Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of honey, orange peel, and lychee with supporting notes of blanched almonds, apricot stone, and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of pear, custard, sandalwood, and soft oak accents. The finish is long and lingering with subtle tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a creamy yet vibrant texture. I sense that this may be the most age-worthy Esprit Blanc that I have tasted. It's drinking well now but could easily evolve into an epic wine. $45 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
2Hawk Malbec Rogue Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and raspberry with supporting notes of black tea, graphite, cocoa, slate, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, plum, hibiscus flower, and black pepper. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and subtle oak accents. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a meaty texture. $34 – 4 Stars – 93 points
2Hawk Darow Series Malbec Rogue Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cassis and black plum with supporting notes of boysenberry, cardamon, leather, mocha, and white truffle. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, graphite, pomegranate, and forest floor. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins with silky oak accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a voluptuous and chewy texture. $49 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
2Hawk Darow Series Viognier Rogue Valley 2017
Brilliant, medium gold color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of wild flowers and tropical fruit with supporting notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, and lemon curd. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of passion fruit, coconut, vanilla, and meringue. The finish is long and lingering with toasted oak rising on the finish. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent and mildly chewy texture. $46 – 4 Stars – 90 points
2Hawk Viognier Rogue Valley 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of tropical fruit and peach with supporting notes of lemon curd, bees wax, jasmine, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of pineapple, apricot stone, orange peel, and candied ginger. The finish is long and lingering with subtle, tart fruit accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a creamy while vibrant texture thanks to a generous dose of bright acidity. This wine is an absolute beauty that celebrates the essence of Viognier. $26 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Santa Lucia Ciliegiolo IGT Toscano 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and black currant with supporting notes of black pepper, thyme, and rose petals. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of ripe red berries, raspberry, and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a velvety texture. A beautiful example of the local Ciliegiolo grape. $18 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Foppiano Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2019
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest and kumquat with supporting notes of kiwi and red grapefruit. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of honeysuckle, lemon grass, white peach, and wet stones. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $20 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2020
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, light pale straw color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of grapefruit and fresh hay with supporting notes of gooseberry, kumquat, and citrus zest. The palate echoes the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit, slate, and green tea. The finish is crisp and refreshing. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $16 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Silvio Grasso Barolo DOCG 2015
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry and forest floor with supporting notes of black tea and rose petals. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, dried herbs, and black cherry. The finish is long and lingering with chalky tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a chewy texture. This barrique aged Barolo drinks well today (when decanted) with peak maturity 2023-2026. $38 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Fattoria di Fibbiano Ciliegiolo IGT Toscano 2016
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and forest floor with supporting notes of raspberry and leather. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, pomegranate, mineral, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty yet vibrant texture. A beautiful example of the local Ciliegiolo grape. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 points
