Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Blanc Adelaida District 2017
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of white peach and apple with supporting notes of green melon, honeysuckle, and citrus zest. The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of apricot, kiwi, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe fruit and crisp citrus accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent but vibrant texture. 44% Viognier, 24% Marsanne, 20% Grenache Blanc, and 12% Roussanne $30 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Dow's Late Bottled Vintage Oporto 2012
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and slate with supporting notes of cassis, five spice, violet, and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and sweet, toasted oak. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. This port is made from grapes grown in tow of the region's best vineyards: Quinta do Bomfirm and Quinta da Senhora. It's the prefect after dinner drink. $24 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Cincinnato Raverosse Cori 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of blackberry, raspberry, and slate with supporting notes of dried herbs and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry and subtle sweet oak accents. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant and juicy texture. Made with a blend of 50% Nero Buono, 30% Montepulciano, 20% Cesanese. Lovely to drink on it's own but it really shines with rich stews, roasted mushrooms, or roasted pork. $15 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Nia Pinot Noir California 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of pomegranate, mineral, and hints of black tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red currant and rose petals. The finish is long and lingering with subtle tart cherry accents and supple tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a silky texture. An undisputed best buy. $9.99 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Lucas & Lewellen Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2015
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry and strawberry with supporting notes of slate and hints of baking spices. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and lavender. The finish is long and lingering with subtle oak accents and soft tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. The grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Valley Vineyards and Goodchild Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley. $20 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Antinori Villa Anitnori Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2011
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, raspberry, and baking spices with supporting notes of dried herbs, leather, and red currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins and bright spice accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich yet vibrant texture. A charming Chianti with a great future as it will cellar well until 2025 and beyond. If drinking today you will want to employ a decanter. $35 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Jean Biecher Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim Alsace 2016
Brilliant, medium golden color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of apricot, honeysuckle, and pear with supporting notes of mineral and kumquat. The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of tropical fruit. The finish is long and lingering with orange zest and ginger notes. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture and lingering sweet citrus accents. This wonderful off-dry wine has a great future and I can't wait to try it in five and ten years. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Inama Soave Classico 2016
Brilliant, light green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of green melon, hay, and pear with supporting notes of kiwi and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of white peach, orange peel and blanched almonds. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. If you are seeking a white with guts while being nimble and refreshing this is your wine – 100% Garganega. $15 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Pommery Blanc de Blanc Champagne NV
Brilliant, light gold color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest, jasmine, and wet stones with supporting notes of spring flowers and apricot. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of white peach and toasted bread. The finish is long and lingering with trailing citrus and slate accents. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Wonderfully crisp in it's youth this lovely blanc de blanc will age beautifully in the cellar over the next five years. $67 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
French Bar Petite Sirah California 2015
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, dark purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and cassis with supporting notes of blueberry, raspberry, and mocha. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. A classic, rich, and dense California Petite Sirah. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
