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Current Selection
New Release Wine
Reviews for 2018

May 2018 - New Release Wine

May 2018 - New Release Wine
This month's Wine feature is New Release Wines

New Release Wine Reviews

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Bells & Whistles 2014 Limestone Coast
96 points
$35
Bells & Whistles
2014 Limestone Coast
Ruby black color. Spicy aromas and flavors of menthol-mint, cassia, black raspberry, gooseberry, aniseed, peppercorns, and eucalyptus with a slightly chewy, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, subtle, very long orris root, fresh thyme, limestone, and sea salt finish with firm tannins and moderate oak. A knock-out herbal red that highlights the Limestone Coast’s impressive terroir.
96 points $35
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Date Tasted:
Florida Orange Groves Winery NV Cranberry Key
94 points
$20.98
Florida Orange Groves Winery
NV Cranberry Key
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cranberry sauce and juice with an racy, off-dry medium body and a refreshing, long finish. A remarkably pure and vibrant cranberry wine that will be great on it’s own or in cocktails.
94 points $20.98
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Date Tasted:
Italics 2014 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$95
Italics
2014 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon
Violet color. Rubbery, jammy, woody aromas and flavors of clove honey, strawberry preserves, black rubber, leather jacket and oak staves with a silky, crisp, dry full body and a polished, stimulating, medium-length raspberry jam, wood chips, hot chocolate mix, cremini mushroom, forest floor and birch bark finish with woody, barky tannins and light oak. A true Napa Cabernet that will stand the test of time; decant.
94 points $95
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Date Tasted:
Yarden 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
$32.99
Yarden
2014 Cabernet Sauvignon
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of roasted nuts and berries, suede and wood, and baking chocolate with a soft, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a complex, long berry tart, banana creme brulee, and delicate spiced nuts finish with fine tannins and moderate oak. An elegant and stylish cabernet that has a lot to offer now and even more with patience.
93 points $32.99
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Date Tasted:
Volatus 2015 Adelaida District Pinot Noir
93 points
$34
Volatus
2015 Adelaida District Pinot Noir
Dusty brown brick red color. Aromas and flavors of marinated cherries, grilled beets, buttery caramelized nuts, and vanilla pod with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, distinctive, long spiced nuts and creme brulee finish with well-integrated, chewy tannins and moderate oak. A wonderfully savory and satisfying pinot noir with a great balance of fruit and oak.
93 points $34
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Date Tasted:
Nativ 2015 Blu Onice Irpinia Aglianico DOC
93 points
$65
Nativ
2015 Blu Onice Irpinia Aglianico DOC
Clear black violet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of ripe banana with brown sugar, cassis liqueur, chocolate butterscotch chews with shaved coconut, creme de violet, and pomegranate with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity full body and a warming, compelling, long cantaloupe, fruit cake, vanilla-scented tobacco, and chocolate genache with pistachio paste finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak. A giant Aglianico with an Italian-American sensibility; try pairing with dessert!
93 points $65
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Date Tasted:
La Playa 2016 Estate Series Red Blend, Certified Sustainable Colchagua Valley
92 points
$8
Best Buy
La Playa
2016 Estate Series Red Blend, Certified Sustainable Colchagua Valley
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of crispy bacon, smoked nuts, dried berries, and gherkin with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a polished, elegant, long pencil shavings, berry tart, marinated beets and sweet potatoes, and minerals finish with fine tannins and light oak. A superbly balanced,savory, and sophisticated Chilean red for all occasions.
92 points $8 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Bootleg Hill Honey Meads 2017 Bad Ass Mead with Coffee
92 points
$15.99
Best Buy
Bootleg Hill Honey Meads
2017 Bad Ass Mead with Coffee
Minutely hazy gold color. Roasted, interesting aromas and flavors of artisanal coffee, baking chocolate, honey roasted nuts, and hint of sweet gherkin with a supple, bright, off-dry medium body and a tingling, appealing, medium-long spiced baked apple, spiced nuts and yams, pumpkin spiced latte, and hint of chili powder finish. A rich and nicely balanced coffee-flavored mead with with complex flavors and a long finish.
92 points $15.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Florida Orange Groves Winery NV Key Lime Wine
92 points
$21.98
Florida Orange Groves Winery
NV Key Lime Wine
Emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of lime vinaigrette, almond cookie, and lime and coconut blossoms with an tangy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a compelling, long lime spritzed apple and melon and key lime pie finish with no oak. A delicious and pure lime wine that tastes like a fine drinking vinegar.
