Earl Stevens Selections Function Red Blend California NV
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry jam and plum with supporting notes of vanilla bean and oak. The palate confirms the nose delivering a sweet, black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, five spice, and vanilla cream. The finish is long and lingering with soft, silky tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a creamy texture. $15 – 3.5 Stars – 87 points
Domaine de Fabrègues Le Coeur Languedoc 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black cherry and cocoa with supporting notes of black pepper, plum, and violet. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, five spice, oak, and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with an opulent texture. Made with a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Carignan. $17.99 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Tenuta di Ceppaiano Violetta IGT Toscano 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and five spice with supporting notes of black tea, earth, and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, forest floor, oak, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. $25 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2018
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and tapenade with supporting notes of balsamic, forest floor, and eucalyptus. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, cured meat, black tea, smoke, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with ripe, chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. $25 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Anarchist Conspiracy Theory Red Blend North Coast 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red currant and rose petals with supporting notes of baking spices, cassis, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of red plum, black tea, and hibiscus flower. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple and juicy texture. Made with a very unique bland of 40% Petite Sirah, 25% Syrah, 14% Malbec, 11% Sangiovese, and 10% Zinfandel. $38 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Adelaida District 2018
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are quite intense and complex offering scents of black currant, mineral, and black tea with supporting notes of fig and cocoa. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry, red plum, cassis, and fresh herbs. The finish is long and lingering with chalky tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture. Made with a blend of 45% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 12% Counoise, and 10% Mourvédre. $35 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Pago Casa Gran Casa Benasal Elegant Valencia 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, dried herbs, and earth with supporting notes of black tea and blackberry. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum and baking spices. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and nicely balanced with a meaty texture. $15.99 – 3.5 Stars – 89 points
Troon Vineyard Cuvée Pyrénées Applegate Valley 2017
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of raspberry, blackberry, lavender, thyme flowers, and hibiscus flower with supporting notes of blueberry concentrate and five spice. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of plum, black cherry, and hints of rosemary. The finish is long and lingering with chewy, black tea tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent yet vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 53% Tannat and 47% Malbec. $65 – 4.5 Stars – 96 points
Villa Spinosa Amarone della Valpolicella 2008
Brilliant, deep crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum and black currant with supporting notes of black tea, mocha, cigar box, and vanilla. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits and truffle. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. This Amarone was in perfect condition and it is still very youthful — it will drink well for another decade plus. $85 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Troon Vineyard Côtes Du Kubli Rouge Applegate Valley 2018
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewBrilliant purple/ruby color with a mild turbidity signaling a wine that is not heavily filtered. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of black currant and earth with supporting notes of black cherry, leather, baking spices, and lavender. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, pomegranate, and forest floor. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins with subtle oak accents. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple yet vibrant texture. Made with a blend of 72% Syrah and 25% Grenache. $45 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
