The Federalist Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2014
Bright ruby red color. The nose is wonderfully complex with waves of ripe wild berry fruit, with oak, fresh and dried herbs, bramble and brush with tart cherry notes on the finish. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush berry-driven Zin with generous herbal and spice flanks that linger on to a dry finish. Full-bodied with dense fruit and bright acidity to keep it fresh and balanced. $22 – 3.5 Stars – 86 points
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013
Deep, dark garnet red color. The nose is absolutely classic with scents of blackberry, currants, plum with accents of toasted oak, earth, mineral, and hints of leather, vanilla bean and dry cocoa nibs. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering another dimension of black fruit with flanking notes of spice, oak, and soft earth tones. Medium to full-bodied with incredible balance being nimble and depth and soft perfectly integrated tannins. $52 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Vina Robles Petite Sirah Paso Robles 2012
Deep, dark ruby red color. The nose is filled with the scents of freshly crushed berries with loads of plum and accents of brown spices and dark chocolate. The palate concurs with the nose delivering a lush and fruity berry-driven core with waves of cocoa and subtle earth notes. Medium to full-bodied with generous fruit and a fresh does of acidity. $24 – 3 Stars – 85 points
Troon Black Label Vermentino Applegate Valley 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, pale straw color. The aromatics are very appealing (you can nose it for hours) offering scents of pear, green apple, and guava with accents of mineral, sandalwood, blanched almonds, and citrus zest. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a fruit forward core with rivaling notes of nuts, subtle oak, and mineral with a dry, crisp finish. Medium-bodied with perfect balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity and generous mineral notes. $29 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Troon Blue Label Sangiovese Rogue Valley 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, crimson color. The nose presents the aromas of Tuscany offering scents of ripe and tart red fruits with supporting notes of black currant, earth, herbs, and subtle brown spice notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant fruit core with generous flanking notes of dried herbs, black tea, and subtle earth tones finishing with medium, well-integrated tannins. Medium-bodied with the prefect balance of fruit, earth, spice, and bright acid. $29 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Rutherford Ranch Two Range Red Wine Napa Valley 2014
Deep, dark, ruby red color. The nose is filled with the scents of freshly crushed red and black berries with accents of vanilla, cassis, chocolate, and brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and silky fruit-driven core with a generous dose of sweet chocolate and vanilla with raspberry jam rising on the finish. Medium-bodied with sweet, jammy fruit and soft, silky tannins. $25 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
MacPhail Vine Hill Road Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2014
Brilliant, golden straw color. The nose is wonderfully complex marrying white flowers with toasted yeast bread, lychee, lemon and vanilla cream, and white peach with accents of charred oak and butterscotch. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright, fruit-driven core with generous flanks of oak, lees, and vanilla bean with vibrant citrus notes rising on the finish. Full-bodied with a rich, ripe fruit heart with loads of butterscotch and oak in support. Made with 100% Chardonnay. $45 – 4 Stars – 91 points
MacPhail Wightman House Pinot Noir Anderson Valley 2014
Deep, ruby red color. The nose is quite complex offering scents of ripe, sweet red cherries with equal portions of tart cherries flanked by toasted oak, subtle earth accents, and a hint of clove. The palate concurs with the nose delivering a very rich and concentrated fruit core with the sweet and sour red fruits still competing for domination. On the back palate we find trailing notes of spice and oak finishing with firm but well-integrated tannins. Full-bodied with dense fruit and decadent wood flavors and a refreshing dose of acidity. Made with 100% Pinot Noir. $55 – 4 Stars – 93 points
MacPhail Lakeview Vineyard Pinot Noir Green Valley of Russian River Valley 2014
Deep, ruby red color. The nose is complex and inviting offering scents of red cherry and raspberry with generous accents of toasted oak, anise, allspice, and subtle earth notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush but vibrant fruit-driven core with pretty oak and spice notes in the flanks finishing with soft, silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied with lush, bright fruit and a beautiful creamy texture that is equally vibrant thanks to generous dose of acidity. Made with 100% Pinot Noir. $49 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
HobNob Wicked Chardonnay Central Coast 2014
Briliant golden color. The nose is filled with the scents of pear and green apple with supporting notes of honeysuckle, blanched almonds, and hints of lychee. The palates echoes the nose delivering a fruit-focused core with accents of oak and mineral and a gently trailing dry finish. Medium-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of fresh citrus-like acidity. Made with 100% Chardonnay. $11.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
