Gundlach Bundschu Mountain Cuvée Sonoma County 2013
Deep, ruby red color. The nose is filled with the scents of blackberry, raspberry, and plum with accents of cherry, black tea, vanilla bean, and soft oak notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich fruit-driven core with waves of brown baking spices, sweet oak, cocoa nibs, and vanilla with silky tannins. Medium-bodied with a lush fruit core and bright acidity that gives it shape. $20 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tongue Dancer Wines Putnam Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby red with hints of purple. The nose is filled with the scents of ripe red and black berries with supporting notes of earth, mineral, dried herbs, forest floor, nutmeg, and hints of leather that emerge after extended aeration. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush but very vibrant fruit-driven core with generous accents of earth, spice, and oak finish that lingers on for minutes. Medium to full-bodied with ideal proportions and balance thanks to a bright dose of fresh acidity. The wine's texture is equal to the pleasing flavors as it feels weighty without ever being heavy. Made with 100% Pinot Noir. $65 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Frank Family Vineyards Chardonnay Carneros 2014
Brilliant pale, golden straw color. The nose is filled with the scents of spring flowers, white peach, and ripe tropical fruits with bold accents of vanilla and lychee with hints of blanched almonds and soft washed rind cheese. The palate echoes the nose with a stone fruit core flanked by vanilla soaked oak with citrus notes rising on the finish. Medium to full-bodied with a rich, semi-chewy core and bright acidity at the edges. $35 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Scott Dijon Clone Chardonnay Arroyo Seco/Monterey 2014
Brilliant pale straw color. The nose is filled with scents of orchard fruits with a soft lees note and a delicate waves of hazelnut, and toasted oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush fruit core with accents of lemon curd and roasted nuts. Medium-bodied with silky fruit and barrel notes. $18 – 4 Stars – 90 points
The Federalist Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2014
Bright ruby red color. The nose is wonderfully complex with waves of ripe wild berry fruit, with oak, fresh and dried herbs, bramble and brush with tart cherry notes on the finish. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush berry-driven Zin with generous herbal and spice flanks that linger on to a dry finish. Full-bodied with dense fruit and bright acidity to keep it fresh and balanced. $22 – 3.5 Stars – 86 points
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2013
Deep, dark garnet red color. The nose is absolutely classic with scents of blackberry, currants, plum with accents of toasted oak, earth, mineral, and hints of leather, vanilla bean and dry cocoa nibs. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering another dimension of black fruit with flanking notes of spice, oak, and soft earth tones. Medium to full-bodied with incredible balance being nimble and depth and soft perfectly integrated tannins. $52 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Vina Robles Petite Sirah Paso Robles 2012
Deep, dark ruby red color. The nose is filled with the scents of freshly crushed berries with loads of plum and accents of brown spices and dark chocolate. The palate concurs with the nose delivering a lush and fruity berry-driven core with waves of cocoa and subtle earth notes. Medium to full-bodied with generous fruit and a fresh does of acidity. $24 – 3 Stars – 85 points
Troon Black Label Vermentino Applegate Valley 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, pale straw color. The aromatics are very appealing (you can nose it for hours) offering scents of pear, green apple, and guava with accents of mineral, sandalwood, blanched almonds, and citrus zest. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a fruit forward core with rivaling notes of nuts, subtle oak, and mineral with a dry, crisp finish. Medium-bodied with perfect balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity and generous mineral notes. $29 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Troon Blue Label Sangiovese Rogue Valley 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, crimson color. The nose presents the aromas of Tuscany offering scents of ripe and tart red fruits with supporting notes of black currant, earth, herbs, and subtle brown spice notes. The palate echoes the nose delivering a vibrant fruit core with generous flanking notes of dried herbs, black tea, and subtle earth tones finishing with medium, well-integrated tannins. Medium-bodied with the prefect balance of fruit, earth, spice, and bright acid. $29 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Rutherford Ranch Two Range Red Wine Napa Valley 2014
Deep, dark, ruby red color. The nose is filled with the scents of freshly crushed red and black berries with accents of vanilla, cassis, chocolate, and brown baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a lush and silky fruit-driven core with a generous dose of sweet chocolate and vanilla with raspberry jam rising on the finish. Medium-bodied with sweet, jammy fruit and soft, silky tannins. $25 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
