Etude Rosé Santa Barbara County 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, light salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of strawberry and raspberry with supporting notes of white peach, mineral, and spring flowers. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of watermelon, red cherry, and apricot stone. The finish is long and lingering with bright acidity. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made primarily with Pinot Noir this rose is ready for summer, happy hour sipping. $22 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Red Hills Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and five spice with supporting notes of red currant, raspberry, mocha, and hibiscus flower. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, plum, and leather with hints of pomegranate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. 100% Pinot Noir rested in French oak (39% new) for 17 months. Ready to drink but it will evolve with five years of cellaring. $55 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Tablas Creek Dianthus Adelaida District 2018
Brilliant, medium salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of strawberry and sweet rhubarb with supporting notes of watermelon, wet stones, and jasmine. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry and kumquat. The finish is long and lingering with tart red fruits and very subtle tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a substantial yet vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 51% Mourvédre, 39% Grenache, and 10% Counoise. This is a meaty Rosé with guts and charm to spare. $30 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rosé Paso Robles 2018
Brilliant, light peach color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of nectarine and wet stones with supporting notes of strawberry, mineral, and red grapefruit. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of orange peel, pomegranate, and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with hints of rose petals. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 76% Grenache, 20% Mourvédre, and 4% Counoise. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Westwood Legend Red Blend Sonoma Valley 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and baking spices with supporting notes of cassis, smoked meats, and forest floor with hints of cigar box. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, black tea, and vanilla bean. The finish is long and lingering with firm but polished tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a rich and meaty texture. Made with a blend of 55% Cabernet, 24% Grenache, 14% Syrah, and 7% Mourvedre. This Bord-Rhone red blend will best show its nuances if you utilize your decanter. $55 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Smoking Loon Steelbird Rosé California 2018
Brilliant, medium pink color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of strawberry and peach with supporting notes of raspberry and pomegranate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of watermelon and pomegranate. The finish is semi-tart with bright berry and melon accents. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 60% Barbera, 27% Syrah, and 13% Grenache. A super value! $7.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Terra Vina Mourvedre Columbia Valley NV
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, slate, and plum with supporting notes of pomegranate, cedar, and black tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and accents of black pepper. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with an opulent texture. Made with a blend of two vintages with fruit from two states. A big and powerful wine that is also surprisingly nimble. $36 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Beringer Bros. Tequila Barrel Aged Sauvignon Blanc California 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of grapefruit and lemon curd with supporting notes of citrus zest, fresh herbs, and vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits and citrus-driven core with flavors of lychee, coconut, and lemon grass. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture that finishes with tart citrus accents. This is a unique animal being lush while sprite with subtle hints of agave and charred American oak. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Bogle Essential Red California 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and plum with supporting notes of cassis, raspberry, and star anise. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, dried herbs, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and sweet oak accents. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. $11 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Bogle phantom Red Blend California 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant and blackberry with supporting notes of black plum, black tea, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, baking spices, and sweet/tart pomegranate. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and vibrant mineral accents. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 44% Petite Sirah, 44% Zinfandel, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
