Troon Vineyard Glou-Glou Grenache Applegate Valley 2020
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and violet with supporting notes of fermenting red berries, mineral, and lavender and a subtle campfire note. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of wild berries, strawberry, and hibiscus flower. The finish lingers with subtle green notes. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with 100% Grenache crafted by whole-cluster carbonic maceration (think Beaujolais) and finished in stainless steel. $25 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tongue Dancer Wines Pratt Vyd Irwin Lane Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2019
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of lychee and freshly baked bread with supporting notes of white peach, kumquat, and wild honey. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of pineapple, lemon curd, and wet stones. The finish lingers with crisp citrus accents and subtle pear notes. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet expansive texture. This is perhaps out favorite TDW Pratt Vineyard Chardonnay yet. We love the balance $42 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Tongue Dancer Wines Rosé de Ville Pinot Noir North Coast 2020
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and orange peel with supporting notes of kumquat and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, hibiscus flower, and pomegranate. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with the saigné method from 100% Pinot Noir. $70 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Tongue Dancer Wines Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2019
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium ruby color. The aromatics are wonderfully intense offering scents of black cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of black tea, forest floor, cigar box, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry, five spice, and hibiscus flower. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. This is the 8th vintage of their classic Pinot — it reminds me a lot of their great 2016 vintage. $49 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Troon Vineyard Kubli Bench Amber Applegate Valley 2020
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekHazy, medium golden color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of lychee and quince with supporting notes of orange peel, lemon curd, and peach. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, apricot, tropical fruit, slate, and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering with accents of tart pineapple emerging. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant, yet rich texture. Made with a unique blend of 64% Riesling, 27% Vermentino, and 9% Viognier. $35 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Tongue Dancer Wines Rosé of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2020
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium coral color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry and boysenberry with supporting notes of plum, orange peel, and passion fruit. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, slate, and strawberry. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with an opulent texture. Made with 100% Pinot Noir — more juicy and less tart than previous vintages. $22 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Mud House Pinot Noir Central Otago 2019
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red plum and fresh herbs with supporting notes of raspberry, mineral, and earth. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, baking spices, slate, and subtle hints of oak. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $19.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
EQ Costal Sauvignon Blanc Casablanca Valley 2020
Brilliant, light gold color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red grapefruit and spring flowers with supporting notes of kiwi, honey, and wet stones. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical and citrus fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit, citrus zest, and kumquat. The finish is crisp with bright citrus accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $19.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Troon Vineyard Vermentino Applegate Valley 2020
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekSlightly hazy, light straw color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of tropical fruit and kumquat with supporting notes of fresh herbs, wet stones, and lemon grass. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard and tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of pineapple, kiwi, ripe pear, and quince. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $25 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Foppiano Vineyards 1896 Red Blend California 2018
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits and five spice with supporting notes of black currant, rose petals, pomegranate, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, cassis, mineral, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with an opulent texture. $12.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