92 points $21.98
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Date Tasted:
Yarden 2016 Chardonnay
92 points
$22.99
Yarden
2016 Chardonnay
Light gold color. Creamy aromas and flavors of toasted marshmallow, toasty banana Danish with caramel, egg nog with nutmeg, and vanilla extract with a satiny, bright, fruity medium body and a smooth, charming, medium-length apple and pear compote, cookie edges, and creme brulee finish with coating tannins and moderate oak. A toasty, creamy Chardonnay that will delight fans of the style.
92 points $22.99
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Date Tasted:
Haustor 2016 Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
92 points
$35
Haustor
2016 Valpolicella Ripasso DOC
Dark ruby garnet color. Spicy, inviting aromas of amarena cherry preserves, coriander seeds, oolong tea, musk, chocolate covered peanuts, and bergamot with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium body and a smooth, charming, medium-length ripe plums, peppercorn sauce, dried rose petals, and dill cornichons finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and moderate oak. An alluring old-school styled Valpolicella fit for excellent meals.
92 points $35
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Date Tasted:
Nativ 2017 Greco di Tufo DOCG
92 points
$35
Nativ
2017 Greco di Tufo DOCG
Clear silvery emerald straw color. Sweet, floral aromas of elderflower, mixed melon salad, whole apricot, and fresh parsley with a round, crisp, dryish full body and a graceful, delightful, medium-length wet stones, dried grasses, orange zest, and flint finish with no oak. A crisp and true-to-form Greco di Tufo with gobs a minerality; a perfect match for branzino.
92 points $35
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Date Tasted:
Bryter Estates 2013 Maritus Napa Valley
92 points
$80
Bryter Estates
2013 Maritus Napa Valley
Deep purple color. Floral, fruity aromas of dark chocolate powder, stewed black cherries, blackberry preserve, violets, violet sugar, and lilacs with a velvety, crisp, dry medium-full body and a tingling, appealing, medium-long blackberry tart, graham cracker, wilted violet, tree bark, cedar box, and licorice finish with dusty, woody tannins and light oak. A robust yet elegant Bordeaux blend for a special occasion, lay it down for awhile if you can resist.
92 points $80
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Date Tasted:
Avondale 2007 La Luna Red Blend Estate Paarl
91 points
$45
Avondale
2007 La Luna Red Blend Estate Paarl
Garnet black color. Smoky, complex aromas of smoked plum, grilled meats, sundried heirloom tomatoes, and roasted beets with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, medium-length caramelized shitake mushrooms, mesquite, brandy soaked cherries, toasted almonds, and cocoa nibs finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. A smoky, terroir-driven Bordeaux Varietal Blend to show off to your guests at your next barbecue.
91 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Bryter Estates 2013 Amoroso California
91 points
$45
Bryter Estates
2013 Amoroso California
Violet color. Oaky, herbal aromas and flavors of shaved coconut, dark chocolate, dark cherry skins, dill and vanilla bean with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long chocolate covered raspberries, Swiss mix, cedar, cigar box, and wet tobacco finish with fruit, chewy, woody tannins and moderate oak. A superlative Rioja-style wine from California, pair it with a savory roast entree and save a little for a chocolate-forward dessert
91 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Haustor 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
91 points
$55
Haustor
2015 Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
Dark brick red color. Aromas of cumin, chocolate covered raisins, diced cherries, alpine herbs, medjool dates, and dry earth with a satiny, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length lingonberry jam on toast, black licorice, green almond, and slate finish with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak. A delicate Amarone to pair with carpaccio or tartare.
91 points $55
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Date Tasted:
Red Thread 2015 Howell Mountain
91 points
$65
Red Thread
2015 Howell Mountain
Black violet color. Toasty aromas of charred vanilla bean, waxy chocolate, blistered blackberries, toasted croissant, incense, and bear claw pastry with a chewy, crisp, fruity full body and a warming, layered, medium-long pickled cassis with tarragon, polished wood, basil, and smoky pipe tobacco finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak. A lively, fruity zinfandel led blend from Howell Mountain that sips well and will play nicely at the table or in the cellar.
