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New & Innovative Wine
Reviews for 2019

December 2019 - New & Innovative Wine

December 2019 - New & Innovative Wine
This month's Wine feature is New & Innovative Wines

New & Innovative Wine Reviews

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LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2016 Miller Vineyard Cabernet Franc
93 points
$32
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2016 Miller Vineyard Cabernet Franc
Black garnet color. Complex aromas of candied jalapeño, fine dark chocolate, rose petal, and sweet paprika with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a sleek, complex, long caramelized mushrooms and juicy plum finish with well-integrated, fine tannins and moderate oak flavor. A finely tuned Clarksburg Cabernet Franc with a delectably smooth palate full of elegance and depth.
93 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Barone Montalto 2017 Pinot Grigio
92 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Barone Montalto
2017 Pinot Grigio
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of green apple, white peach, green almond, lilac, and flint with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a seamless, complex, medium-long finish with accents of pickled snap peas and grilled apple with no oak flavor. A crisp, clean, terroir-driven Pinot Grigio to be taken seriously.
92 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Peirano 2016 Estate, The Heritage Collection Syrah
92 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Peirano
2016 Estate, The Heritage Collection Syrah
Garnet black color. Complex, inviting aromas and flavors of mocha caramel fudge, honey dried cherries and berries, and jerky with a silky, bright, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-long finish that shows touches of spicy sour cherry compote, pepper, and roasted almonds with well-integrated, chewy tannins and light oak flavor. A rich, powerful syrah with bold berry and oak flavors and a long warming finish.
92 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Windrun 2017 Selection No. 15 Pinot Noir
92 points
$33
Windrun
2017 Selection No. 15 Pinot Noir
Dusty garnet color. Aromas of sour cherry, roasted beets, oolong tea, schmaltz, and caramelized mushrooms with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, complex, medium-long cranberry, compressed watermelon, orange zest, fennel, and pepper finish with light oak flavor. A rich and concentrated pinot noir that should improve with age.
92 points $33
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Date Tasted:
Corner 103 2017 Chardonnay
91 points
$40
Corner 103
2017 Chardonnay
Golden yellow color. Aromas of peach relish, coconut custard, chess pie, and flint with a satiny, lively, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long lemon custard, almond biscotti, and sea spray finish with well-integrated tannins and light oak flavor. Sonoma Coast by the numbers! Snag this bright and complex chardonnay for an elegant dinner pairing or for a fresh and lively quencher.
91 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Art of Earth 2018 Organic Pinot Grigio
90 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Art of Earth
2018 Organic Pinot Grigio
Golden straw color. Aromas of ripe pear, melon, butter lettuce, and flint with a round, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and an even, charming, long green bean almondine, lime, squash blossoms, and sliced white peach tossed in vinaigrette finish with no oak flavor. A mineral-driven Pinot Grigio with elegant character.
90 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Freedom Estate 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$100
Freedom Estate
2015 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Aromas of dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, licorice, and black tea with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long berry jam, chocolate ladyfingers, espresso, and toast finish with heavy oak flavor. A nuanced and well-structured red that will certainly develop with cellar time.
90 points $100
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Date Tasted:
Waikiwi Bay 2018 Sauvignon Blanc
89 points
$6.99
Best Buy
Waikiwi Bay
2018 Sauvignon Blanc
Straw green color. Aromas of ripe gooseberry and soursop with a supple, vibrant, petillant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a graceful, medium-length fresh cut grass and pink grapefruit finish. A juicy and herbal sauvignon blanc that will hit the spot.
89 points $6.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Pianeta 2018 Organico Pinot Grigio
89 points
$7.99
Best Buy
Pianeta
2018 Organico Pinot Grigio
Yellow straw color. Fruity aromas and flavors of baked apple, toasty savory pastry, pineapple cake, and cassava with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and an effortless, breezy finish that shows shades of apricot nectar. An effortlessly drinkable Pinot Grigio with big fruit and easy balance.
89 points $7.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Peirano 2017 Estate, The Heritage Collection Chardonnay
89 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Peirano
2017 Estate, The Heritage Collection Chardonnay
