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
Gran Passione Spumante Prosecco DOC NV
Brilliant, light gold/green color with a medium bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of peach and spring flowers with supporting notes of green apple. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of pear and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A fresh and friendly happy hour sipper. $13 – 3.5 Stars – 88 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
Aimery Rosé Cremant de Limoux NV
Brilliant, medium crimson color with a fine bead of bubbles. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of red cherry and strawberry with supporting notes of peach and blanched almonds. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry. The finish lingers with subtle toast accents. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. This is a fresh and pleasing Cremant ideal for happy hour. $20 – 3.5 Stars – 88 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
Sansilvestro Patres Barolo DOCG 2013
Brilliant, medium scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of plum, leather, and red currant with supporting notes of black cherry, five spice, dried orange peel, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry and earth. The finish lingers with soft tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a dry but supple texture. This Barolo is not going to be a great aging wine but decant it today and enjoy. $35 – 3.5 Stars – 89 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 Gold Dust Red California 2016
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and raspberry with supporting notes of hibiscus flower, pomegranate, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. Made with a blend of 82% Petite Verdot, and 18% Teroldego (a grape native to northeast Italy). $19 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
