Santa Lucia Ciliegiolo IGT Toscano 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and black currant with supporting notes of black pepper, thyme, and rose petals. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of ripe red berries, raspberry, and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a velvety texture. A beautiful example of the local Ciliegiolo grape. $18 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Foppiano Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2019
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest and kumquat with supporting notes of kiwi and red grapefruit. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of honeysuckle, lemon grass, white peach, and wet stones. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $20 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2020
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, light pale straw color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of grapefruit and fresh hay with supporting notes of gooseberry, kumquat, and citrus zest. The palate echoes the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit, slate, and green tea. The finish is crisp and refreshing. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $16 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Silvio Grasso Barolo DOCG 2015
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry and forest floor with supporting notes of black tea and rose petals. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, dried herbs, and black cherry. The finish is long and lingering with chalky tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a chewy texture. This barrique aged Barolo drinks well today (when decanted) with peak maturity 2023-2026. $38 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Fattoria di Fibbiano Ciliegiolo IGT Toscano 2016
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and forest floor with supporting notes of raspberry and leather. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, pomegranate, mineral, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty yet vibrant texture. A beautiful example of the local Ciliegiolo grape. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Poderi di Carlo Ribolla Gialla IGP Venezia Giulia 2018
Brilliant, light straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest, white peach, and grapefruit with supporting notes of green apple, acacia, and mineral. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruit and citrus-driven core with flavors of quince and green apple. The finish is crisp with lingering mineral accents. 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
Diez-Caballero Reserva Rioja 2010
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and earth with supporting notes of fig, cedar, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, dried herbs, mineral, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. $19.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Domaine de Fabrègues Le Coeur Languedoc 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black cherry and cocoa with supporting notes of black pepper, plum, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, five spice, oak, and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with an opulent texture. Made with a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Carignan. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Tenuta di Ceppaiano Violetta IGT Toscano 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and five spice with supporting notes of black tea, earth, and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, forest floor, oak, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. $25 – 4 Stars – 90 points
2Hawk Grenache Rogue Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and cassis with supporting notes of boysenberry jam, five spice, leather, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, forest floor, and dried herbs. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent yet vibrant texture. $32 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
