Padigan Estate Reserve — Ruby Rogue Valley 2020
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of blackberry and blueberry with supporting notes of cocoa, fig, orange peel, and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of cassis, red currant, dark chocolate, cardamon, and hints of tamarind. The finish is long and lingering with lovely spice accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Forman Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of boysenberry, violet, black tea, and graphite with supporting notes of earth, blackberry, slate, and leather. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, cassis, baking spices, dried herbs, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. $150 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Chateau La Grande Roche Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2021
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black currant, dried herbs, and black tea with supporting notes of boysenberry, earth, mineral, and leather. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, earth, black plum, five spice, and graphite. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $65 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Troon Vineyard Druid's Red Applegate Valley 2022
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are complex and intense, offering scents of black currant and earth with supporting notes of blueberry, dried herbs, black tea, and hibiscus flower. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, black cherry, forest floor, dark chocolate, slate, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $25 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Troon Vineyard Druid's White Applegate Valley 2022
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewMildly hazy, medium golden color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of green melon, jasmine, and citrus zest with supporting notes of lemon grass, kumquat, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, quince, green apple, and red grapefruit. The finish is long with a pleasing spritz of acidity. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of Vermentino and Marsanne with additional estate grapes in support. $25 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Elouan Pinot Noir Oregon 2021
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry, boysenberry, and plum with supporting notes of cocoa, five spice, and elderberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry, slate, red currant, and mulberry. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. $20 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tablas Creek Mourvedre Adelaida District 2021
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black plum and dried fruits with supporting notes of black tea, forest floor, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, tapenade, five spice, and pomegranate. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and tart black fruits. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. Made with 100% Mourvèdre — our favorite Tablas Creek Mourvedre to date. $55 – 4.5 Stars – 97 points
Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2021
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, light golden color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of lemon curd, honeysuckle, and citrus zest with supporting notes of lychee, baked apple, and apricot stone. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of ripe green apple, white peach, passion fruit, kumquat, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with citrus accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet opulent texture. $50 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Tongue Dancer Pratt Vine Hill Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2021
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, light golden color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of Meyer lemon and pear with supporting notes of kumquat, pineapple, and honeysuckle. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, lemon curd, blanched almonds, apricot stone, slate, and star fruit. The finish is long and lingering with citrus notes rising. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. $65 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2022
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of blackberry and mineral with supporting notes of star anise, tamari, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, bramble, black currant, cocoa, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a chewy texture. Made with a blend of 54% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 13% Mourvedre, 3% Counoise, and 1% Terret Noir. $28 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
