Palmer & Co. Brut Reserve Reims NV
Brilliant, medium golden color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of pear and toasted bread with supporting notes of citrus zest, bees wax, and white peach. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of pear, lemon curd, buttery brioche, and honey. The finish is long and lingering with toasty lees and citrus accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet creamy texture. Roughly half of the blend is Chardonnay supported by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and rested on its lees, in bottle for four years. $60 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Beringer Bros. Whisper Sister Cabernet Sauvignon California 2017
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep violet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and cassis with supporting notes of plum, slate, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, cocoa, and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with ripe, chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a velvety and supple texture. Made with 97% Cabernet with a bright dose of 3% Petite Sirah that adds spice. Most of the fruit is sourced from Napa (86%) with 14% from Sonoma County. $30 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Etude Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium ruby/purple color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and red cherry with supporting notes of violet, plum, thyme, and wet river stones. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of ripe, freshly crushed red fruits, Chinese five spice, and sweet oak. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich yet vibrant texture. Simply beautiful with countless layers of flavors with ideal weight and deft use of oak (25% new French oak). $50 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Fighting Chance Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and baking spices with supporting notes of stewed black fruits, fruitcake, and vanilla bean. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum, black tea, and dark cocoa. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins and sweet brown spices. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple and juicy texture. This is a brawny Pinot Noir with plenty of power, color depth, and oak with a bit of Petite Sirah and other red grapes to add muscle. $26 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Fuso 21 Le Salse Verdicchio di Matelica 2018
Brilliant, light green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of spring flowers and nectarine with supporting notes of white peach and wet stones. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of green apple, pear, and orange peel. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $14 – 4 Stars – 90 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
Day Owl Rosé California NV
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of white peach and kumquat with supporting notes of boysenberry and spring flowers. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red grapefruit and raspberry. The finish is crisp with subtle notes of plum skins and sandalwood. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture and bright acidity. Made primarily with Barbera. Also sold in 375ml cans. $15 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Chateau de Nages Buti Nages Costieres De Nimes 2018
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of white peach and raspberry with supporting notes of apricot, watermelon, and strawberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of freshly crushed red berries, citrus, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of Grenache and Syrah. $13 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Saladini Pilastri Pecorino Offida DOCG 2018
Brilliant, medium green/gold color. The nose is wonderfully intense offering fresh scents of white peach, citrus zest, and sweet pear with supporting notes of mineral and tropical fruit. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with accents of citrus and ripe green apple. The finish is long and lingering with bright acidity. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple yet vibrant texture. Made with 100% Pecorino grown in the Southern Marches. $13 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Saladini Pilastri Consenso Rosato IGP Marches 2018
Brilliant, medium salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and strawberry with supporting notes of mineral, rose petals, and orange peel. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of crushed red berries and hibiscus flower. The finish is long and lingering with bright acidity. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with 100% organic Sangiovese grown in the Spinetoli production zone in the Southern Marches near the Abruzzo border. $10 – 4 Stars – 90 points