91 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Italics 2013 Sixteen Appellations Red Blend Napa Valley
91 points
$75
Italics
2013 Sixteen Appellations Red Blend Napa Valley
Black garnet color. Inviting aromas of blueberry compote, cedar, pine, and blistered berries on grilled brioche with hazelnut toffee with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity full body and a warming, compelling, medium-long polished cedar, dried mint, ink, and pomegranate molasses finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak. A smooth, mysterious and sensuous Napa red that is a pleasure to drink.
91 points $75
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Date Tasted:
Margaret 2017 Pinotage
90 points
$8.99
Best Buy
Margaret
2017 Pinotage
Indigo color. Fruity, roasted aromas and flavors of dark chocolate, dark roasted nuts, and warm crusty blackberry pie with a supple, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length blueberry pie a la mode, praline, spiced cherries, and lava stone finish with chewy, well-integrated tannins and light oak. A rock solid Pinotage with bright fruit, delicate smoke, and a nice sense of place.
90 points $8.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Santa Isle 2016 Reserve Carmenere
90 points
$9.99
Santa Isle
2016 Reserve Carmenere
Dark dusty garnet color. Earthy aromas of stable floor, wild berries, dried figs and dates, eucalyptus, patchouli, and charred pastry with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a smooth, compelling, medium-length juicy mulberries, cola, rose water, licorice, pepper, and vanilla bean finish with medium, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak. A balanced and satisfying everyday red that will be well-received at the table.
90 points $9.99
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Date Tasted:
Bootleg Hill Honey Meads 2017 321 Dry Traditional Mead
90 points
$13.99
Best Buy
Bootleg Hill Honey Meads
2017 321 Dry Traditional Mead
Bright straw green color. Green, earthy aromas and flavors of pickled fruit, flower vase, green nettles and stems, and chocolate carrot muffin with a silky, crisp, fruity sweet light-to-medium body and a tingling, intricate, long caramelized apples and pears, herb roasted almonds, spicy rum cake, and peppercorns finish. A complex, earthy mead with interesting range of vibrant flavors; will be a great cocktail ingredient as a substitute for white vermouth.
90 points $13.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Florida Orange Groves Winery NV Blueberry Blue
90 points
$22.98
Florida Orange Groves Winery
NV Blueberry Blue
Light garnet color. Aromas and flavors of blueberry cobbler, berry jam on toast, and bit of perfume with an vibrant, off-dry light-to-medium body and a delightful, long honeyed berries and sour cherries and praline finish with no oak. A tasty, nicely balanced blueberry wine that wine be great with desserts.
90 points $22.98
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Date Tasted:
Sassaroli 2015 Chianti Riserva DOCG
90 points
$30
Sassaroli
2015 Chianti Riserva DOCG
Clear garnet color. Savory aromas and flavors of ripe tomato, fresh basil, cherry, sliced pickled beets, and dill with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long dark chocolate with sea salt, wet potting soil, and menthol finish with medium tannins and no oak. An appealingly savory Chianti Riserva with a distinctly old-world personality for unique pairings.
90 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Yarden 2016 Katzrin Chardonnay
90 points
$36.99
Yarden
2016 Katzrin Chardonnay
Golden yellow color. Aromas of grilled peaches, fresh croissant, butter poached pear, and toasted nuts with a satiny, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, medium-length grilled pineapple and butterscotch pudding finish with heavy oak. A Napa Style, oak-focused Chardonnay from Galilee with a pleasing dryness.
90 points $36.99
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Date Tasted:
Nativ 2012 Rue 333 Aglianico
90 points
$65
Nativ
2012 Rue 333 Aglianico
Black ruby color. Aromas of latex, sandalwood, chocolate chunks, marinated strawberries, geranium, and cola with a chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, nuanced, long vanilla and cigar box finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak. New-world wine drinkers will love this enormous, distinctive chocolate-covered strawberry of a wine with delightful floral nuance.
90 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Galil Mountain 2016 Merlot
89 points
$17.99
Galil Mountain
2016 Merlot
Dark ruby black color. Elegant aromas and flavors of pickled berries and fruits, baking chocolate, butter roasted nuts, and leather-bound wood chair with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, medium-long cedar graphite pencil, baked plums and beets, slate, and pepper finish. A dry savory merlot with an Old World flair that will shine at the table.
89 points $17.99
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Date Tasted:
Proverbial 2014 Malbec
89 points
$17.99
Proverbial
2014 Malbec
Dusty dark violet color. Smoky aromas of scorched earth, sun dried tomato, grilled berries, and nutmeg cream with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, amusing, medium-length root beer and blueberry skin finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak. A dry and smoky malbec with lots of interesting pairing potential.
