Domaine La Manarine Cotes-du-Rhone, Rouge 2021
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black currant, forest floor, and five spice with supporting notes of dried herbs, garrigue, leather, and black tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, black plum, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with dry tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $18 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Maison Rémy Passot et Fils Beaujolais Cru Fleurie 2022
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of raspberry, hibiscus flower, and red currant with supporting notes of red cherry, kumquat, pomegranate, and black tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, strawberry, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. $27 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Domaine de Rombeau Le Botaniste Cotes Du Roussillon 2022
Brilliant, deep garnet color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of cassis, baking spices, and boysenberry with supporting notes of black tea, blueberry, and plum. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, five spice, red currant, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. Made with a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 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
Thunevin-Calvet Cuvee Constance Cotes Du Roussillon-Villages 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black plum, cocoa, and graphite with supporting notes of slate, garrigue, and bramble. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, raspberry, black tea, and licorice. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. $24 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Les Vignes Retrouvées Saint-Mont 2021
Brilliant, light green/gold straw color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of honeysuckle, apricot stone, and blanched almonds with supporting notes of citrus zest, bees wax, and sea salt. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard and citrus fruits-driven core with flavors of lemongrass, green tea, gooseberry, and green melon. The finish is crisp. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with an unusual blend of Gros Manseng, Petit Courbu, and Arrufiac. $22 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Cave de Ribeauville Silberberg de Rorschwihr Riesling Alsace 2019
Brilliant, medium straw color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of peach and green apple with supporting notes of honeysuckle, green melon, and honey. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, slate, quince, blanched almonds, and apricot. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Chateau la Coustarelle Tradition Cahors 2015
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of blackberry and graphite with supporting notes of forest floor, bramble, mineral, and black tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, truffle, and cassis. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot. $13 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2022
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of wild berries and strawberry with supporting notes of hibiscus flower, red currant, and slate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry, red cherry, cranberry, and red beet. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a juicy texture. $14.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau Rosé 2022
Brilliant, light coral color. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of red grapefruit, orange peel, and apricot stone with supporting notes of slate and spring flowers. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry, watermelon, and cranberry. The finish is tart. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $15.99 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
