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New Release Wine
Reviews for 2018

August 2018 - New Release Wine

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

New Release Wine Reviews

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Summit Lake 2014 Emily Kestrel Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$85
Summit Lake
2014 Emily Kestrel Cabernet Sauvignon
Nearly opaque indigo color. Aromas of black cassis, charred pine cone, sandalwood, star anise, fine cigarettes, and smoked sausages with a satiny, vibrant, dry full body and a warming, elegant, medium-long tar, chinese 5 spice, and pink peppercorns finish with firm, well-integrated tannins and heavy oak flavor. A silky, mysterious Howell Mountain that will come alive with cellar time.
94 points $85
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Date Tasted:
Summit Lake 2014 Estate Bottled Zinfandel
93 points
$36
Summit Lake
2014 Estate Bottled Zinfandel
Ruby color. Aromas of tannery, tomatillo, clove cigarettes, plum, and cantaloupe with a supple, vibrant, dryish full body and a peppery, complex, medium-long chocolate truffle, raspberry jam, rose petals, and bomboloni finish with firm tannins and heavy oak flavor. A serious and cellarable zin with huge atypical character.
93 points $36
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Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2015 Les Petits Finger Red Blend American
93 points
$49.95
Château Élan
2015 Les Petits Finger Red Blend American
Dark black violet color. Aromas of chocolate genache, raspberry liqueur, latte, patent leather, fruit punch, and graphite with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, stimulating, medium-long maple bacon, balsamic reduction, blackberry jam, and blueberry pie finish with well-integrated, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A big, juicy blend in a crowd-pleasing style; you’ll want a second glass.
93 points $49.95
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Date Tasted:
Summit Lake 2013 Sophia Lynn Petite Sirah
93 points
$55
Summit Lake
2013 Sophia Lynn Petite Sirah
Murky deep purple color. Aromas of blueberry pastry, latex, magnolia and carnation, and lavender with a lightly tannic, lively, full body and an elegant, long pomegranate, watermelon, freshly tanned leather, and black thorn plum finish with firm, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A luxury leather glove of a Petite Sirah with acid built for the long haul.
93 points $55
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Date Tasted:
Martin Ulisse 2015 Signature Collection Montepulciano dAbruzzo
92 points
$18.99
Martin Ulisse
2015 Signature Collection Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
Garnet black color. Floral, inviting aromas and flavors of boysenberry jam, rose petals, gardenia, root beer, and vanilla mousse with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and an intricate, long finish with accents of clove, blueberry sorbet, blood orange, and pomegranate with medium, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A delicious Montepulciano with lush fruits and heady florals.
92 points $18.99
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Date Tasted:
Chateau Gemeillan 2014 Médoc Cru Bourgeois
92 points
$52
Chateau Gemeillan
2014 Médoc Cru Bourgeois
Dark dusty garnet color. Meaty aromas of liver pate, cherry mostarda, char-grilled bread with butter, and cedar plank with a satiny, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long lingonberry, salted herbs, and coriander finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A juicy and savory Medoc to write home about.
92 points $52
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Date Tasted:
pureCoz 2013 Red Blend Napa Valley
92 points
$65
pureCoz
2013 Red Blend Napa Valley
Medium ruby black color. Roasted aromas and flavors of dried berries, grilled plum, embers, salted caramel, honey-roasted peanuts, rosewater, eucalyptus, and molasses with a velvety, vibrant, fruity sweet light-to-medium body and a peppery, complex, long finish with well-integrated, silky tannins. A luscious, ultra-pleasing Napa blend that will bring steak dinners to new heights.
92 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Chateau Chantelune 2015 Margaux
92 points
$123
Chateau Chantelune
2015 Margaux
Dark violet color. Inviting aromas of peony petals, dark chocolate, menthol, and sugared plums with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, medium-long cranberry, spearmint, salty prosciutto, ginger, and rootbeer finish with medium tannins and no oak flavor. A delicious Bordeaux that highlights fruit and spice.
92 points $123
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Date Tasted:
Chateau Gemeillan 2012 Médoc Cru Bourgeois
91 points
$51
Chateau Gemeillan
2012 Médoc Cru Bourgeois
Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas of carob, cherry pie filling, baking spices, freshly pulled espresso, salami, moss and damp earth, and dried roses with a round, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a warming, nuanced, long candied carrot, ivory, cedar-charred peppers, black coffee, and dark roasted almonds finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A dark and brooding Medoc with old-world complexity that craves an excellent meal.
91 points $51
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Date Tasted:
Chateau du Moulin 2015 Haut-Médoc
91 points
$80
Chateau du Moulin
2015 Haut-Médoc
Medium dusty ruby color. Aromas of patent leather, lacquered wood, lilac, and animale with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, appealing, medium-long raspberry liqueur, latte, and licorice gum drops finish with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A solid Bordeaux that will blossom with time.