89 points $17.99
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Date Tasted:
Florida Orange Groves Winery NV Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria
89 points
$21.98
Florida Orange Groves Winery
NV Hurricane Class 5 White Sangria
Pale silvery straw color. Floral aromas and flavors of pear blossom, honeydew, lime blossom, sweet aloe drink, asian pear, delicate almond sponge cake, and creme de violet with a satiny, crisp, sweet light-to-medium body and a smooth, captivating, medium-length finish. A floral and alluring fruit wine with elegant pairing possibilities.
89 points $21.98
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Date Tasted:
Avondale 2015 Amina Estate Chenin Blanc
89 points
$27
Avondale
2015 Amina Estate Chenin Blanc
Golden straw color. Tropical aromas and flavors of golden apples, ripe kiwi, papaya pastry, bruleed lemon, and coconut-almond with a silky, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length candied macadamia, white flowers, and ground ginger finish with light oak. A tropical and toasty Chenin Blanc with cheery spice.
89 points $27
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Date Tasted:
La Playa 2017 Estate Series Dry Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$8
Best Buy
La Playa
2017 Estate Series Dry Rosé Cabernet Sauvignon
Pink color. Peppery aromas of diced jalapeño, pink peppercorn, marinated strawberries, and spice box with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, crisp grilled watermelon finish. A very table-friendly rose with savory nuances.
88 points $8 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
PKNT 2016 Reserve Carmenere
88 points
$9.99
Best Buy
PKNT
2016 Reserve Carmenere
Brilliant ruby black color. Smoky, earthy aromas of charred berries, fertile earth, smoked coriander, and toffee with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, medium-length toasted nuts and raspberry pastry finish with medium tannins and moderate oak. An earthy, smoky Carmenere that doesn’t skimp on fruit.
88 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Don Rodolfo 2017 DR Art of the Andes Pinot Noir
88 points
$12
Best Buy
Don Rodolfo
2017 DR Art of the Andes Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby color. Roasted aromas and flavors of roasted cherries and nuts, toffee, hint of charcoal, and leaves with a supple, bright, dryish medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-length craisins and blood oranges, marinated beets, and delicate spiced nuts finish with soft tannins and light oak. A very tasty and savory pinot noir that will be versatile.
88 points $12 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
William Heritage NV Jersey Strong Dry Red Blend American
88 points
$14.99
Best Buy
William Heritage
NV Jersey Strong Dry Red Blend American
Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of cashew toffee bar, cranberry scone with chocolate chunks, dried fig, and crystallized flower petals with a round, lively, fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, breezy grilled orange peel and smoky cedar plank finish with light oak. An old-world style, refreshing red for the table.
88 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
1758 2015 Chianti Riserva DOCG
88 points
$30
1758
2015 Chianti Riserva DOCG
Clear dark ruby color. Earthy aromas and flavors of shredded beet and rhubarb salad, dill, charcoal, tomate de arbol, star anise, and mixed peppercorns with a satiny, vibrant, dry medium body and a tingling, medium-long marinara and toast finish with crunchy tannins and moderate oak. A savory, earthy Chianti with shining acidity to stand up to robust, hearty meals.
88 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Svetoni 2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
88 points
$45
Svetoni
2015 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG
Dark burnt sienna color. Aromas of spicy cherry chutney, pickled mustard seed, dried blackberries, and fallen flower petals with a satiny, lively, dryish medium body and a warming, medium-length watermelon, spiced beets, pomegranate molasses, dried leaves, and pumpkin seeds finish with leafy tannins and light oak. A savory Vino Nobile di Montepulciano with a wide range of pairing possibilities
88 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Trestoria 2017 Rosé California
87 points
$6.99
Best Buy
Trestoria
2017 Rosé California
Pale pink coral color. Aromas and flavors of berries drizzled in balsamic, nougat, pink pepper on melon rind, and dried herbs with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a medium-length white strawberry, tangerine spritzed melon, and almond skin finish with fine, fruit tannins and no oak. A nice snappy rose that will be very versatile and crowd pleasing.
87 points $6.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Margaret 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$8.99
Best Buy
Margaret
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of smoked ham, chocolate nuts, baked berries, and graphite with an crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an engaging, medium-long honeyed spiced cranberries, smoked wood and peppercorns, and pencil finish with light oak. A nice delicately smoky and fruity cabernet.
