Tongue Dancer Wines Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2017
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of dried cherry and dried herbs with supporting notes of black tea, earth, violet, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, baking spices, and hibiscus flower. The finish is long and lingering with firm but supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty (for Pinot Noir) yet silky texture. 100% Pinot Noir $65 – 5 Stars – 99 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, black tea, and earth with supporting notes of smoked meat, mocha, violet, blackcurrant, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of plum, black cherry, and sweet balsamic. The finish is long and lingering with chewy and ripe tannins with crushed black fruits and mineral. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. Made with a blend of 40% Mourvedre, 35% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 5% Counoise. $60 – 5 Stars – 97 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
Tongue Dancer Wines Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium gold color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of lemon curd, lychee, and white tropical flowers with supporting notes of wet stones and citrus zest. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach and subtle toasted oak accents. The finish is long and lingering with trailing floral and citrus notes. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture that is kept vibrant with a deft dose of bright acidity. Made with 100% Chardonnay. $50 – 5 Stars – 98 points
Quinta do Noval Nacional Vintage Port Oporto 2016
Brilliant, intense purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits, plum, and slate with supporting notes of dried herbs, and cassis. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. $TBD – 5 Stars – 97 points
Tablas Creek Vermentino Adelaida District 2016
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, light green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of green apple and grapefruit with supporting notes of citrus zest and nectarine. The palate echoes the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of kumquat. The finish is crisp with subtle, lingering mineral and citrus accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with 100% Vermentino. $27 – 5 Stars – 98 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2014
Brilliant, deep garnet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant, earth, and blackberry with supporting notes of truffle, anise, mineral, and baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum and cured meat with hints of sea salt and cocoa nibs. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich and dense, nearly chewy texture. $55 – 5 Stars – 98 points
Troon MT Reserve Southern Oregon 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekDeep, dark, ruby red color. The nose is very complex and compelling with ripe, red cherry in the lead with hints of boysenberry and cassis with silky accents of allspice. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a dense, red fruit-centric core with waves of spice, rich red jams, vanilla, and subtle brown spice notes. Full-bodied with dense fruit and perfect balance and harmony with a bright dose of acidity and soft, round, supple tannins. $50 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Ayala Rosé Majeur Champagne NV
Brilliant pink color with a steady stream of fine bubbles. The nose is quite vibrant with waves of ripe and tart red fruits mingling with soft floral and mineral accents. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex but subtle blend of raspberry, boysenberry, and black mulberry that activate the salivary glands with bright acidity. Medium-bodied and very a finesse rosé with prominent red fruits being balanced by the classic lees notes and generous dose of Chardonnay delivering perfect balance. $70 – 5 Stars – 97 points
