Ondarre Reserva Rioja 2014
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, red cherry, and plum with supporting notes of boysenberry, baking spices, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry and trailing vanilla accents. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a classic blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo. $18 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Clavel Cordélia Chusclan Cotes-du-Rhone, Rouge 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black cherry, raspberry, and dried herbs with supporting notes of black tea, mineral, and pomegranate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of wild berries and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Carignan. A great food wine especially with game. $16 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Andre Farjon Rouge Ventoux 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry, and blackberry with supporting notes of slate, dried herbs, and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of crushed red berries with accents of earth. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a classic blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 12% Syrah, and 3% Maresellan. $15 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2016
Brilliant, deep and dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, plum, and cigar box with supporting notes of blackberry, black pepper, and star anise. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of cassis with hints of lavender. The finish is long and lingering with dusty but chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 52% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 11% Counoise, and 6% Mourvedre. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Paso Robles 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits, thyme, and leather with supporting notes of anise, and black teak tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 55% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre, and 7% Counoise. $35 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Smashberry Red Paso Robles 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and cassis with supporting notes of cedar, mineral, and earth. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black currant, five spice, and silky earth tones. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a opulent texture. $15 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Petite Siréne Cabernet-Merlot Bordeaux 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of blackberry, and black tea with supporting notes of mineral, and plum. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of cassis. The finish is is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a chewy texture. Made with a classic blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. $19.99 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and boysenberryry with supporting notes of anise, mineral, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of cassis and red currant. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a dense and meaty texture. $55 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Bogle Phantom Red California 2014
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cassis and plum with supporting notes of black cherry, cigar box, cocoa, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry and brown baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins and silky oak tones. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. $18 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Troon Blue Label G*S*M Rogue Valley 2015
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and black cherry with supporting notes of black tea, cranberry, and earth. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum and accents slate. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. $25 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
