant, crimson/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cassis, plum, and baking spices with supporting notes of saddle leather and rich black tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, dark chocolate, and fruitcake. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. $140 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Terra Vina Mourvedre Columbia Valley NV
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, slate, and plum with supporting notes of pomegranate, cedar, and black tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and accents of black pepper. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with an opulent texture. Made with a blend of two vintages with fruit from two states. A big and powerful wine that is also surprisingly nimble. $36 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Wakefield St. Andrews Riesling Clare Valley 2018
Brilliant, light gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of lemon and acacia flowers with supporting notes of green tea, grapefruit, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of Asian pear, kiwi, and green apple. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a loads of bright acidity creating a vibrant texture. $40 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Cecchetto Raboso Piave 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and blackberry with supporting notes of black tea, violet, leather, and subtle hints of vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and tart cherry. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich but vibrant texture. Made with 100% Raboso Piave. $19 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Wakefield St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant and cocoa with supporting notes of dried herbs, cassis, and subtle oak notes. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of plum, wild mint, and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and accents of cigar boxes on the finish. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. $70 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Beringer Bros. Tequila Barrel Aged Sauvignon Blanc California 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of grapefruit and lemon curd with supporting notes of citrus zest, fresh herbs, and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits and citrus-driven core with flavors of lychee, coconut, and lemon grass. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture that finishes with tart citrus accents. This is a unique animal being lush while sprite with subtle hints of agave and charred American oak. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
