Uvario La Loggia Rosso IGP Toscano 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of boysenberry and raspberry with supporting notes of dried herbs, hibiscus flower, and forest floor. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of mineral and black plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged - Red Blend California 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby/crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and boysenberry with supporting notes of roasted nuts, sour cherry, toasted coconut, and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, vanilla, and violet. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a voluptuous and complex while juicy texture. This charming and hedonistic red blend is made with a blend of 41% Petite Sirah, 21% Syrah, 18% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 2% other red grapes. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Vale do Bomfim Red Blend Douro 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black tea and blackberry with supporting notes of black pepper, earth, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum and dry earth accents. The finish is dry with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture due to a generous dose of acdity. Made with 30% Touriga Franca, 20% Touriga Nacional, and 50% "field blend." $13 – 3 Stars – 86 points
Qunita do Vesuvio Pombal do Vesuvio Douro 2015
Brilliant, deep garnet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant and black cherry with supporting notes of black tea, forest floor, and oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture and vibrant acidity. Made with a blend of 50% Touriga Nacional, 45% Touriga Franca, and 5% Tinta Amarela. $28 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Troon Vineyard Cuvée Pyrénées Applegate Valley 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, hibiscus flower, and blueberry balsamic with supporting notes of red currant and baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of tart cherry and black plum. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and trailing herbal and spice accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced thanks to bright acidity with a voluptuous texture. Made with a blend of 62% Tannat and 38% Malbec. $60 – 5 Stars – 98 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, cassis, and eucalyptus with supporting notes of black tea, black cherry, and smoked meat. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, hibiscus flower, and anise. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and sweet mineral accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of 46% Mourvedre, 31% Syrah, 18% Grenache, and 5% Counoise. We have loved every release of the great Esprit de Tablas but this may be our favorite. $60 – 5 Stars – 98 points
Cincinnato Raverosse Cori 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of blackberry, raspberry, and slate with supporting notes of dried herbs and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry and subtle sweet oak accents. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant and juicy texture. Made with a blend of 50% Nero Buono, 30% Montepulciano, 20% Cesanese. Lovely to drink on it's own but it really shines with rich stews, roasted mushrooms, or roasted pork. $15 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Antinori Villa Anitnori Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2011
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, raspberry, and baking spices with supporting notes of dried herbs, leather, and red currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins and bright spice accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich yet vibrant texture. A charming Chianti with a great future as it will cellar well until 2025 and beyond. If drinking today you will want to employ a decanter. $35 – 4 Stars – 92 points
French Bar Gold Dust Red California 2016
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of hibiscus flower, pomegranate, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. Made with a blend of 82% Petite Verdot, and 18% Teroldego (a grape native to northeast Italy). $19 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Corte Medicea Aristeo IGP Toscano 2013
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, black cherry, and slate with supporting notes of black tea, five spice, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot $20 – 4 Stars – 90 points
