Cornerstone Cellars Black Label Syrah Napa Valley 2012
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekDeepest, darkest, ruby red with purple highlights. After aerating (you must decant this wine) the true aromatics emerge offering scents of red and black cherry, plum, and blueberry with waves of heather, wild herbs, allspice, anise, and hints of vanilla bean. The palate absolutely confirms the fruit signature of the nose with subtle forest floor and smoked bacon notes joining the chorus. The spice signature builds on the finish with black pepper lingering for minutes. This is a rich and chewy wine with perfect balance so it never feels heavy or brooding. Subtle, soft tannins rise on the back-palate to offer structure and length. $40 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Helfrich Grand Cru Steinklotz Gewürztraminer Alsace 2012
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBeautiful pale golden color with dozens of legs streaming down the glass. The aromatics leap from the glass offering a complex melange ranging from wild flowers to citrus, tropical, and stone fruits with a brilliant mineral edge. Delivers waves of ripe and semi-tart tropical and orchard fruits with candied ginger, mint, and exotic Asian spice notes. Like all great Alsace Grand Cru wines this one offers seductive, rich flavors while never losing its vibrancy. $25 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Cornerstone Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2011
Brilliant pale straw color. The nose is quite guarded at first, packing a good bit of intensity but not wanting to show us its many layers. Time in the glass and a bit of warming up reveal green grass, gooseberry, red grapefruit, mountain flowers, pomelo, and star fruit with accents of mineral, and citrus zest. The palate fully delivers the promise of the nose delivering a full yet vibrant core with crisp acidity in support. A powerhouse Sauvignon Blanc with finesse. Be sure to let this breathe for 30 minutes or you will miss all of this wine’s most precious secrets. Enjoy now or cellar for five years. $30 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Pietra Santa Pinot Noir Cienega Valley 2012
Bright ruby red color. The seductive nose offers scents of raspberry and black cherry with accents of strawberry, allspice, oak, heather, wild herbs, and hints of vanilla. The palate is in full agreement with the nose offering a silky fruit-driven core with flanking notes of brown baking spice, mineral, and toasty oak. Perfectly balanced with a refreshing dose of acidity and subtle tannins. Ideally proportioned and full of charm and style. This beautiful Pinot needs nothing but a glass but it compliments grilled beef tenderloin, braised meats, and charcuterie. A steal at under $20. $18 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Route 152 Pinot Noir Central Coast 2012
Bright ruby red color. The aromatics feature ripe and vibrant notes of raspberry with sweet red cherry and wild strawberries supported by barrel notes that included allspice, black pepper, and cardamon with hints of vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush but crisp mouthfeel dominated by a ripe fruit core with flanking notes of spice, oak, and subtle earth tones. Ideally balanced with lingering tart berry and oak flavors. This is an undisputed “Best Buy” and perhaps the greatest Pinot value I have ever encountered. $10 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Pietra Santa Sangiovese Cienega Valley 2010
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, burgundy red color with just a bit of transparency. The aromatics are wildly complex with scents of ripe and dry red berries in the lead at one passing and then pepper, leather, earth, and brown baking spices take center stage. You can nose this wine for hours. The palate is lush and silky without being the slightest bit heavy or flabby as it is blessed with a generous dose of fresh, vibrant acidity that helps accentuate the complex melange of oak, earth, dried herb, and brown baking spices that flank the fruit core. Wonderfully generous with perfect balance thanks to the bright acidity and subtle tannin structure. $18 – 5 Stars – 98 points
Pietra Santa Sassolino Cienega Valley 2010
Deep, darkest burgundy color. The aromatics are so concentrated with the scents of black cherry, blackberry, raspberry, and plum with bold accents of cocoa nibs, brown baking spices, and oak. The palate opens with a ripe fruit explosion with loads of baking spices to add depth and intrigue. It's simply delicious with layers of lush fruit mingling with oak, spice, and subtle hints of vanilla bean. This is a wine that you can chew but it's so vibrant and fresh thanks to a smart dose of acidity and silky tannins. $24 – 5 Stars – 97 points