91 points $80
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Date Tasted:
Bianco Nobile NV alla Vaniglia Germany
90 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Bianco Nobile
NV alla Vaniglia Germany
Light golden straw color. Curious aromas of marshmallow, cotton candy, circus peanut, candied apple, and boston creme pie with a glycerous, bright, sweet light-to-medium body and a smooth, carefree lemon meringue cookies finish. A sweet wine with fun flavors.
90 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Nero Nobile NV allEspresso Germany
90 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Nero Nobile
NV all'Espresso Germany
Dark brick red color. Aromas of salted caramel latte, caramel corn, and frappucino with a satiny, vibrant, sweet medium body and a medium-length coffee Nips candy finish with soft tannins. Coffee lovers will joyfully imbibe this crushable, roasty treat.
90 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Rosso Nobile NV al Cioccolata Germany
90 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Rosso Nobile
NV al Cioccolata Germany
Bright dark ruby color. Aromas of chocolate genache, custard, and donuts with a glycerous, bright, sweet light-to-medium body and an effortless, amusing, breezy blackberries, prune, brownie batter, and caramel frosting finish with soft tannins. A pastry-like flavored wine; sweet and delicious.
90 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Chateau Gemeillan 2015 Médoc Cru Bourgeois
90 points
$53
Chateau Gemeillan
2015 Médoc Cru Bourgeois
Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of grilled blackberry, anise, chocolate bar, patent leather, and sweet pea blossom with a round, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and an elegant, long finish with elements of roasted cashew, fennel, and pomegranate molasses with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A very cellarable Medoc with great roasty flavors.
90 points $53
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Date Tasted:
El Progreso 2016 Seleccion Tierra de Castilla
89 points
$9.99
Best Buy
El Progreso
2016 Seleccion Tierra de Castilla
Hazy black ruby color. Inviting aromas of grilled blueberries, french toast, cinnamon, wild berry, bruised rose petal, and vanilla with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish medium-full body and a warming, medium-length raisin swirl toast finish with crunchy tannins and moderate oak flavor. Engaging juicy blue fruits entice for another sip.
89 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Vertvs 2017 Cabernet-Tempranillo
89 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Vertvs
2017 Cabernet-Tempranillo
Clear violet color. Fruity aromas of creme de cassis, lingonberry, pine, violet, and bee pollen with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a tingling, compelling, medium-length cedar, graphite, dried blueberry, and spice cabinet finish with well-integrated, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. Fruit and oak are harmoniously balanced in this gulpable red for the table.
89 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Sea Salt 2017 Sauvignon Blanc
89 points
$14
Best Buy
Sea Salt
2017 Sauvignon Blanc
Emerald straw color. Aromas of diced jalapeño, grilled peach, and strawberry leaf with a satiny, vibrant, spritzy, fruity light body and a smooth, compelling, medium-long tomatillo, underripe mango, and kiwi chutney finish. A bright sparkling Sauvignon Blanc with intense, juicy flavors.
89 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Vertvs 2014 Crianza Tempranillo
89 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Vertvs
2014 Crianza Tempranillo
Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of rose petals, tobacco, dried figs, almond joy bar, and sesame with a velvety, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a cheery finish manifesting notes of roasted almonds and saffron with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A floral, chewy wine that will be a nice fit with North African fare.
89 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Chateau Segur de Cabanac 2015 St. Estèphe
89 points
$99.45
Chateau Segur de Cabanac
2015 St. Estèphe
Dark black ruby color. Aromas of chocolate covered raspberries, blackberry leaf, latex, and autumn leaves with a slightly chewy, dryish medium-full body and a warming, delightful, medium-length black pepper, dark chocolate, ginger, and tomato stem finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A balanced Bordeaux for the long haul.
89 points $99.45
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Date Tasted:
Clos du Bois 2017 Rosé California
88 points
$10.99
Best Buy
Clos du Bois
2017 Rosé California
Clear pink coral color. Aromas of ripe strawberries, raspberry creme, thyme, and grapefruit zest with a glycerous, crisp, fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length raspberry leaf, clover, and honey drizzled berries finish. A juicy, fruity rose for patio pounding.
88 points $10.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Rhône to the Bone 2017 White Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc
88 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Rhône to the Bone
2017 White Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc
Pale yellow straw color. Aromas of ripe peach, honeydew melon, graham cracker, and white miso with a velvety, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, amusing, medium-length lemon sorbet and wildflowers finish with fine tannins and no oak flavor. A deliciously balanced white Cotes-du-Rhone for beautiful pairings.
