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
Bruna Grimaldi Arneis Langhe Bianco 2016
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of lemon, sage, and mineral with supporting notes of blanched almonds and apricot stone. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of quince and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A great aperitif wine that also pairs well with a wide range of dishes. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Vallée des Pins Rosé Coteaux d'Aix en Provence 2017
Brilliant, medium pink color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of hibiscus flower and strawberry with supporting notes of raspberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with accents of guava and orange peel. The finish is crisp and clean. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A prefect aperitif rosé. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Saladini Pilastri Pecorino Offida DOCG 2016
Brilliant, medium green/gold color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of white peach, citrus zest, and pear with supporting notes of mineral and tropical fruit. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus and tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of passion fruit and jasmine. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture. $13 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Corte Medicea Aristeo IGP Toscano 2013
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, black cherry, and slate with supporting notes of black tea, five spice, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits and raspberry. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot $20 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Bodegas Paniza Viñas Viejas Cariñena 2012
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, black cherry, and plum with supporting notes of cocoa, raspberry, and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and blackberry. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. Made in Cariñena, one of the oldest DOs in Spain and Europe, from 100 year-old vines. $15 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Poderi di Carlo Ribolla Gialla IGP Venezia Giulia 2016
Brilliant, light straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest, white peach, and grapefruit with supporting notes of green apple, jasmine, and mineral. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit and citrus-driven core with flavors of quince. The finish is crisp and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Wonderfully complex and pleasing pairing well with a wide range of dishes. $14 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Nervi Bianca Erbaluce di Caluso DOCG 2016
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest, slate, and quince with supporting notes of green apple and grapefruit. The palate echoes the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of lemon curd. The finish is crisp with trailing citrus and mineral notes. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Erbaluce is not a household name but this grape creates multilayered wines with great minerality. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Château Valade Blanc Entre-Deux-Mers 2016
Brilliant, light pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of grapefruit, and grass with supporting notes of citrus zest, and fresh herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of kiwi, mineral. The finish is dry and crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. A lovely aperitif and thirst quenching quaffer. $14 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Ondarre Reserva Rioja 2014
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, red cherry, and plum with supporting notes of boysenberry, baking spices, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry and trailing vanilla accents. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a classic blend of 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, and 5% Mazuelo. $18 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
