Santa Cristina Rosso Toscana IGT 2013
Deep ruby to garnet red color. The aromatics are surely fruit-driven with ripe, red cherry scents in the lead supported by raspberry, mineral, dried blueberry, and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, fruit-driven core with flanking notes of herbs, cocoa nibs, brown baking spices, and a hints of oak. Ideally balanced with sensible alcohol levels and waves of fruit make this supple and complex sipper. $12 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Bargetto Pinot Grigio Monterey County 2014
Brilliant pale to golden straw color. The aromaticas are wonderfully floral with scents of bright green melon, Granny Smith apple, pear, and kiwi. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and vibrant fruit-driven core with a pleasingly fruity character (not sweet) that features tasty tart apple and citrus notes. This is a beautiful expression of the varietal offering bold, fruity flavors with perfect balance via a bright dose of fresh acidity. $16 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Bargetto Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains 2013
Bright ruby red with a translucent center. The nose is complex and deep with scents of ripe and tart black cheery and cranberry supported by generous notes of mineral, plum, toasted oak, allspice, and hints of vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a charming melange of ripe and tart fruit with trailing spice and oak notes that linger on. Perfectly balanced with a vibrant dose of acidity that along with the seductive fruit core keeps you coming back for more. Made with 100% Pinot Noir. $28 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Cornerstone Cellars Corallina Rosé of Syrah Napa Valley 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant pale salmon color. The aromatics are decidedly floral with generous scents of wild strawberries, white peach, red cherry, lavender, heather, and orange zest with accents of mineral in support. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex and vibrant core of red berries and cherry, fresh herbs, spring flowers, orange, and mineral. Ultra vibrant with crisp acidity while offering generous portions of fruit with perfect balance and great length. $25 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Les Dauphins Reserve, Rouge Cotes-du-Rhone 2013
Deep, crimson red with hints of ruby. The nose classically represents the region offering waves of ripe and dried tart berries with accents of earth, wild flowers, brown baking spices, and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a juicy core of ripe black fruits with flanking notes of herbs, earth, and spice. Medium-bodied with ideal balance along with a vibrant dose of acidity and soft tannins. $12.99 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Les Dauphins Reserve, Blanc Cotes-du-Rhone 2013
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is fresh and floral with scents of red grapefruit, white peach, and apricot with hints of mineral and citrus zest. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a vibrant, fruit-driven core with flanking notes of mineral and crisp lemon zest. Medium-bodied and vibrant with a generous dose of crisp acidity. Made with a classic blend of 65% Grenache Blanc, 15% Marsanne, 10% Clairette, and 10% Viognier. $12.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Les Dauphins Reserve Cotes-du-Rhone, Rosé 2013
Brilliant salmon with hints of orange on the edges. The nose is fresh and vibrant with the scents of strawberry, cranberry, and semi-tart raspberry with accents of mineral and thyme. The palate confirms the nose delivering a dry berry-driven core with hints of orange rind and red grapefruit with a soft, trailing minerality Crisp and vibrant with a generous dose of fresh acidity. $12.99 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Lucas & Lewellen Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley 2012
Deep, brilliant ruby red color. The nose reveals a dense Cabernet with waves of ripe blackberry, raspberry and black cherry with hints of cassis, vanilla, and toasted oak. The palate echoes the nose offering a rich and dense fruit core with accents of mineral, earth, brown baking spices, and oak. Wonderfully rich and full while being dry and ideally balanced with vibrant acidity and moderate tannins. $30 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Lucas & Lewellen Viognier Santa Barbara County 2013
Brilliant straw color. Wonderfully fragrant and floral with scents of honeysuckle, ginger, spring flowers, lychee, and apricot with hints of lime zest, and grapefruit. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a slight sweeter and richer than expected with silky honey and orchard fruit notes flanked by citrus. Full-bodied with waves of ripe fruit while being ideally balanced with crisp acidity. Made with 100% Viognier. $22 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Lucas & Lewellen Malbec Santa Barbara County 2012
Deep, bright ruby with hints of garnet. Scents of ripe and dried black fruits and cassis with loads of mineral and earth in support. The palate is in full agreement with the aromatics with a rich and semi-tart black fruit driven core with flanking notes of black pepper, mineral, and toasted oak. Dense and rich with perfect balance offering a fresh dose of acidity and soft but framing tannins. Made with 100% Malbec. $28 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
