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US Rhone Varietal
Reviews for 2019

February 2019 - US Rhone Varietal

February 2019 - US Rhone Varietal
This month's Wine feature is US Rhone Varietal Wines

US Rhone Varietal Reviews

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Monte De Oro 2013 Vista Del Monte Vineyard Estate Grown Reserve Syrah
94 points
$85
Monte De Oro
2013 Vista Del Monte Vineyard Estate Grown Reserve Syrah
Ruby black color. Fruity, creamy, tropical aromas and flavors of spumoni gelato, Playdoh, and coconut and berry custard with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, long finish revealing notes of creme brulee and huckleberry pie a la mode with well-integrated, silky tannins and light oak flavor. A creamy, spicy and overall decadent syrah with great length and depth.
94 points $85
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Date Tasted:
Bogle 2016 50th Anniversary Reserve Petite Sirah
93 points
$42
Bogle
2016 50th Anniversary Reserve Petite Sirah
Black ruby color. Fruity aromas of polished oak, ripe strawberry, and peach melba with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, interesting, medium-length blackberry, savory spices, marjoram, and pickled plum finish with firm, grippy tannins and moderate oak flavor. Vibrant, succulent fruit marries with stately oak in this well-structured, highly pairable Clarksburg Petite Sirah with bright and intriguing herbal notes; drink through 2028.
93 points $42
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Date Tasted:
Falkner 2015 Syrah
93 points
$49.95
Falkner
2015 Syrah
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry jam, soy sauce, and mechanical pencil with a soft, bone-dry medium body and a fast finish with fruit tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A savory Syrah with light flavors for a similar food pairing.
93 points $49.95
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Date Tasted:
Waving Tree NV Columbus Landing Red Blend Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre
93 points
$50
Waving Tree
NV Columbus Landing Red Blend Grenache-Syrah-Mourvedre
Dusty garnet color. Aromas of cafe au lait, black cassis, kirsch, black tea, and violet with a silky, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, layered, long caramel coated nuts and dried apricot finish with moderate oak flavor. A ready to drink, complex Rhone blend with intricate layers of toast, fruit, and florals.
93 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Monte De Oro 2014 Vista Del Monte Vineyard Estate Grown Reserve Syrah
93 points
$85
Monte De Oro
2014 Vista Del Monte Vineyard Estate Grown Reserve Syrah
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate coconut macaroon with apricot glaze, roasted nuts and oak, fountain pen ink and rose hips, and naugahyde with a supple, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of caramel dried cherry tart, cocoa dusted dates, oak, and sweet pickle relish with well-integrated, chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich and fruity, zin-like syrah to relish and savor.
93 points $85
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Date Tasted:
Pebble 2016 Viognier
92 points
$17.99
Best Buy
Pebble
2016 Viognier
Golden straw color. Aromas of whole leaf tea, dried peach, white rose, passionfruit, and apricot nectar with a lightly tannic, crisp, dryish medium body and a smooth, layered, medium-long vanilla almond bark and bitter tea finish with drying tannins. A tea-like viognier with exotic appeal; pair with rich meals or cellar.
92 points $17.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Cline 2017 Estate Grown Viognier
92 points
$18
Best Buy
Cline
2017 Estate Grown Viognier
Bright gold color. Aromas of roasted peaches and toasted challah with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, intricate, long Meyer lemon, orange blossom, cinnamon, allspice, and pineapple finish with medium, crunchy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A juicy Viognier with vibrant, spicy character; well suited to island cuisine.
92 points $18 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
City Winery 2016 Au Naturel Syrah
92 points
$32
City Winery
2016 Au Naturel Syrah
Nearly opaque deep purple color. Exotic, meaty aromas and flavors of pickled pigs feet and duck eggs, vellum with wax seal in a leather binder, plum chutney, and pomegranate molasses with a supple, bright, fruity medium-full body and an even, stimulating, medium-long finish with notes of blackberry compote with moderate oak flavor. A big and meaty Syrah with ample fruit and tannins.
