Samson Blu – Blueberry Port Washington NV
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of concentrated blueberry and raspberry with supporting notes of violet and plum. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of crushed red berries and boysenberry and subtle mineral accents. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. $17 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon California 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and vanilla with supporting notes of raspberry, five spice, and cassis. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of ripe black fruits, vanilla truffle, and delicate notes of sweet Bourbon. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Among the trio of Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged wines the Cabernet is the one that does show clear evidence of being touched by Bourbon. $17.99 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Vale do Bomfim Red Blend Douro 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black tea and blackberry with supporting notes of black pepper, earth, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum and dry earth accents. The finish is dry with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture due to a generous dose of acdity. Made with 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional, and 50% "field blend." $13 – 3 Stars – 86 points
Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon California 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and red currant with supporting notes of cassis, black tea, and toasted coconut. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum and leather. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a velvety texture. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Bacana White Sangria Portugal NV
Brilliant, light pale straw color with a medium bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of tropical fruit and spring flowers with supporting notes of citrus zest, green melon, and honeysuckle. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of pineapple and passion fruit. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a juicy texture. Made from Arinto and Fernão Pires varietals with tropical fruits, citrus, and mint. $14.99 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Troon Vineyard Estate - Kubli Bench Roussanne Applegate Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, medium green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of persimmon, citrus zest, chamomile tea, and soursop with supporting notes of pear. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of dry Sherry, beeswax, and mildly oxidized orchard fruits. The finish is crisp with accents of pear skin. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. $30 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc Adelaida District 2017
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of green apple, citrus zest, and pear with supporting notes of lime and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of apple and kiwi. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a waxy texture. $35 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Gran Passione Spumante Prosecco DOC NV
Brilliant, light gold/green color with a medium bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of peach and spring flowers with supporting notes of green apple. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of pear and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A fresh and friendly happy hour sipper. $13 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Aimery Rosé Cremant de Limoux NV
Brilliant, medium crimson color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red cherry and strawberry with supporting notes of peach and blanched almonds. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry. The finish lingers with subtle toast accents. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. This is a fresh and pleasing Cremant ideal for happy hour. $20 – 3.5 Stars – 88 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