87 points $8.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Margaret 2016 Merlot
87 points
$8.99
Best Buy
Margaret
2016 Merlot
Brick red color. Smoky aromas and flavors of smoked pork, grilled fruits, and hint of tar with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, interesting, medium-long dried berries and figs and caramelized and smoked nuts finish with soft, chewy tannins and no oak. A fun, smoky, fruity, and savory red that will be great with ’cue.
87 points $8.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Don Rodolfo 2017 DR Art of the Andes Malbec
87 points
$12
Best Buy
Don Rodolfo
2017 DR Art of the Andes Malbec
Garnet color. Smoky, savory aromas and flavors of olives and okra tapenade, dark roasted nuts, charcoal, and pomegranate with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, medium pickled beets and grilled apples, minerals, nutskin, and cedar finish with fine, dusty tannins and light oak. A nice combination of fruit, savory smoky notes and minerality make this a good choice for the table.
87 points $12 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Gilgal 2016 Sauvignon Blanc
87 points
$19.99
Gilgal
2016 Sauvignon Blanc
Pale straw color. Interesting aromas of exotic woods, basil wrapped cantaloupe, red grapefruit, and starfruit with a supple, dryish light body and a polished, breezy ripe pear and jicama finish. This is a layered and decidedly Mediterranean sauv blanc, with a generous palate and hints of savory herbs and a slightly salty note that makes you want to drink more.
87 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Fat Baron 2016 Shiraz
87 points
$20
Fat Baron
2016 Shiraz
Black violet color. Sweet aromas and flavors of white chocolate bon bon, vanilla fondant, raspberry jam, and chocolate cake with a velvety, vibrant, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-length honeycomb and clay finish with medium, chewy tannins and moderate oak. A sweet vanilla-kissed wine that will pair well with blue cheeses and game.
87 points $20
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Date Tasted:
Fresno Grizzlies NV Home Run Red California
87 points
$20
Fresno Grizzlies
NV Home Run Red California
Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of berries in a basket, dark chocolate cherries, dried fruit, and bit of wax with a bright, fruity medium body and a buoyant raspberry jam on toast, wood smoke, and dark roasted nuts finish with crunchy, fine tannins. A nice fruity, easy drinking red blend for everyday enjoyment.
87 points $20
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Date Tasted:
Fado 2016 Reserva dAmizade Lisboa
87 points
$25
Fado
2016 Reserva d'Amizade Lisboa
Violet color. Sweet aromas of sweet red and black licorice, blackberry-vanilla gelato, grapeseed oil, and sugared plums with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, breezy creme Anglaise, French toast, pencil shavings, and sweet tea finish with medium tannins and heavy oak. An easy-drinking Portuguese red in a new-world style that offers kisses of pleasing sweetness.
87 points $25
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Date Tasted:
LaChance Vineyards 2015 Class Act Norton
87 points
$27
LaChance Vineyards
2015 Class Act Norton
Violet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of huckleberry jam, charcoal briquettes, deep woods, and concord grape with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, captivating, breezy graphite, nutskins, and baking spices finish with moderate oak. A jammy, woodsy Norton that will be right at home next to barbecue pork.
87 points $27
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Date Tasted:
Nativ 2017 Fiano di Avellino DOCG
87 points
$30
Nativ
2017 Fiano di Avellino DOCG
Clear straw color. Attractive aromas and flavors of lemon curd, peach preserves, oregano, cantaloupe, mandarin orange, and apple relish with a soft, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a sleek, breezy white strawberry and underripe apricot finish with no oak. A food-friendly white for first-course fare.
87 points $30
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Date Tasted:
LaChance Vineyards NV La Trop Dessert Wine Ozark Mountain
87 points
$49
LaChance Vineyards
NV La Trop Dessert Wine Ozark Mountain
Black garnet color. Baked aromas and flavors of rum raisin, grilled fruit cake, chocolate croissant, and dried figs and dates with a supple, shy, very sweet medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-length brown sugar, pencil eraser, peach pastry, and tomato leaf finish with moderate oak. A very sweet dessert wine that should pair nicely with chocolate or salty nuts.
