Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, medium green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of apricot stone and lemon grass with supporting notes of nectarine, mineral, and citrus zest. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of lemon curd, kiwi, and wet stones. The finish is long and lingering with more mineral and citrus. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant but lush texture. $30 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2017
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of wild flowers, honey, and kiwi with supporting notes of citrus zest, jasmine, and green tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, citrus zest, apricot stone, and a bees wax note on the finish that mingles with oak. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich but vibrant texture. $45 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of pear and white peach with supporting notes of green apple, spring flowers, kumquat, and wild mint. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of ripe orchard fruits with citrus, pineapple, and grapefruit. The finish is long and lingering with citrus zest and green apple skin. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet generous texture. Our favorite Patelin Blanc to date (and we have liked them all)! $25 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc Adelaida District 2018
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of green apple and grapefruit with supporting notes of lemon grass, soursop, tarragon, and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of white peach, lemon curd, and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus notes. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $35 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Ruffino Modus IGT Toscano 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and red cherry with supporting notes of plum, earth, dried herbs, and rosemary. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of freshly crushed berries, dark cocoa, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with ripe and chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich, meaty texture. Made with a blend of 39% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a harmonious blend of the three varietals but it certainly has the soul of Tuscan Sangiovese. $25.99 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Chateau Lassègue, Lassègue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2011
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and forest floor with supporting notes of five spice, black currant, black tea, and plum. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, leather, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich texture with dried fruits and mineral rising on the finish. Made with a blend of 62% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. A young and beautiful wine from a difficult vintage. $65 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Palmer & Co. Brut Reserve Reims NV
Brilliant, medium golden color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of pear and toasted bread with supporting notes of citrus zest, bees wax, and white peach. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of pear, lemon curd, buttery brioche, and honey. The finish is long and lingering with toasty lees and citrus accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet creamy texture. Roughly half of the blend is Chardonnay supported by Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and rested on its lees, in bottle for four years. $60 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Beringer Bros. Whisper Sister Cabernet Sauvignon California 2017
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep violet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and cassis with supporting notes of plum, slate, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, cocoa, and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with ripe, chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a velvety and supple texture. Made with 97% Cabernet with a bright dose of 3% Petite Sirah that adds spice. Most of the fruit is sourced from Napa (86%) with 14% from Sonoma County. $30 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Etude Fiddlestix Vineyard Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium ruby/purple color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and red cherry with supporting notes of violet, plum, thyme, and wet river stones. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of ripe, freshly crushed red fruits, Chinese five spice, and sweet oak. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich yet vibrant texture. Simply beautiful with countless layers of flavors with ideal weight and deft use of oak (25% new French oak). $50 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Fighting Chance Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and baking spices with supporting notes of stewed black fruits, fruitcake, and vanilla bean. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum, black tea, and dark cocoa. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins and sweet brown spices. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple and juicy texture. This is a brawny Pinot Noir with plenty of power, color depth, and oak with a bit of Petite Sirah and other red grapes to add muscle. $26 – 4 Stars – 90 points
