Samson Oro – Hazelnut Washington NV
Brilliant, light pale straw color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of roasted nuts with supporting notes of honey, and slated nut brittle. The palate confirms the nose delivering a toasted nut-driven core with flavors of roasted nuts and nut butter. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. $21 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Samson Framboise Washington NV
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry and strawberry with supporting notes of rose petals, pomegranate, and sweet lavender. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of concentrated crushed berries and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with soft tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a viscous texture. $17 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Samson Blu – Blueberry Port Washington NV
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of concentrated blueberry and raspberry with supporting notes of violet and plum. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of crushed red berries and boysenberry and subtle mineral accents. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. $17 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Sonoma-Cutrer Rosé of Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2018
Brilliant, medium salmon color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of strawberry and red cherry with supporting notes of raspberry, pomegranate, and hibiscus flower. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of peach, orange peel, and cranberry. The finish is dry. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with 100% Pinot Noir. $23 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Boccantino Susumaniello IGP Salento 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of pomegranate, mineral, and lavender. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of ripe red and black fruits. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. A beautiful and charming wine made entirely of Susumaniello. $14 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Loacker Corte Pavone Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2009
Brilliant, deep scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, mineral, and leather with supporting notes of cured meat and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, five spice, and red cherry. The finish is long and lingering with aggressive tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. This Brunello is drinking well now through 2022. $60 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Barbanera Nero di Troia IGP Puglia 2017
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant, cassis, violet, and mineral with supporting notes of cigar box and lavender. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. This lovely southern wine is hedonistically rich with fruit and spice. $15 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Uvario La Loggia Rosso IGP Toscano 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of boysenberry and raspberry with supporting notes of dried herbs, hibiscus flower, and forest floor. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of mineral and black plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon California 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and vanilla with supporting notes of raspberry, five spice, and cassis. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of ripe black fruits, vanilla truffle, and delicate notes of sweet Bourbon. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Among the trio of Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged wines the Cabernet is the one that does show clear evidence of being touched by Bourbon. $17.99 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Beringer Bros. Bourbon Barrel Aged - Red Blend California 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby/crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and boysenberry with supporting notes of roasted nuts, sour cherry, toasted coconut, and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, vanilla, and violet. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and ideally balanced with a voluptuous and complex while juicy texture. This charming and hedonistic red blend is made with a blend of 41% Petite Sirah, 21% Syrah, 18% Petit Verdot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 2% other red grapes. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
