Nia Pinot Noir California 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of pomegranate, mineral, and hints of black tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red currant and rose petals. The finish is long and lingering with subtle tart cherry accents and supple tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a silky texture. An undisputed best buy. $9.99 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Lucas & Lewellen Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2015
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and strawberry with supporting notes of slate and hints of baking spices. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and lavender. The finish is long and lingering with subtle oak accents and soft tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. The grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Valley Vineyards and Goodchild Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. $20 – 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
French Bar Petite Sirah California 2015
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, dark purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and cassis with supporting notes of blueberry, raspberry, and mocha. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. A classic, rich, and dense California Petite Sirah. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Troon Whole Grape Ferment Riesling Applegate Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium orange to gold color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of apricot, orange peel, and peach with supporting notes of kumquat, slate, and green tea with hints of dry Sherry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of nectarine. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $20 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2016
Brilliant, deep and dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, plum, and cigar box with supporting notes of blackberry, black pepper, and star anise. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of cassis with hints of lavender. The finish is long and lingering with dusty but chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 52% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 11% Counoise, and 6% Mourvedre. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Tablas Creek Dianthus Adelaida District 2017
Brilliant, deep salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of jasmine, strawberry, and raspberry with supporting notes of rose petals and boysenberry. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of cranberry and accents of mineral. The finish is crisp with lingering tart fruits mingling with the ripe red berries. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture while being a seriously "meaty" rosé. $25 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Tablas Creek Vermentino Adelaida District 2017
Brilliant, light gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of lime, and apricot stone with supporting notes of honeysuckle, and orange peel. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of nectarine and pineapple. The finish is long and lingering with faint tropical accents and citrus zest. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with 100% Vermentino. $25 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Paso Robles 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits, thyme, and leather with supporting notes of anise, and black teak tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 55% Grenache, 22% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre, and 7% Counoise. $35 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Geyser Peak River Ranches Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2016
Brilliant, light pale straw color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of gooseberry, slate, and quince with supporting notes of straw, guava, and honeysuckle. The palate echoes the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of guava. The finish is long and lingering with integrated citrus accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. $22 – 4 Stars – 90 points
