Conde Valdemar Reserva Rioja 2015
Brilliant, deep garnet/cherry color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of dried fruits, black tea, and cigar box with supporting notes of cassis, baking spices, dark cocoa, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, elderberry, toffee, truffle, and hints of tamarind. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. $29.99 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Aphrodise Rosé Xinomavro Greece NV
Brilliant, medium ruby color with a steady bead of small bubbles. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry, raspberry, and kumquat with supporting notes of red plum, allspice, and hibiscus flower. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of ripe, wild strawberry, mulberry, and quince paste. The finish is long and lingering with sweet/sour red berries. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $39.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Dry Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc Clarksburg 2022
Brilliant, light golden/straw color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of honeysuckle, lychee, and citrus zest with supporting notes of chamomile and orange peel. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of green melon, white peach, kumquat, and ripe but tart pineapple accents. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $17 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Dry Creek Valley 2023
Brilliant, light straw color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red grapefruit, honeysuckle, and guava with supporting notes of green tea, pineapple, citrus zest, and fresh herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a ripe orchard and tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of green melon, white peach, mineral, and kumquat. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $25 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Contacto Alvarinho Vinho Verde 2023
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, medium gold/green color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of green melon, citrus zest, and fresh herbs with supporting notes of mineral, nectarine, and lemongrass. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of guava, bees wax, and sea salt. The finish is crisp with tart green fruits. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $19.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Ostatu Rosado Rioja 2023
Brilliant, medium salmon color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of raspberry and cranberry with supporting notes of spring flowers, orange peel, and slate. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, strawberry, sour red cherry, and citrus zest. The finish is long and ultimately crisp. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 70% Tempranillo, 27% Garnacha, and 3% Viura. $21 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Quinta do Vesuvio Red Douro 2021
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of rose petals, forest floor, and boysenberry with supporting notes of thyme, cigar box, blackberry, and five spice. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, dark chocolate, black tea, and violet. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. $100 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Quinta do Vesuvio Pombal do Vesuvio Red Douro 2021
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of dried herbs, oak, and lavender with supporting notes of forest floor, dried fruits, and anise. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black plum, fig, and pomegranate. The finish is long and lingering with dry tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a chewy texture. $32 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Quinta do Vesuvio Comboio do Vesuvio Red Douro 2020
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of red cherry, violet, and dried herbs with supporting notes of black tea and red currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black plum, elderberry, baking spices, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. $25 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Bodegas Olivares Hoya de Santa Ana Rosado Garnacha Jumilla 2023
Brilliant, pale salmon color. The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of strawberry and kumquat with supporting notes of mineral and apricot stone. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, raspberry, and orange peel. The finish is long. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture. $13 – 4 Stars – 90 points
