Avignonesi Cantaloro IGT Toscano 2017
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and forest floor with supporting notes of cocoa, boysenberry, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red currant, red plum, and mineral and hints of wild mint. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. Made with a blend of 57% Sangiovese, 31% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. $11.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Casa de Vila Nova Red Douro 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, plum, and mineral with supporting notes of dried violet and hibiscus flower. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry jam, red currant, and hints of rhubarb. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of 40% Touriga Nacional, 40% Tinta Roriz, and 40% Touriga Franca. $11.99 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Casa Relvas Art. Terra Amphora Alentejano 2020
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red currant and blackberry with supporting notes of forest floor, eucalyptus, black tea, and cedar. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black cherry, cassis, and earth. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 50% Aragonez, 40% Trincadeira, and 10% Moreto. $22.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Pascual Toso Magdalena Maipu-Mendoza 2018
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of plum, blackberry, and graphite with supporting notes of forest floor, black tea, and dried herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, black plum, pomegranate, and hibiscus flower. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of 67% Malbec and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon. $129.99 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Adelaida District 2019
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red plum and wild berries with supporting notes of licorice, slate, and blueberry. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red cherry, mineral, hibiscus flower, and cocoa. The finish is long and lingering with firm but ripe tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple yet vibrant texture. $35 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2019
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and balsamic with supporting notes of graphite, hibiscus flower, and five spice. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, forest floor, and black tea. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. Made with a blend of 37% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 23% Mourvédre, and 5% Counoise. $25 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Domaine Laougué Les Passionnes Madiran 2018
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and graphite with supporting notes of blackberry, earth, black tea, five spice, and hints of smoke. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of bramble fruit, balsamic, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Foppiano Vineyards 1896 Red Blend California 2018
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black fruits and five spice with supporting notes of black currant, rose petals, pomegranate, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry, cassis, mineral, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with an opulent texture. $12.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Cuvée Nokat Bordeaux 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of blackberry and earth with supporting notes of black tea, plum, and forest floor. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of red cherry, black currant, and graphite. The finish is long and lingering with dry tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. Made with a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet. $12.99 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
10,000 Hours Red Blend Red Mountain 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, anise, and vanilla with supporting notes of boysenberry and dried herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, baking spices, oak, and black tea astringency. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $35 – 3.5 Stars – 85 points
