Dom. Brial Chateau Les Pins Muscat De Rivesaltes 2012
Brilliant straw color with hints of gold. The nose is wonderfully intense and complex with layers of ripe peach, apricot, orange zest, lemon, and mint with accents of honey, and white flowers. The palate is equal to the nose delivering waves of ripe orchard fruits with supporting tropical fruits, fresh herbs, and bright citrus elements. It's beautifully layered with complex fruit notes and a perfect dose of citrus juice to keep it fresh and compelling. $18 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Chateau de Jau Muscat De Rivesaltes 2010
Brilliant, deep golden color. The nose is simply beautiful with bright notes of honey, apricot, lush and sweet tropical fruits with loads of wild flowers accents of mineral and mango. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a rich and silky fruit core with enough acid to keep it clean with notes of fresh herbs emerging on the finish. Beautifully intense with a rich, chewy center and a crisp line of acidity that runs from head to toe. $19 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Biltmore Blanc de Blanc Brut California NV
Brilliant, pale straw color with a persistent stream of fine bubbles. The nose is fresh with scents of green apple, Asian pears, lemon zest,and toasted almonds with accents of rising bread dough, and mineral. The palate echoes the nose striking the perfect balance of richness and vibrancy ideally marrying ripe orchard fruits with bread-like flavors supported by bright citrus notes. Perfectly balanced with a vibrant dose of acidity and a persistent effervescence. Made with 100% Sparkling Blend. $24.99 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Santa Cristina Rosso Toscana IGT 2013
Deep ruby to garnet red color. The aromatics are surely fruit-driven with ripe, red cherry scents in the lead supported by raspberry, mineral, dried blueberry, and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush, fruit-driven core with flanking notes of herbs, cocoa nibs, brown baking spices, and a hints of oak. Ideally balanced with sensible alcohol levels and waves of fruit make this supple and complex sipper. $12 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Bargetto Pinot Grigio Monterey County 2014
Brilliant pale to golden straw color. The aromaticas are wonderfully floral with scents of bright green melon, Granny Smith apple, pear, and kiwi. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich and vibrant fruit-driven core with a pleasingly fruity character (not sweet) that features tasty tart apple and citrus notes. This is a beautiful expression of the varietal offering bold, fruity flavors with perfect balance via a bright dose of fresh acidity. $16 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Les Dauphins Reserve, Rouge Cotes-du-Rhone 2013
Deep, crimson red with hints of ruby. The nose classically represents the region offering waves of ripe and dried tart berries with accents of earth, wild flowers, brown baking spices, and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a juicy core of ripe black fruits with flanking notes of herbs, earth, and spice. Medium-bodied with ideal balance along with a vibrant dose of acidity and soft tannins. $12.99 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Les Dauphins Reserve, Blanc Cotes-du-Rhone 2013
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is fresh and floral with scents of red grapefruit, white peach, and apricot with hints of mineral and citrus zest. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a vibrant, fruit-driven core with flanking notes of mineral and crisp lemon zest. Medium-bodied and vibrant with a generous dose of crisp acidity. Made with a classic blend of 65% Grenache Blanc, 15% Marsanne, 10% Clairette, and 10% Viognier. $12.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Lucas & Lewellen Cabernet Sauvignon Santa Ynez Valley 2012
Deep, brilliant ruby red color. The nose reveals a dense Cabernet with waves of ripe blackberry, raspberry and black cherry with hints of cassis, vanilla, and toasted oak. The palate echoes the nose offering a rich and dense fruit core with accents of mineral, earth, brown baking spices, and oak. Wonderfully rich and full while being dry and ideally balanced with vibrant acidity and moderate tannins. $30 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Lucas & Lewellen Viognier Santa Barbara County 2013
Brilliant straw color. Wonderfully fragrant and floral with scents of honeysuckle, ginger, spring flowers, lychee, and apricot with hints of lime zest, and grapefruit. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a slight sweeter and richer than expected with silky honey and orchard fruit notes flanked by citrus. Full-bodied with waves of ripe fruit while being ideally balanced with crisp acidity. Made with 100% Viognier. $22 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Lucas & Lewellen Malbec Santa Barbara County 2012
Deep, bright ruby with hints of garnet. Scents of ripe and dried black fruits and cassis with loads of mineral and earth in support. The palate is in full agreement with the aromatics with a rich and semi-tart black fruit driven core with flanking notes of black pepper, mineral, and toasted oak. Dense and rich with perfect balance offering a fresh dose of acidity and soft but framing tannins. Made with 100% Malbec. $28 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
