Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2017
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and black tea with supporting notes of five spice, forest floor, mineral, and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black currant, plum, and star anise. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 48% Syrah, 32% Grenache, 16% Mourvédre, and 4% Counoise. $25 – 4 Stars – 91 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
Bogle Essential Red California 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and plum with supporting notes of cassis, raspberry, and star anise. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, dried herbs, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and sweet oak accents. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. $11 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Bogle phantom Red Blend California 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant and blackberry with supporting notes of black plum, black tea, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, baking spices, and sweet/tart pomegranate. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and vibrant mineral accents. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 44% Petite Sirah, 44% Zinfandel, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Uvario La Loggia Rosso IGP Toscano 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of boysenberry and raspberry with supporting notes of dried herbs, hibiscus flower, and forest floor. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of mineral and black plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged - Red Blend California 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby/crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and boysenberry with supporting notes of roasted nuts, sour cherry, toasted coconut, and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, vanilla, and violet. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a voluptuous and complex while juicy texture. This charming and hedonistic red blend is made with a blend of 41% Petite Sirah, 21% Syrah, 18% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 2% other red grapes. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Vale do Bomfim Red Blend Douro 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black tea and blackberry with supporting notes of black pepper, earth, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum and dry earth accents. The finish is dry with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture due to a generous dose of acdity. Made with 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional, and 50% "field blend." $13 – 3 Stars – 86 points
Qunita do Vesuvio Pombal do Vesuvio Douro 2015
Brilliant, deep garnet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant and black cherry with supporting notes of black tea, forest floor, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture and vibrant acidity. Made with a blend of 50% Touriga Nacional, 45% Touriga Franca, and 5% Tinta Amarela. $28 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Troon Vineyard Cuvée Pyrénées Applegate Valley 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, hibiscus flower, and blueberry balsamic with supporting notes of red currant and baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of tart cherry and black plum. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and trailing herbal and spice accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced thanks to bright acidity with a voluptuous texture. Made with a blend of 62% Tannat and 38% Malbec. $60 – 5 Stars – 98 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, cassis, and eucalyptus with supporting notes of black tea, black cherry, and smoked meat. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, hibiscus flower, and anise. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and sweet mineral accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of 46% Mourvedre, 31% Syrah, 18% Grenache, and 5% Counoise. We have loved every release of the great Esprit de Tablas but this may be our favorite. $60 – 5 Stars – 98 points
