Domanda Pinot Grigio delle Venezie IGT 2015
Brilliant pale straw color. The aromatics are expressive with white roses in the lead supported by notes of peach, red apple, and citrus with accents of orange peel and red grapefruit. The palate fully confirms the nose with the red grapefruit notes rising to prominence with accents of apple and fully ripe peach with soft, tart notes of citrus. Medium-bodied with rich orchard fruit notes and balancing citrus accents. $9.99 – 3 Stars – 86 points
Antigal Uno Malbec Mendoza 2013
Deep, dark violet color. The nose is filled with the scents of black cherry, blackberries, and cassis with supporting notes of young cigars, mocha, and vanilla. The palate equals the nose delivering a lush and fruity core with soft, milk chocolate notes, sweet, vanilla-accented oak, and mocha. Medium-bodied with a rich, silky fruit-driven core flanked by subtle notes of acidity and soft, chewy tannins. Made with 100% Malbec. $18 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Robert Oatley Chardonnay Margaret River 2014
Pale straw color. The nose is aromatic and quite pleasing with scents of white peach, lychee, and tropical fruits with accents of mineral and vanilla. The palate delivers on the promise of the nose revealing an ultra-balanced wine with vibrancy and bright citrus-like acidity. Medium-bodied with fresh, crisp acidity giving it perfect balance. $17 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Robert Oatley GSM McLaren Vale 2014
Deep ruby red color. The nose reveals a densely fruity wine with scents of concentrated red fruits, plum, cherry, and cassis with accents of mineral and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a very lush and silky fruit-driven core with subtle notes of baking spice and oak on the flanks. Medium to full-bodied with rich, juicy fruit and enough bright acidity to keep it perfectly balanced. $20 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Altos de Cristimil Albariño Rias Baixas 2015
Brilliant, golden straw color. The nose is quite vibrant and fragrant filled with the scents of spring flowers, freshly cut grass, lemongrass, green apples, and citrus with hints of mineral and fresh herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a generous but sprite fruit-centric core with a pronounced tart and sour fruit note that adds so much dimension and intrigue while it finishes with hints of candied ginger, mineral, and lemon zest. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with waves of ripe and tart fruits. Made with 100% Albariño. $12 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Ktima Kir-Yianni Samaropetra Vyd. Roditis & Sauvignon Blanc Florina 2015
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is wonderfully fresh and crisp offering scents of hay, green apple, tomato leaf, and mineral with supporting notes of tropical fruits and lime zest. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright, fruit-driven core that brings citrus notes ranging from red grapefruit to lime to the party. Medium-bodied with vibrant, crisp acidity giving this wine perfect balance and a steely finish. $18 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Troon Estate Tannat Applegate Valley 2013
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby red color. It is intensely fruity with dense black and red berries, plum, and black cherry with supporting notes of allspice, toasted oak, and hints of smoked meats. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and robust fruit-driven core with vibrant tart cherry notes that keep the wine lively and incredibly long trailing black fruits with firm but accessible tannins. Medium to full-bodied this Tannat is ideally balanced and so vibrant on the palate that it never seems heavy while also being quite intense. $29 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Troon MT Reserve Southern Oregon 2013
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekDeep, dark ruby red to purple. The nose is very complex and compelling with ripe, red berries in the lead supported by brown baking spices, cocoa nibs, coffee, and tart cranberries. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a rich and dense fruit-centric core with waves of spice, soft earth tones, and subtle oak notes. Medium to full-bodied with dense fruit and perfect balance with a bright dose of acidity and soft, structuring tannins. $50 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Giesen Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014
Brilliant, translucent ruby red color. The nose is very expressive and complex offering scents of red plum, wild red berries, and cherry with supporting notes of clove, anise, mineral, and hints of earth. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and juicy core with flanking notes of brown baking spices, earth, and mineral that adds structure and length. Medium-bodied with perfect balance and great length with long trailing tart fruit and spice accents and soft tannins. $30 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is fresh, vibrant, and complex with scents of kumquat, lime, green apple, and kiwi rising from the glass. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, multilayered fruit core with bright acidity in support that finishes strong with subtle green apple skin notes. Medium-bodied with perfect balance thanks to a generous dose of bright acidity. $20 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