88 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Verum 2012 Tierra de Castilla
88 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Verum
2012 Tierra de Castilla
Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas of almond flour, caramelized raspberry, raisins, and jasmine tea with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a smooth, medium-length juicy currants, biscuit, leather, and cigar box finish with moderate oak flavor. A bright red for heavier dishes.
88 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Virgen de las Viñas Tomillar 2017 Tempranillo
87 points
$9.90
Best Buy
Virgen de las Viñas Tomillar
2017 Tempranillo
Bright deep purple color. Candied aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, boysenberry preserve, vanilla bean panna cotta, peach melba, and sweet basil on honeydew with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity medium body and a buoyant finish revealing suggestions of graphite with moderate oak flavor. A plush and fruity Tempranillo with table-ready tannins.
87 points $9.90 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Laessiger 2017 Gruner Veltliner
87 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Laessiger
2017 Gruner Veltliner
Pale straw green color. Aromas of butter sauce with lime zest, ripe pear, hydrangea, and slate with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a sleek, carefree lemon tisane finish. A zippy and refreshing gruner.
87 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Clos du Bois 2016 Chardonnay
87 points
$10.99
Best Buy
Clos du Bois
2016 Chardonnay
Pale golden straw color. Aromas of struck match, cream soda, apple handpie, and earthy green tea leaves with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a sleek, relaxed sweet apple cinnamon yogurt finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A smooth and easy chardonnay for weeknight pairings and effortless sipping.
87 points $10.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Virgen de las Viñas Tomillar 2013 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon-Tempranillo
87 points
$19.90
Virgen de las Viñas Tomillar
2013 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon-Tempranillo
Black garnet color. Aromas of dried cherries, leather, orange blossom water, green tomatoes, and sweet gum tree with a chewy, vibrant, dry medium-full body and a tingling, medium-length rye and basalt finish with coarse tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bold tannic red for the table.
87 points $19.90
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Date Tasted:
Retief 2016 Reserve Cape Red Blend South Africa
87 points
$19.99
Retief
2016 Reserve Cape Red Blend South Africa
Garnet color. Smoky aromas of bacon and blueberry jam, sautéed mushrooms, moss, basalt, and creme de cassis with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a warming, charming, medium-length candied orange peel, black tea, dry rub, and brown sugar finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A smoky, meaty blend that will make a great grilling partner.
87 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Chateau Graves de Pez 2014 St. Estèphe
87 points
$66
Chateau Graves de Pez
2014 St. Estèphe
Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas of beets, watermelon rind, powdery florals, mint, and coffee candies with a satiny, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a silky, brisk leather, cocoa powder, and cranberry finish with moderate oak flavor. A youthful Bordeaux that needs time.
87 points $66
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Date Tasted:
Clos du Bois 2017 Pinot Grigio
86 points
$10.99
Best Buy
Clos du Bois
2017 Pinot Grigio
Light white gold color. Fruity aromas of ripe pineapple and sweet oranges with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, relaxed pear and lemon spritz finish. A juicy Pinot Grigio that is effortlessly drinkable.
86 points $10.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Verum 2014 Roble Tierra de Castilla
86 points
$11.99
Best Buy
Verum
2014 Roble Tierra de Castilla
Dusty black garnet color. Earthy aromas and flavors of marinated raspberry, forest floor, almond biscotti, and flower bed with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a smooth, breezy finish with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A table-ready red for weeknight steaks.
86 points $11.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
El Tractor 2017 Malbec
86 points
$12.99
Best Buy
El Tractor
2017 Malbec
Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of berry mostarda, quince membrillo, smoked meats, buttered toast, and almond cookie with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, medium-length finish with impressions of marinated strawberry and cinnamon with woody tannins and moderate oak flavor. A chewy malbec for weeknight steak.
86 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Rhône to the Bone 2017 Côtes-du-Rhone Rosé
86 points
$13.99
Best Buy
Rhône to the Bone
2017 Côtes-du-Rhone Rosé
Light silvery amber color. Aromas of underripe strawberry and straw with a satiny, crisp, dry medium body and a polished, snappy blood orange zest, stones, and dried herbs finish. A solid Cotes-du-Rhone rose with a nice sense of place.
86 points $13.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2017 Reserve Pinot Grigio
86 points
$23.95
Château Élan
2017 Reserve Pinot Grigio
Pale straw color. Aromas and flavors of underripe white peach, concord grape, underripe mango, lemon marmalade, iodine, and flint with a supple, soft, fruity light body and a tingling, brisk finish with notes of pineapple Lifesavers candy. A solid anytime Pinot Grigio.