92 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Curvare 2014 Grenache
92 points
$32
Curvare
2014 Grenache
Dark dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of pickled cherries, melon rinds with a hint of pink peppercorn and coriander with a medium-to-full body. A smooth, delightful, medium-long finish imparting impressions of chocolate dried cherries, nuts, toasted oak. Crunchy tannins with a moderate oak flavor. A robust, flavorful grenache with a warming finish.
92 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Cloak & Dagger 2016 The Conspirator Syrah
92 points
$49
Cloak & Dagger
2016 The Conspirator Syrah
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of forest floor, turned earth, and horse blanket with a bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an amusing, medium-long finish that exhibits accents of mushroom water, Himalayan lavender, dark chocolate shavings, and soy sauce with well-integrated, earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A complex and integrate Paso Robles Syrah with old world and new world flavors competing for your attention.
92 points $49
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Date Tasted:
Gordon Estate 2016 Hands-on Estate Grown Petite Sirah
92 points
$59.99
Gordon Estate
2016 Hands-on Estate Grown Petite Sirah
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of wild blueberry, fresh bouquet, thyme, juniper, and violet with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long finish with notes of coconut cream with firm tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. This is most definitely Colombia Valley’s Petite Sirah; fresh mountain fruit, delicate herbs, and juicy appeal.
92 points $59.99
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Date Tasted:
Cline 2015 Big Break Vineyard Grenache
92 points
$60
Cline
2015 Big Break Vineyard Grenache
Brick red color. Exotic, herbal aromas and flavors of menthol-eucalyptus rub, chocolate frango mint, and lavender with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a silky, subtle, medium-long finish with elements of smoked nuts, huckleberries with cocoa, and hint of clove cigarette ash with chewy, crunchy tannins and light oak flavor. A super exotic grenache with bushel loads of herbal character and an Aussie swagger.
92 points $60
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Date Tasted:
Italics 2017 Viognier
91 points
Italics
2017 Viognier
Gold color. Aromas and flavors of apricot jam, almond creme, ginger, and magnolia with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium body and a smooth, intricate, long finish imparting touches of yuzu with drying tannins and moderate oak flavor. A distinctive, full-bodied viognier with table-friendly oak tannins and perfumed aromas.
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Monte De Oro 2015 Cuvée de Oro Estate Grown Red Blend Temecula Valley
91 points
$33
Monte De Oro
2015 Cuvée de Oro Estate Grown Red Blend Temecula Valley
Light garnet color. Fruity aromas of raspberry, pomegranate, and coconut cream with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a sleek, interesting, medium-long milk chocolate, grilled almonds, coriander, and spiced caramel finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A yummy, fruit-forward Rhone blend; a beautiful expression that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
91 points $33
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Date Tasted:
Le Mistral 2017 Josephs Blend Single Vineyard Monterey County
91 points
$45
Le Mistral
2017 Joseph's Blend Single Vineyard Monterey County
Violet color. Aromas of blackberry compote and bramble thicket with a soft, dry medium body and a medium-length boysenberry jam, cedar, and thyme finish with soft tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A juicy California Rhone blend for a weekday gathering.
91 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Wildwood Oak Winery 2015 Abba Mokelumne River Syrah
91 points
$45
Wildwood Oak Winery
2015 Abba Mokelumne River Syrah
Black violet color. Spicy aromas of lardons, charred nuts, and lingonberry with a round, vibrant, medium-full body and a tingling, appealing, long spiced nut butter and white chocolate finish with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A firm and stately syrah with a elegantly peppery finish and aging potential.
91 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Falkner 2017 Viognier
90 points
$29.95
Falkner
2017 Viognier
Yellow straw color. Aromas of honeysuckle, dried apricot, Turkish delight, and orange blossom with a round, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, captivating, medium-length candied pear and pineapple, toast, and orange marmalade finish with grippy tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. Floral high notes lead to a toasty, grippy center; drink this Temecula Viognier with duck.
90 points $29.95
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Date Tasted:
Monte De Oro 2015 Syrah
90 points
$41
Monte De Oro
2015 Syrah
Ruby black color. Meaty aromas and flavors of crispy smoked bacon and spiced berries and chocolate with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long finish that exhibits shades of berry cobbler, roasted pecans, and pepper with well-integrated, silky, fine tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich, yet elegant syrah with nice varietal character and a warming finish.
