50 Harvests Meritage Red Napa Valley 2015
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red and black cherry and five spice with supporting notes of boysenberry, cassis, slate, and red currant. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, dried herbs, raspberry, and mineral. The finish is long and lingering with supple yet dry tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 76%, Cabernet Franc 12%, and Merlot 12%. $60 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Tablas Creek Esprit de Tablas Adelaida District 2017
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry, black tea, and earth with supporting notes of smoked meat, mocha, violet, blackcurrant, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of plum, black cherry, and sweet balsamic. The finish is long and lingering with chewy and ripe tannins with crushed black fruits and mineral. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture. Made with a blend of 40% Mourvedre, 35% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 5% Counoise. $60 – 5 Stars – 97 points
Ruffino Modus IGT Toscano 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and red cherry with supporting notes of plum, earth, dried herbs, and rosemary. The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of freshly crushed berries, dark cocoa, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with ripe and chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich, meaty texture. Made with a blend of 39% Sangiovese, 35% Merlot, and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a harmonious blend of the three varietals but it certainly has the soul of Tuscan Sangiovese. $25.99 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Chateau Lassègue, Lassègue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2011
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and forest floor with supporting notes of five spice, black currant, black tea, and plum. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, leather, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a rich texture with dried fruits and mineral rising on the finish. Made with a blend of 62% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon. A young and beautiful wine from a difficult vintage. $65 – 4 Stars – 92 points
Provenance Vineyards DeadEye Red Blend Napa Valley 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, dark crimson color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of cassis and black cherry with supporting notes of blackberry, five spice, black tea, and vanilla bean accented oak. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, plum, rich cocoa, and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. Made with a blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12 % Petite Sirah, 5% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec. $50 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Adelaida District 2017
Brilliant, medium scarlet color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of red cherry and rose petals with supporting notes of black pepper, wild berries, raspberry, and cigar box. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of blackberry, slate, and lavender. The finish is long and lingering with ripe tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a juicy texture. Made with a blend of 53% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 12% Mourvédre, and 10% Counoise. $35 – 4 Stars – 93 points
Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Paso Robles 2017
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and black tea with supporting notes of five spice, forest floor, mineral, and dried herbs. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black currant, plum, and star anise. 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 48% Syrah, 32% Grenache, 16% Mourvédre, and 4% Counoise. $25 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Westwood Legend Red Blend Sonoma Valley 2016
Brilliant, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and baking spices with supporting notes of cassis, smoked meats, and forest floor with hints of cigar box. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, black tea, and vanilla bean. The finish is long and lingering with firm but polished tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a rich and meaty texture. Made with a blend of 55% Cabernet, 24% Grenache, 14% Syrah, and 7% Mourvedre. This Bord-Rhone red blend will best show its nuances if you utilize your decanter. $55 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Bogle Essential Red California 2016
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of blackberry and plum with supporting notes of cassis, raspberry, and star anise. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black fruits, dried herbs, and five spice. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and sweet oak accents. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a opulent texture. Made with a blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petite Sirah. $11 – 4 Stars – 91 points
Bogle phantom Red Blend California 2015
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant and blackberry with supporting notes of black plum, black tea, and cigar box. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, baking spices, and sweet/tart pomegranate. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins and vibrant mineral accents. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a supple texture. Made with a blend of 44% Petite Sirah, 44% Zinfandel, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. $19 – 4 Stars – 90 points
