Deneufbourg le muscat Muscat De Rivesaltes 2012
Brilliant, pale straw cololr. The nose reveals an intensely fruity wine with layers of baked peach, pineapple, apple, and star fruit with hints of candied ginger. The palate echoes the nose delivering a very sweet and fruity core with lingering notes of cotton candy and concentrated pear juice. This is a very sweet wine that's stuffed with fruit but I would love to see a bit more citrus-like acid to add a lift and a vibrant edge. $12 – 3 Stars – 85 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 Campogrande Orvieto Classico 2014
Brilliant, pale straw color. The nose is very fresh and floral with assertive citrus notes and accents of kiwi, pineapple, and green apple. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a crisp and vibrant fruit-driven core with waves of tart citrus juice and zest, ripe kiwi, gooseberry, and fresh lemon on the finish. Medium-bodied with a a very vibrant and semi-tart character. $12 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie IGT 2014
Brilliant, pale straw color. The aromatics are very floral being led by white, spring flowers with supporting notes of peach, apple, and citrus with accents of orange peel and ginger. The palate echoes the nose offering a sprite, tart fruit core with mineral, citrus zest, and fresh grass. Medium-bodied with crisp green apple and citrus notes conspire to make this a very refreshing wine. $12 – 3 Stars – 85 points
Santa Cristina Cipresseto Rosato Toscana IGT 2014
Bright salmon color. The nose is fresh and floral supported by notes of raspberry, cranberry, and mineral, with hints of citrus zest. The palate is in full accord delivering a crisp, fruit-driven core with vibrant red berries being equaled by citrus and hints of herbs. Moderately intense with low alcohol and loads of tart fruits. $14 – 3 Stars – 85 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
Bargetto Pinot Noir Santa Cruz Mountains 2013
Bright ruby red with a translucent center. The nose is complex and deep with scents of ripe and tart black cheery and cranberry supported by generous notes of mineral, plum, toasted oak, allspice, and hints of vanilla. The palate echoes the nose delivering a charming melange of ripe and tart fruit with trailing spice and oak notes that linger on. Perfectly balanced with a vibrant dose of acidity that along with the seductive fruit core keeps you coming back for more. Made with 100% Pinot Noir. $28 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Cornerstone Cellars Corallina Rosé of Syrah Napa Valley 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant pale salmon color. The aromatics are decidedly floral with generous scents of wild strawberries, white peach, red cherry, lavender, heather, and orange zest with accents of mineral in support. The palate echoes the nose delivering a complex and vibrant core of red berries and cherry, fresh herbs, spring flowers, orange, and mineral. Ultra vibrant with crisp acidity while offering generous portions of fruit with perfect balance and great length. $25 – 5 Stars – 97 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
