Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon California 2013
Deep, bright ruby red. The nose is filled with the scents of black fruits with ripe red and black cherry supported by accents of earth, toasted oak, vanilla, clove, allspice, and fresh green herbs. The palate is equal to the aromatics delivering a lush fruit core with dry oak and spice accents that give way to a mild green, live herbs garden note. Medium to full-bodied with lush, silky fruit and a fresh dose of acidity and soft, minimal tannins. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Concannon Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles 2013
Deep, dark garnet to ruby red color. The aromatics are dense with loads of red and black cherry, cassis, plum, and blackberry with supporting notes of allspice, nutmeg, cocoa nibs, and sweet vanilla-soaked oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and chewy fruit-driven core with a generous dose of sweet spice and oak to round out the flavors. This is a classic California Cabernet offering rich and jammy fruit and soft, juicy tannins with just enough acid to keep it from being heavy. $20 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Domaine le Vieux Chene Cotes Catalanes Blanc IGP 2014
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is subtle and fresh with scents of wild spring flowers with ripe peaches, green apple, and crisp citrus notes. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a vibrant, tart fruit core with bright lemon zest and mineral accents being totally dry. It's medium-bodied with zesty green fruits and great balance offering bright citrus notes. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Deneufbourg le muscat Muscat De Rivesaltes 2012
Brilliant, pale straw cololr. The nose reveals an intensely fruity wine with layers of baked peach, pineapple, apple, and star fruit with hints of candied ginger. The palate echoes the nose delivering a very sweet and fruity core with lingering notes of cotton candy and concentrated pear juice. This is a very sweet wine that's stuffed with fruit but I would love to see a bit more citrus-like acid to add a lift and a vibrant edge. $12 – 3 Stars – 85 points
Santa Cristina Campogrande Orvieto Classico 2014
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is very fresh and floral with assertive citrus notes and accents of kiwi, pineapple, and green apple. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a crisp and vibrant fruit-driven core with waves of tart citrus juice and zest, ripe kiwi, gooseberry, and fresh lemon on the finish. Medium-bodied with a a very vibrant and semi-tart character. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie IGT 2014
Brilliant, pale straw color. The aromatics are very floral being led by white, spring flowers with supporting notes of peach, apple, and citrus with accents of orange peel and ginger. The palate echoes the nose offering a sprite, tart fruit core with mineral, citrus zest, and fresh grass. Medium-bodied with crisp green apple and citrus notes conspire to make this a very refreshing wine. $12 – 3 Stars – 85 points
Santa Cristina Cipresseto Rosato Toscana IGT 2014
Bright salmon color. The nose is fresh and floral supported by notes of raspberry, cranberry, and mineral, with hints of citrus zest. The palate is in full accord delivering a crisp, fruit-driven core with vibrant red berries being equaled by citrus and hints of herbs. Moderately intense with low alcohol and loads of tart fruits. $14 – 3 Stars – 85 points
Les Dauphins Reserve Cotes-du-Rhone, Rosé 2013
Brilliant salmon with hints of orange on the edges. The nose is fresh and vibrant with the scents of strawberry, cranberry, and semi-tart raspberry with accents of mineral and thyme. The palate confirms the nose delivering a dry berry-driven core with hints of orange rind and red grapefruit with a soft, trailing minerality Crisp and vibrant with a generous dose of fresh acidity. $12.99 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc Reserve Napa Valley 2012
Pale gold color with loads of legs showing its weight. Rich and intense nose with waves of peach and nectarine supported by notes of mineral, bread dough, lemon curd, thyme, and kiwi. The palate echoes the nose with a silky, fruit-driven core with accents of oak, mineral, and a champagne like yeasty backdrop. This is a big and rich Sauvignon Blanc with evident oak influence. $40 – 3 Stars – 86 points
Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc California 2013
Pale straw color. The nose is fresh and vibrant with scents of citrus with supporting tropical fruit notes and hints of green herbs, and fresh-cut green grass. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright and freshing fruit centered core with accents of mineral, fresh green herbs, and green apple skins. It's a fresh and zesty wine with great balance and a clean finish. $13 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
