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
Domaine Notre Dame des Pallieres - Les Rieus Cotes-du-Rhone, Rouge 2019
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry and wild berries with supporting notes of fresh herbs, hibiscus flower, vanilla, and black pepper. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black plum and strawberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. $14.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2021
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry and red currant with supporting notes of hibiscus flower and hints of cranberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of mulberry and tart red berries. The finish is long and lingering with bright red berry juice. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a juicy texture. $14.99 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Camille Cayran Le Chene Noir Cotes-du-Rhone, Rouge 2019
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry and black currant with supporting notes of lavender, boysenberry, five spice, and dried herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, violet, hibiscus flower, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 20% Syrah. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Domaine Laougué Les Passionnes Madiran 2018
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and graphite with supporting notes of blackberry, earth, black tea, five spice, and hints of smoke. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of bramble fruit, balsamic, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Cuvée Nokat Bordeaux 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of blackberry and earth with supporting notes of black tea, plum, and forest floor. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of red cherry, black currant, and graphite. The finish is long and lingering with dry tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. Made with a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet. $12.99 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Pascal Biotteau - Mary Taylor Selection Anjou Blanc 2019
Brilliant, light green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of apricot and honeysuckle with supporting notes of slate, pear, and green tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of lemon curd, honey, and blanched almonds. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $12 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Domaine de l'Eyrolle Lirac 2018
Brilliant, dark crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits and red cherry with supporting notes of raspberry, dried herbs, black plum, and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry, black tea, red currant, anise, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Pierre Vidal - Mary Taylor Selection Costieres De Nimes 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of five spice, black tea, forest floor, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, earth, dried herbs, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $18 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Pascal Biotteau Mary Taylor Selection Anjou 2019
Brilliant, medium golden color. The nose is fairly intense offering scents of ripe pear and white peach with supporting notes of slate and lemon curd. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with a generous dose of citrus flavors, apricot stone, wild honey, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with accents of mineral and lime zest. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet supple texture. Made with 100% Chenin Blanc. $16 – 4 Stars – 93 points
