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
Les Dauphins Reserve Cotes-du-Rhone, Rosé 2013
Brilliant salmon with hints of orange on the edges. The nose is fresh and vibrant with the scents of strawberry, cranberry, and semi-tart raspberry with accents of mineral and thyme. The palate confirms the nose delivering a dry berry-driven core with hints of orange rind and red grapefruit with a soft, trailing minerality Crisp and vibrant with a generous dose of fresh acidity. $12.99 – 3.5 Stars – 88 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
Lucas & Lewellen Rosé of Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant salmon color with hints of ruby. The nose is quite floral with waves of fresh, ripe berries and a hint of mineral and citrus zest. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush, fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry, strawberry, semi-tart red cherry, and plum with accents of mineral, citrus, and cranberry. It's perfectly balanced with a ripe, full center and vibrant acidty. Made with 100% Pinot Noir. $18 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc Napa Valley 2013
Brilliant pale straw color. The nose is amazingly complex with citrus and green melon scents in the lead with accents of fresh cut grass, gooseberry, red grapefruit, star fruit, spring flowers, and fiddlehead fern tips. The palate mirrors the nose with big fruit flavors at the core supported by notes of green herbs, citrus and oak. It is surely a big style of Sauvignon Blanc with a firm oak note that adds weight and length. $20 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Mud House Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014
Very, very pale straw color. The nose offers a complex melange of citrus juice and zest with red grapefruit in the lead supported by notes of green grass, English cucumbers, and star fruit. The palate confirms the nose delivering a lush but sprite fruit-driven core with beautiful waves of semi-tart citrus nd hints of green herbs. This is an ultra refreshing wine with great balance and incredible depth. Made with 100% Sauvignon Blanc. $16.99 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Robert Mondavi Fumé Blanc Reserve Napa Valley 2012
Pale gold color with loads of legs showing its weight. Rich and intense nose with waves of peach and nectarine supported by notes of mineral, bread dough, lemon curd, thyme, and kiwi. The palate echoes the nose with a silky, fruit-driven core with accents of oak, mineral, and a champagne like yeasty backdrop. This is a big and rich Sauvignon Blanc with evident oak influence. $40 – 3 Stars – 86 points
Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc California 2013
Pale straw color. The nose is fresh and vibrant with scents of citrus with supporting tropical fruit notes and hints of green herbs, and fresh-cut green grass. The palate echoes the nose delivering a bright and freshing fruit centered core with accents of mineral, fresh green herbs, and green apple skins. It's a fresh and zesty wine with great balance and a clean finish. $13 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
