Pago Casa Gran Casa Benasal Elegant Valencia 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, dried herbs, and earth with supporting notes of black tea and blackberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $15.99 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Loacker Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, mineral, and leather with supporting notes of cured meat and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, five spice, and red cherry. The finish is long and lingering with aggressive tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. This Brunello is drinking well now through 2022. $60 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Troon Vineyard Cuvée Pyrénées Applegate Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, blackberry, lavender, thyme flowers, and hibiscus flower with supporting notes of blueberry concentrate and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum, black cherry, and hints of rosemary. The finish is long and lingering with chewy, black tea tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent yet vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 53% Tannat and 47% Malbec. $65 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Troon Vineyard Kubli Bench Tannat Applegate Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant, campfire, and plum with supporting notes of slate, smoked meat, and cardamon. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, black tea, and five spice with hints of earth. The finish is long and lingering with classically firm Tannat tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty and supple texture. Made with 100% Tannat and that is clear from the first scent to the last drop — our favorite American Tannat to date. $45 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Villa Spinosa Amarone della Valpolicella 2008
Brilliant, deep crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of black tea, mocha, cigar box, and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and truffle. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. This Amarone was in perfect condition and it is still very youthful — it will drink well for another decade plus. $85 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Biondi Santi Sassoalloro Sangiovese Toscana IGT 2016
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits and baking spices with supporting notes of black tea, forest floor, and cedar. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, five spice, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. $36 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Livia Antica Greco di Tufo DOCG 2018
Brilliant, light pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of green melon and kiwi with supporting notes of citrus zest, orange peel, and honeysuckle. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of red grapefruit and apricot. The finish is crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. $15 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Forchir Brut Ribolla Gialla IGP Venezia Giulia NV
Brilliant, light green/yellow color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of spring flowers and apple with supporting notes of citrus zest and pineapple. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of lemon curd and mineral. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. This lovely bubbly proves that all tank-method sparkling wines are the same. This wine rested 12 months on it's lees in tank giving a strong classic-method impression. $ – 4 Stars – 90 points
Raeburn Rosé Russian River Valley 2019
Brilliant, pale salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and hibiscus flower with supporting notes of spring flowers, apricot stone, and bergamot. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of strawberry and persimmon. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a unique blend of Pinot Noir, Grenache, and Zinfandel. $20 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Roccafiore Il Sangiovese Umbria IGP 2016
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red currant and forest floor with supporting notes of baking spices and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a velvety texture. $14 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
