Cornerstone Cellars Black Label Cabernet Franc Napa Valley 2012
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant deep ruby color with scarlet highlights. After aerating (you should decant this wine) the true aromatics emerge offering scents of ripe raspberry, cherry, and red currants with cranberry, tart cherries, mineral, thyme, cranberry, toasted oak with subtle hints of vanilla, and nutmeg. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a rich and broad palate that focuses on the interplay of ripe and tart berries with supporting earth, oak, and spice notes that add intrigue. Simply beautiful. The ideally balanced wine is rich while vibrant and multilayered with great length and soft, chewy tannins. $45 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Cornerstone Cellars Black Label Syrah Napa Valley 2012
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekDeepest, darkest, ruby red with purple highlights. After aerating (you must decant this wine) the true aromatics emerge offering scents of red and black cherry, plum, and blueberry with waves of heather, wild herbs, allspice, anise, and hints of vanilla bean. The palate absolutely confirms the fruit signature of the nose with subtle forest floor and smoked bacon notes joining the chorus. The spice signature builds on the finish with black pepper lingering for minutes. This is a rich and chewy wine with perfect balance so it never feels heavy or brooding. Subtle, soft tannins rise on the back-palate to offer structure and length. $40 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Helfrich Grand Cru Steinklotz Gewürztraminer Alsace 2012
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBeautiful pale golden color with dozens of legs streaming down the glass. The aromatics leap from the glass offering a complex melange ranging from wild flowers to citrus, tropical, and stone fruits with a brilliant mineral edge. Delivers waves of ripe and semi-tart tropical and orchard fruits with candied ginger, mint, and exotic Asian spice notes. Like all great Alsace Grand Cru wines this one offers seductive, rich flavors while never losing its vibrancy. $25 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Pietra Santa Sangiovese Cienega Valley 2010
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, burgundy red color with just a bit of transparency. The aromatics are wildly complex with scents of ripe and dry red berries in the lead at one passing and then pepper, leather, earth, and brown baking spices take center stage. You can nose this wine for hours. The palate is lush and silky without being the slightest bit heavy or flabby as it is blessed with a generous dose of fresh, vibrant acidity that helps accentuate the complex melange of oak, earth, dried herb, and brown baking spices that flank the fruit core. Wonderfully generous with perfect balance thanks to the bright acidity and subtle tannin structure. $18 – 5 Stars – 98 points
Pietra Santa Merlot Cienega Valley 2010
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBeautiful deep ruby to garnet red color. The aromatics are complex and refined with black cherries and plum in the lead with accents of dry earth, mineral, cedar, bark and cigar box. The palate is true to the nose delivering a complex and subtle fruit attack with a generous dose of earth, forest floor, black pepper, and semi-tart cherries. Ideally proportioned with a generous dose of acid and moderate, dry tannins. This wine is all about the superb balance. There is plenty here to chew on but the charm is found in its multi layers. Made with 100% Merlot. $18 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
