Cincinnato Raverosse Cori 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of blackberry, raspberry, and slate with supporting notes of dried herbs and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry and subtle sweet oak accents. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant and juicy texture. Made with a blend of 50% Nero Buono, 30% Montepulciano, 20% Cesanese. Lovely to drink on it's own but it really shines with rich stews, roasted mushrooms, or roasted pork. $15 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Antinori Villa Anitnori Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2011
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, raspberry, and baking spices with supporting notes of dried herbs, leather, and red currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins and bright spice accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich yet vibrant texture. A charming Chianti with a great future as it will cellar well until 2025 and beyond. If drinking today you will want to employ a decanter. $35 – 4 Stars – 92 points
French Bar Gold Dust Red California 2016
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of hibiscus flower, pomegranate, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. Made with a blend of 82% Petite Verdot, and 18% Teroldego (a grape native to northeast Italy). $19 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Corte Medicea Aristeo IGP Toscano 2013
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, black cherry, and slate with supporting notes of black tea, five spice, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot $20 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Ondarre Reserva Rioja 2014
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, red cherry, and plum with supporting notes of boysenberry, baking spices, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry and trailing vanilla accents. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a classic blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo. $18 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Clavel Cordélia Chusclan Cotes-du-Rhone, Rouge 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black cherry, raspberry, and dried herbs with supporting notes of black tea, mineral, and pomegranate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of wild berries and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Carignan. A great food wine especially with game. $16 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Andre Farjon Rouge Ventoux 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry, and blackberry with supporting notes of slate, dried herbs, and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of crushed red berries with accents of earth. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a classic blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 12% Syrah, and 3% Maresellan. $15 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2016
Brilliant, deep and dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, plum, and cigar box with supporting notes of blackberry, black pepper, and star anise. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of cassis with hints of lavender. The finish is long and lingering with dusty but chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 52% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 11% Counoise, and 6% Mourvedre. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Paso Robles 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits, thyme, and leather with supporting notes of anise, and black teak tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 55% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre, and 7% Counoise. $35 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Smashberry Red Paso Robles 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and cassis with supporting notes of cedar, mineral, and earth. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black currant, five spice, and silky earth tones. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a opulent texture. $15 – 4 Stars – 91 points
