Bodegas Paniza Viñas Viejas Cariñena 2012
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, black cherry, and plum with supporting notes of cocoa, raspberry, and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and blackberry. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. Made in Cariñena, one of the oldest DOs in Spain and Europe, from 100 year-old vines. $15 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Poderi di Carlo Ribolla Gialla IGP Venezia Giulia 2016
Brilliant, light straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest, white peach, and grapefruit with supporting notes of green apple, jasmine, and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit and citrus-driven core with flavors of quince. The finish is crisp and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Wonderfully complex and pleasing pairing well with a wide range of dishes. $14 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Nervi Bianca Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG 2016
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest, slate, and quince with supporting notes of green apple and grapefruit. The palate echoes the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of lemon curd. The finish is crisp with trailing citrus and mineral notes. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Erbaluce is not a household name but this grape creates multilayered wines with great minerality. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Château Valade Blanc Entre-Deux-Mers 2016
Brilliant, light pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of grapefruit, and grass with supporting notes of citrus zest, and fresh herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of kiwi, mineral. The finish is dry and crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A lovely aperitif and thirst quenching quaffer. $14 – 3.5 Stars – 88 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
Pazo de Villarei Albariño Rias Baixas 2016
Brilliant, light pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of white peach, and hay with supporting notes of spring flowers, and apricot and orange peel. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of passion fruit and citrus. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $15 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Gran Passione Bianco IGP Veneto 2017
Brilliant, medium pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of honeysuckle, pear, and jasmine with supporting notes of passion fruit, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of lychee. The finish lingers with subtle tropical and citrus accents. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a creamy texture. Made with a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Garganega. Garganega is a local grape utilized in the iconic Soave wines. $13 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
LC Villa Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry, and strawberryry with supporting notes of lavender, and hibiscus flowers flower. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of freshly crushed red berries. The finish lingers with supple tannins. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. $13 – 3.5 Stars – 89 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
Troon Whole Grape Ferment Riesling Applegate Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium orange to gold color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of apricot, orange peel, and peach with supporting notes of kumquat, slate, and green tea with hints of dry Sherry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of nectarine. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $20 – 4 Stars – 92 points
