Morisfarms Mandriolo Maremma Toscana 2019
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and strawberry with supporting notes of mineral and red currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, plum, and dried herbs. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a silky texture. Made with a blend of 80% Sangiovese with the remainder comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot. $13.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Domaine de l'Eyrolle Lirac 2018
Brilliant, dark crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits and red cherry with supporting notes of raspberry, dried herbs, black plum, and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry, black tea, red currant, anise, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Pierre Vidal - Mary Taylor Selection Costieres De Nimes 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of five spice, black tea, forest floor, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, earth, dried herbs, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $18 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Roaming Dog Red Blend Columbia Valley 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and five spice with supporting notes of anise, blackberry, and dried herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, plum, mocha, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. $14 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Troon Vineyard Cuvée Pyrénées Applegate Valley 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant and smoked meat with supporting notes of forest floor, black tea, graphite, dried herbs, and baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, black cherry, five spice, mineral, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a chewy texture. Made with a blend of 70% Tannat and 30% Malbec. $65 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
V2G Syrah/Cabernet Red Blend Vin de France 2019
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black fruits, slate, and forest floor with supporting notes of black plum, aged leather, and black tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, sweet fresh & dried herbs, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering with dry, mildly gripping tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. $15.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of anise, black tea, slate, and campfire. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, five spice, and smoked meat. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and subtle, sweet balsamic notes on the finish. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty yet silky texture. Made with a blend of 40% Mourvedre, 27% Syrah, 23% Grenache, and 10% Counoise. $60 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Earl Stevens Selections Function Red Blend California NV
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry jam and plum with supporting notes of vanilla bean and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a sweet, black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, five spice, and vanilla cream. The finish is long and lingering with soft, silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a creamy texture. $15 – 3.5 Stars – 87 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