90 points $41
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Date Tasted:
Gordon Estate 2015 Estate Grown Syrah
89 points
$20.99
Gordon Estate
2015 Estate Grown Syrah
Black ruby color. Aromas of dark chocolate and sautéed mushrooms with a vibrant, dry medium body and a relaxed violet candy, gooseberry tart, and Swiss mix finish with silky tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A juicy Washington Syrah abounding with purple flavors.
89 points $20.99
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Date Tasted:
San Simeon 2017 Stefano Vineyard Viognier
89 points
$22
San Simeon
2017 Stefano Vineyard Viognier
Yellow straw color. Fruity, buttery aromas and flavors of buttery peach pie a la mode and toast with coconut spread with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, medium-length finish imparting notes of dried apricot, spiced apple and kiwi, and pink pepper with no oak flavor. A tasty and straightforward viognier pleaser.
89 points $22
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Date Tasted:
San Simeon 2014 Estate Reserve Syrah
89 points
$24
San Simeon
2014 Estate Reserve Syrah
Dusty black garnet color. Attractive aromas of chocolate wafer cookie, roasted hazelnut, dried cassis, and sage with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity medium-full body and a warming, medium-length prune and gingerbread finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A delicious and fruity syrah that will be a hit at the table.
89 points $24
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Date Tasted:
City Winery 2016 Downtown Local Alder Springs Vineyard Roussanne
89 points
$28
City Winery
2016 Downtown Local Alder Springs Vineyard Roussanne
Yellow straw color. Aromas of peach blossom, marshmallow cream, and chewy spree with a dryish medium-full body and an interesting, medium-long peach pit, marzipan, and beeswax finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A mouth-pleasing California Roussanne for the Rhone lover.
89 points $28
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Date Tasted:
Tria 2017 Syrah
88 points
$24.99
Tria
2017 Syrah
Dark dusty garnet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of cooked berries, dark toasted biscuit, spiced apple butter, and dark chocolate caramel with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity medium-full body and a warming, medium-length finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich and fruity syrah that will be a real crowd pleaser.
88 points $24.99
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Date Tasted:
Monte De Oro 2015 Monte De Oro Vineyard Petite Sirah
88 points
$38
Monte De Oro
2015 Monte De Oro Vineyard Petite Sirah
Black garnet color. Attractive aromas of plum, ripe peach, and sweet pea blossom with a tannic, crisp, dry-yet-fruity full body and an interesting, medium-length cassia, fennel seed, and well-steeped black tea finish with grippy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bold grippy Petite Sirah for rich meals; try cellaring.
88 points $38
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Date Tasted:
Waving Tree 2012 Estate Petite Sirah
88 points
$40
Waving Tree
2012 Estate Petite Sirah
Indigo color. Aromas of fallen leaves, raspberry balsamic, and teriyaki with a soft, dry medium body and a rapid blackberry fruit leather, jerky spice, and soy finish with soft tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A savory Washington Petite Sirah with exotic flavor throughout.
88 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Le Mistral 2017 Single Vineyard Grenache
87 points
$38
Le Mistral
2017 Single Vineyard Grenache
Garnet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of spiced cranberries, chocolate pomegranate seeds, and dried herbs with a silky, bright, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a silky, crisp finish that exhibits notes of spiced beets and tomatoes and grilled cedar plank with crunchy, dusty tannins. A tangy, woody grenache for the table.
87 points $38
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Date Tasted:
Reynard Florence Vineyard 2017 Grenache
86 points
$30
Reynard Florence Vineyard
2017 Grenache
Violet color. Rustic aromas of macerated strawberries, toast, watermelon rind, and clove with a slightly chewy, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-length fennel finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A homespun grenache with mouthwatering fruits
86 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Le Mistral 2017 Single Vineyard Viognier
85 points
$38
Le Mistral
2017 Single Vineyard Viognier
Straw color. Creamy aromas and flavors of malted milk and vanilla with a slightly chewy, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a seamless, brisk finish that shows notes of apple with a suggestion of oak flavor. A full-bodied white for pairing.
85 points $38
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Date Tasted:
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