Tongue Dancer Bacigalupi Vineyard Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of lychee and honeysuckle with supporting notes of white peach, apricot, and orange peel. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit, lemon curd, citrus zest, ginger, and hints of pineapple. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus notes. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant yet decadent texture. $50 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of anise, black tea, slate, and campfire. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, five spice, and smoked meat. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and subtle, sweet balsamic notes on the finish. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty yet silky texture. Made with a blend of 40% Mourvedre, 27% Syrah, 23% Grenache, and 10% Counoise. $60 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Earl Stevens Selections Moscato California NV
Slightly cloudy, medium gold color with light bubbles. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of spring flowers and orange peel with supporting notes of peach and pineapple. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with tropical notes as well that delivers flavors of guava, lychee, cantaloupe, and a hint of bees wax. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent yet sprite texture. $14 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Earl Stevens Selections Function Red Blend California NV
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry jam and plum with supporting notes of vanilla bean and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a sweet, black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, five spice, and vanilla cream. The finish is long and lingering with soft, silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a creamy texture. $15 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Earl Stevens Selections Prosecco DOC NV
Brilliant, light pale straw color with a medium bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest and green apple with supporting notes of honeysuckle and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of peach, grapefruit, and quince. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. $15 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of honey, orange peel, and lychee with supporting notes of blanched almonds, apricot stone, and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of pear, custard, sandalwood, and soft oak accents. The finish is long and lingering with subtle tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a creamy yet vibrant texture. I sense that this may be the most age-worthy Esprit Blanc that I have tasted. It's drinking well now but could easily evolve into an epic wine. $45 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
2Hawk Malbec Rogue Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and raspberry with supporting notes of black tea, graphite, cocoa, slate, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, plum, hibiscus flower, and black pepper. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins and subtle oak accents. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a meaty texture. $34 – 4 Stars – 93 points
2Hawk Darow Series Malbec Rogue Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cassis and black plum with supporting notes of boysenberry, cardamon, leather, mocha, and white truffle. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, graphite, pomegranate, and forest floor. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins with silky oak accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a voluptuous and chewy texture. $49 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
2Hawk Darow Series Viognier Rogue Valley 2017
Brilliant, medium gold color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of wild flowers and tropical fruit with supporting notes of honeysuckle, jasmine, and lemon curd. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of passion fruit, coconut, vanilla, and meringue. The finish is long and lingering with toasted oak rising on the finish. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent and mildly chewy texture. $46 – 4 Stars – 90 points
2Hawk Viognier Rogue Valley 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of tropical fruit and peach with supporting notes of lemon curd, bees wax, jasmine, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of pineapple, apricot stone, orange peel, and candied ginger. The finish is long and lingering with subtle, tart fruit accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a creamy while vibrant texture thanks to a generous dose of bright acidity. This wine is an absolute beauty that celebrates the essence of Viognier. $26 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
