Jean Biecher Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim Alsace 2016
Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of apricot, honeysuckle, and pear with supporting notes of mineral and kumquat. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit. The finish is long and lingering with orange zest and ginger notes. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture and lingering sweet citrus accents. This wonderful off-dry wine has a great future and I can't wait to try it in five and ten years. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Inama Soave Classico 2016
Brilliant, light green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of green melon, hay, and pear with supporting notes of kiwi and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of white peach, orange peel and blanched almonds. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. If you are seeking a white with guts while being nimble and refreshing this is your wine – 100% Garganega. $15 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Sansilvestro Patres Barolo DOCG 2013
Brilliant, medium scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of plum, leather, and red currant with supporting notes of black cherry, five spice, dried orange peel, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry and earth. The finish lingers with soft tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a dry but supple texture. This Barolo is not going to be a great aging wine but decant it today and enjoy. $35 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Pommery Blanc de Blanc Champagne NV
Brilliant, light gold color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest, jasmine, and wet stones with supporting notes of spring flowers and apricot. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of white peach and toasted bread. The finish is long and lingering with trailing citrus and slate accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Wonderfully crisp in it's youth this lovely blanc de blanc will age beautifully in the cellar over the next five years. $67 – 4.5 Stars – 94 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
French Bar Petite Sirah California 2015
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, dark purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and cassis with supporting notes of blueberry, raspberry, and mocha. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. A classic, rich, and dense California Petite Sirah. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Bruna Grimaldi Arneis Langhe Bianco 2016
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of lemon, sage, and mineral with supporting notes of blanched almonds and apricot stone. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of quince and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A great aperitif wine that also pairs well with a wide range of dishes. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Vallée des Pins Rosé Coteaux d'Aix en Provence 2017
Brilliant, medium pink color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of hibiscus flower and strawberry with supporting notes of raspberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with accents of guava and orange peel. The finish is crisp and clean. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A prefect aperitif rosé. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Saladini Pilastri Pecorino Offida DOCG 2016
Brilliant, medium green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of white peach, citrus zest, and pear with supporting notes of mineral and tropical fruit. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus and tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of passion fruit and jasmine. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. $13 – 4 Stars – 90 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