87 points $49
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Date Tasted:
Denada 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
86 points
$7.99
Denada
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black ruby color. Aromas of pickled melon rind, pomegranate chutney, eucalyptus, and dill with a satiny, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-length pomegranate husk, iris, south Asian spices, and coconut milk finish with papery tannins and light oak. Intense red fruit and herbal aromas will entice Australian wine drinkers to this Chilean Cab.
86 points $7.99
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Date Tasted:
Margaret 2017 Shiraz
86 points
$8.99
Best Buy
Margaret
2017 Shiraz
Black violet color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry cobbler, charred meats, musk, potpourri, and pepper jelly with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-length menthol, dark chocolate, and anise finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak. A fun and pairable chewy wine with a wild side.
86 points $8.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Tinga 2017 Rio Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
86 points
$12
Best Buy
Tinga
2017 Rio Reserve Sauvignon Blanc
Pale straw color. Vegetal aromas of roasted poblano pepper, hint cat box, and asparagus tips with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a tingling, relaxed white grapefruit, white pepper, and juicy pear finish with no oak. A bright and juicy Chilean Sauvignon Blanc with big herbaceous notes.
86 points $12 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Ravage 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
86 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Ravage
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of blueberry jam, stewed prunes, burning racquetball, cherry tobacco, balloon rubber, and latex gloves with a round, bright, dryish full body and a seamless, snappy prunes, dried fig, medjool dates, applewood smoke, and dark chocolate genache finish with soft, fruit tannins and light oak. A dark and brooding California red with plenty of smoke and spice.
86 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
CK Mondavi 2017 Chardonnay
85 points
$7
CK Mondavi
2017 Chardonnay
Yellow straw color. Citrusy aromas of lemon custard, struck match, peach blossom, and lime zest with a soft, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a graceful, brisk minerals and wildflowers finish. A soft and mellow chardonnay with a springtime sensibility.
85 points $7
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Date Tasted:
Tom Gore Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
85 points
$15
Tom Gore Vineyards
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Medium violet color. Aromas of cassis, dark chocolate, blackberry preserve, cherry wood shavings, earl grey, spicy tomato chutney, and clove cigarettes with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, fast blueberry preserves, plum, raspberry hand pie, cacao nibs, and espresso finish with chewy tannins and light oak. A table-ready wine for weeknight steak.
85 points $15
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Date Tasted:
Agajanian Vineyards 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
84 points
$25
Agajanian Vineyards
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of blue raspberry, concord grape, tomato vine, steamed bell pepper, and cooked green beans with a soft, crisp, dryish medium body and a tingling, rapid horse blanket and straw mat finish with a suggestion of oak. A funky and vegetal Cab for weekday dinners with mixed company.
84 points $25
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Date Tasted:
Florida Orange Groves Winery NV Sparkling Pineapple Fruit Wine
84 points
$29.99
Florida Orange Groves Winery
NV Sparkling Pineapple Fruit Wine
Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of pineapple slices and hint of pencil eraser with an bright, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an appealing, medium-length pineapples and green apples in vanilla yogurt finish. A creamy pineapple sparkling wine for cheeses.
84 points $29.99
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Date Tasted:
Avondale 2009 Samsara Estate Syrah
84 points
$42
Avondale
2009 Samsara Estate Syrah
Dark garnet color. Aromas of prunes, charcoal briquettes, graphite, and pencil shavings with a lightly tannic, crisp, dryish medium body and a sleek, breezy cherry wood, pot pie, brown butter fried tarragon, and cigar paper finish with papery tannins and moderate oak. A food-friendly syrah with ample minerality; drink now.
84 points $42
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Date Tasted:
Highway 12 2017 Rosé Pinot Noir
83 points
$19.50
Highway 12
2017 Rosé Pinot Noir
Clear salmon orange color. Fruity aromas and flavors of green strawberries, cherry skins with a soft, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, momentary white strawberry, underripe cherries and pomegranate pips finish with no oak. A food-friendly rose for the table.
83 points $19.50
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Date Tasted:
Grande River Vineyards 2016 Chardonnay
82 points
$15.99
Grande River Vineyards
2016 Chardonnay
Golden straw color. Aromas of grilled apple, smoked clove, cream of wheat, and polished wood with a satiny, shrill, dry-yet-fruity light body and a sleek, snappy caramel, minerals, hint of hairspray, and leaves and stems finish with light oak. A zesty quaffer.
82 points $15.99
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Date Tasted:
Shortcut: https://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Wine/Review-2018-05-18-New-Release-Wine.aspx