86 points $23.95
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Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2017 Reserve Chardonnay
86 points
$23.95
Château Élan
2017 Reserve Chardonnay
Pale yellow straw color. Sweet aromas of pears in syrup, spiced cider, snickerdoodle cookie, and flaky croissant with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a medium-length toasty oak and grilled pineapple finish with moderate oak flavor. An oaky pleaser.
86 points $23.95
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Date Tasted:
Chateau Lamartine 2016 Merlot
86 points
$37
Chateau Lamartine
2016 Merlot
Ruby color. Green aromas and flavors of lacquered wood, grilled fennel, green bell pepper, and ground black pepper with a chewy, dry medium-full body and a brisk finish evoking notes of ink with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A youthful and very dry Cotes de Bordeaux that needs food.
86 points $37
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Date Tasted:
El Progreso 2017 Chardonnay
85 points
$8.99
El Progreso
2017 Chardonnay
Brilliant golden yellow color. Aromas of unripe apple, vanilla scented candle, candied ginger, cream of wheat, and orange juice with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, carefree tart apple and sliced lemons finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A not-too-oaky chardonnay with a refreshing style.
85 points $8.99
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Date Tasted:
Vertvs 2017 Tempranillo
85 points
$12.99
Vertvs
2017 Tempranillo
Ruby garnet color. Sweet aromas of blueberry gelato, vanilla pound cake, and artisan floral candle with a slightly chewy, soft, fruity medium body and a warming, relaxed underripe blackberry, black tea, peppercorns, and kung pao with peanuts finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A juicy, curvy tempranillo for the table.
85 points $12.99
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Date Tasted:
Rhône to the Bone 2016 Red Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge
85 points
$15.99
Rhône to the Bone
2016 Red Côtes-du-Rhône Rouge
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of green mulberry, plum, black currant, graphite, flint, and leather seats with a lightly tannic, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, brisk finish with moderate oak flavor. An approachable Côtes-du-Rhône for the table.
85 points $15.99
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Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2015 TNT Tannat
85 points
$69.95
Château Élan
2015 TNT Tannat
Black garnet color. Jammy aromas and flavors of overripe blackberry, dark chocolate, peony, and flan with a tannic, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, carefree finish with light oak flavor. A juicy berry bomb for cheese; fans of Zinfandel need apply!
85 points $69.95
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Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2014 El Tempranillo Tempranillo
85 points
$69.95
Château Élan
2014 El Tempranillo Tempranillo
Dusty black ruby color. Fruity aromas of ripe strawberries and licorice with a tannic, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, brisk graphite, baked figs, black tea, ink, and charred toast finish with harsh tannins and moderate oak flavor. An assertively chewy red with enticing berry aromas.
85 points $69.95
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Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2016 Scarlet Reserve Red Blend American
84 points
$23.95
Château Élan
2016 Scarlet Reserve Red Blend American
Deep purple color. Aromas of plum jam, ripe tomato, and watermelon candies with a tannic, bright, dry medium-to-full body and a peppery, buoyant black peppercorns, toast, and cascara finish with dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. A jammy, versatile red.
84 points $23.95
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Date Tasted:
Chateau Desarnaud 2014 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
84 points
$31
Chateau Desarnaud
2014 Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux
Medium dusty ruby color. Aromas of nutmeg, aniseed, and strawberry confiture with a lean, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a breezy root beer finish with papery tannins and moderate oak flavor. A lean and unintimidating Bordeaux.
84 points $31
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Date Tasted:
Abarbanel 2016 Les Chemins de Favarelle Chardonnay
83 points
$12.99
Abarbanel
2016 Les Chemins de Favarelle Chardonnay
Pale old gold color. Aromas of tinned pineapple, fallen peach, and lemon tisane with a soft, dryish light-to-medium body and an even, fleeting chalk and sawdust finish. A possible base for a wine spritzer.
83 points $12.99
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Date Tasted:
Abarbanel 2016 Les Dolmens Rouges Cabernet Sauvignon
82 points
$12.99
Abarbanel
2016 Les Dolmens Rouges Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Jammy aromas and flavors of mixed berry jelly, ripe red apple, pencil shavings, and charred leather with a lightly tannic, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a brisk finish with notes of veneer with barky tannins and heavy oak flavor. A solid oaky cab for a crowd.
82 points $12.99
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Date Tasted:
Château Élan 2016 Nancy White Blend American
81 points
$28.95
Château Élan
2016 Nancy White Blend American
Golden straw color. Funky aromas of hay, lime yogurt, fallen stone fruit, ghee, and rice with an oily, soft, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a hot, easy charred marshmallow finish with moderate oak flavor. A buttery blend for emergency pairings.
81 points $28.95
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Date Tasted:
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