Mercer Sharp Sisters Horse Heaven Hills 2015
Brilliant, deep garnet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of boysenberry, blackberry, and cassis with supporting notes of vanilla and baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black currant. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. $19.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Bogle Essential Red California 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cassis and plum with supporting notes of black cherry, cigar box, cocoa, and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry and brown baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins and silky oak tones. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. $11 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Derby Fifteen 10 Red Paso Robles 2012
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, tapenade, and plum with supporting notes of mocha and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of cassis with accents of smoked game and black licorice. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. $32 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Derby Project Espana Red Paso Robles 2012
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant, plum, and mineral with supporting notes of sour cherry, five spice, and leather. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of blackberry with accents of toasted oak and mocha. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a voluptuous texture. $32 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Derby Implico Paso Robles 2012
Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant, black cherry, and plum with supporting notes of cigar box, thyme, and eucalyptus. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of cassis with supporting notes of anise, oak, and dried figs. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a chewy texture. $34 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Santa Julia Tintillo - Malbec/Bonarda Mendoza 2016
Bright, deep violet/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry, strawberry, and boysenberry with supporting notes of pomegranate and raspberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry and crushed red berries. The finish is long and lingering with silky, supple tannins. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture being pleasingly juicy. $12.99 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Carol Shelton Karma Reserve Sonoma County 2014
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, blueberry, and boysenberry with supporting notes of cranberry, baking spices, and earth. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum. The finish is long and lingering with silky tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a velvety texture. $30 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2014
Brilliant, deep garnet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant, earth, and blackberry with supporting notes of truffle, anise, mineral, and baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum and cured meat with hints of sea salt and cocoa nibs. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich and dense, nearly chewy texture. $55 – 5 Stars – 98 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Adelaida District 2015
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby red color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry with supporting notes of black tea, rose petals, and mineral with hints of wild mint and honey. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of cassis and forest floor. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and hints of pepper. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent and juicy texture. $25 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Troon MT Reserve Southern Oregon 2014
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekDeep, dark, ruby red color. The nose is very complex and compelling with ripe, red cherry in the lead with hints of boysenberry and cassis with silky accents of allspice. The palate is in full accord with the nose delivering a dense, red fruit-centric core with waves of spice, rich red jams, vanilla, and subtle brown spice notes. Full-bodied with dense fruit and perfect balance and harmony with a bright dose of acidity and soft, round, supple tannins. $50 – 5 Stars – 97 points
