Pago Casa Gran Casa Benasal Elegant Valencia 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, dried herbs, and earth with supporting notes of black tea and blackberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $15.99 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Troon Vineyard Cuvée Pyrénées Applegate Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, blackberry, lavender, thyme flowers, and hibiscus flower with supporting notes of blueberry concentrate and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum, black cherry, and hints of rosemary. The finish is long and lingering with chewy, black tea tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent yet vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 53% Tannat and 47% Malbec. $65 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Villa Spinosa Amarone della Valpolicella 2008
Brilliant, deep crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of black tea, mocha, cigar box, and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and truffle. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. This Amarone was in perfect condition and it is still very youthful — it will drink well for another decade plus. $85 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Troon Vineyard Côtes Du Kubli Rouge Applegate Valley 2018
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant purple/ruby color with a mild turbidity signaling a wine that is not heavily filtered. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black currant and earth with supporting notes of black cherry, leather, baking spices, and lavender. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, pomegranate, and forest floor. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins with subtle oak accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple yet vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 72% Syrah and 25% Grenache. $45 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
50 Harvests Meritage Red Napa Valley 2015
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red and black cherry and five spice with supporting notes of boysenberry, cassis, slate, and red currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, dried herbs, raspberry, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering with supple yet dry tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 76%, Cabernet Franc 12%, and Merlot 12%. $60 – 4 Stars – 92 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
Ruffino Modus IGT Toscano 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and red cherry with supporting notes of plum, earth, dried herbs, and rosemary. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of freshly crushed berries, dark cocoa, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with ripe and chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich, meaty texture. Made with a blend of 39% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a harmonious blend of the three varietals but it certainly has the soul of Tuscan Sangiovese. $25.99 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Chateau Lassègue, Lassègue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2011
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and forest floor with supporting notes of five spice, black currant, black tea, and plum. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, leather, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich texture with dried fruits and mineral rising on the finish. Made with a blend of 62% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. A young and beautiful wine from a difficult vintage. $65 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Provenance Vineyards DeadEye Red Blend Napa Valley 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, dark crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cassis and black cherry with supporting notes of blackberry, five spice, black tea, and vanilla bean accented oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, plum, rich cocoa, and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. Made with a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 % Petite Sirah, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. $50 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Adelaida District 2017
Brilliant, medium scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and rose petals with supporting notes of black pepper, wild berries, raspberry, and cigar box. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry, slate, and lavender. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a juicy texture. Made with a blend of 53% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 12% Mourvédre, and 10% Counoise. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 points
