Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2017
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and black tea with supporting notes of five spice, forest floor, mineral, and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black currant, plum, and star anise. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 48% Syrah, 32% Grenache, 16% Mourvédre, and 4% Counoise. $25 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Etude Rosé Santa Barbara County 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, light salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of strawberry and raspberry with supporting notes of white peach, mineral, and spring flowers. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of watermelon, red cherry, and apricot stone. The finish is long and lingering with bright acidity. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made primarily with Pinot Noir this rose is ready for summer, happy hour sipping. $22 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Red Hills Cellars Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and five spice with supporting notes of red currant, raspberry, mocha, and hibiscus flower. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, plum, and leather with hints of pomegranate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. 100% Pinot Noir rested in French oak (39% new) for 17 months. Ready to drink but it will evolve with five years of cellaring. $55 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Tablas Creek Dianthus Adelaida District 2018
Brilliant, medium salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of strawberry and sweet rhubarb with supporting notes of watermelon, wet stones, and jasmine. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry and kumquat. The finish is long and lingering with tart red fruits and very subtle tannins. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a substantial yet vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 51% Mourvédre, 39% Grenache, and 10% Counoise. This is a meaty Rosé with guts and charm to spare. $30 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rosé Paso Robles 2018
Brilliant, light peach color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of nectarine and wet stones with supporting notes of strawberry, mineral, and red grapefruit. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of orange peel, pomegranate, and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with hints of rose petals. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 76% Grenache, 20% Mourvédre, and 4% Counoise. $25 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Wakefield The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley 2013
Brilliant, deep crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, blueberry, and cigar box with supporting notes of black tea, cassis, and slate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of ripe black plum and black currant. The finish is long and lingering with dense and chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich texture. This is a complex and dense Cabernet with decades of cellar potential. $140 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Westwood Legend Red Blend Sonoma Valley 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and baking spices with supporting notes of cassis, smoked meats, and forest floor with hints of cigar box. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, black tea, and vanilla bean. The finish is long and lingering with firm but polished tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a rich and meaty texture. Made with a blend of 55% Cabernet, 24% Grenache, 14% Syrah, and 7% Mourvedre. This Bord-Rhone red blend will best show its nuances if you utilize your decanter. $55 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Smoking Loon Steelbird Rosé California 2018
Brilliant, medium pink color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of strawberry and peach with supporting notes of raspberry and pomegranate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of watermelon and pomegranate. The finish is semi-tart with bright berry and melon accents. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 60% Barbera, 27% Syrah, and 13% Grenache. A super value! $7.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Wakefield The Pioneer Shiraz Clare Valley 2014
Brilliant, crimson/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cassis, plum, and baking spices with supporting notes of saddle leather and rich black tea. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, dark chocolate, and fruitcake. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. $140 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Terra Vina Mourvedre Columbia Valley NV
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, slate, and plum with supporting notes of pomegranate, cedar, and black tea. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and accents of black pepper. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with an opulent texture. Made with a blend of two vintages with fruit from two states. A big and powerful wine that is also surprisingly nimble. $36 – 4 Stars – 92 points
