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
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
Gran Passione Bianco IGP Veneto 2017
Brilliant, medium pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of honeysuckle, pear, and jasmine with supporting notes of passion fruit, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of lychee. The finish lingers with subtle tropical and citrus accents. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a creamy texture. Made with a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Garganega. Garganega is a local grape utilized in the iconic Soave wines. $13 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
LC Villa Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of raspberry, and strawberryry with supporting notes of lavender, and hibiscus flowers flower. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of freshly crushed red berries. The finish lingers with supple tannins. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. $13 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Francois de la Roche Touraine 2016
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of citrus zest, and grapefruit with supporting notes of gooseberry, mineral, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a citrus-driven core with flavors of white peach. The finish is crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. $15 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Geyser Peak Chardonnay California 2015
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. tropical fruit, and peach with supporting notes of vanilla, oak, and honeysuckle. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of lychee. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a creamy texture. A classic California Chardonnay with a creamy texture and bright tropical flavors – a great value. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Steele Chardonnay California 2016
Brilliant, medium gold/green color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of apple, lychee, and pineapple with supporting notes of mango, citrus zest, and coconut. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of lemon curd, honeysuckle and strong accents of lees. The finish is long and lingering. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Steel invented the modern California Chardonnay style and this wine is true to that style. $22 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Steele Rosé Cabernet Franc Lake County 2017
Brilliant, medium pink color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of rose petals, red cherry, and rhubarb with supporting notes of cranberry and orange peel. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of hibiscus tea and tart red berries. The finish is tart and crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. $17 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon California 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cigar box, red cherry, and plum with supporting notes of vanilla, slate, and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of red currant, leather. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Petite Siréne Sauvignon-Semillon Bordeaux 2016
Brilliant, light green/gold color. green apple, guava, and lime with supporting notes of green tea, and mineral. The palate echoes the nose delivering a green fruit-driven core with flavors of lemon curd. The finish is is crisp. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 60% Sauvignon with 40% Semillon. $19.99 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