Bright gold color. Aromas and flavors of toasted marshmallow, dulce de leche, coconut cream, graham cracker, brown butter, and fresh lemon zest with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, intriguing, medium-length finish with accents of baked pear and agave nectar with moderate oak flavor. A ripe, rich chardonnay packed with baked-fruit flavor.
89 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Stone Hill 2015 Estate Norton
89 points
$18.99
Stone Hill
2015 Estate Norton
Dark violet color. Aromas and flavors of dried blueberry, watermelon candies, plump olives, elderflower, and thyme with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and an even, subtle, medium-long finish that presents notes of cafe latte and roasted root vegetables with light oak flavor. A complex and expressive red; branch out and try this Missouri wine that offers elegance and finesse.
89 points $18.99
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Date Tasted:
ZiRonda 2015 Corvina Veronese
89 points
$34.99
ZiRonda
2015 Corvina Veronese
Dusty burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of dried cassis, figs and dates, fresh parsley, plum pudding, and sarsaparilla with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium body and a subtle, medium-long finish with touches of espresso bean and pickled radish with light oak flavor. An understated and pure Amarone that glides over the palate.
89 points $34.99
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Date Tasted:
Corner 103 2018 Pinot Noir
89 points
$50
Corner 103
2018 Pinot Noir
Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cranberry, tea, roasted beets, tomato leaf, prune, and mesquite with a supple, vibrant, dryish light body and a smooth, medium-length finish that presents nuances of candied root vegetables and pomegranate vinaigrette. A savory Pinot Noir for the table.
89 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Seratina 2017 Pinot Grigio
88 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Seratina
2017 Pinot Grigio
Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of apricot jam, pavlova, sliced apple, and persimmon with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, delightful, medium-length finish that presents accents of lemon marmalade and slivered almonds with no oak flavor. A crisp and clean pinot grigio that offers a nice expression of the varietal.
88 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
La Catrina NV Strawberry Margarita Wine Cocktail
88 points
$15.99
La Catrina
NV Strawberry Margarita Wine Cocktail
Bright pink coral color. Aromas and flavors of watermelon candies, strawberry smoothie, key lime spritz, and orange sherbet with a satiny, vibrant, petillant, sweet medium-to-full body and a silky, medium-length finish. A fun, crushable strawberry margarita that satisfies.
88 points $15.99
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Date Tasted:
Henry Estate 2018 Scott Henry III Veraison Rose Umpqua Valley
88 points
$20
Henry Estate
2018 Scott Henry III Veraison Rose Umpqua Valley
Steely pink color. Aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries in cream, melon, strawberry, and tarragon with a velvety, crisp, fruity light body and a seamless, captivating, medium-length finish. A flavorful, fruity rose that’s a pleasure to drink.
88 points $20
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Date Tasted:
Rancho Coyote 2018 Datcas Vineyard Pinot Noir
88 points
$40
Rancho Coyote
2018 Datca's Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dusty violet color. Aromas and flavors of cherry, toasted raspberry muffin, sandalwood, and graphite with a vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length finish that exhibits elements of mixed berry cobbler a la mode and toasted nuts with a suggestion of oak flavor. A lipsmacking, juicy pinot noir that is sure to please.
88 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Peirano 2017 Estate, The Heritage Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Peirano
2017 Estate, The Heritage Collection Cabernet Sauvignon
Black ruby color. Aromas of ripe red plum, blackberry, and hint of menthol mint with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and an engaging, medium-length cherry sorbet, silky whipped cream, and toasted brioche finish with silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A rich and fruit-forward cabernet that’s sure to please.
87 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Peirano 2017 Estate, The Heritage Collection Petite Sirah
87 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Peirano
2017 Estate, The Heritage Collection Petite Sirah
Black violet color. Aromas and flavors of baked blackberries, tobacco, cedar, and toasty cinnamon pastry with an vibrant, medium-to-full body and a tingling, delightful, medium-length finish displaying notes of lemon curd, ganache with firm tannins and light oak flavor. A ripe Petite Sirah with a balancing pop of acidity.
87 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Pizzolato 2018 Chardonnay
87 points
$12.99
Best Buy
Pizzolato
2018 Chardonnay
Straw green color. Aromas of apple-cinnamon muffin, pineapple, and saffron with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and an effortless, crisp peach cobbler finish with no oak flavor. A fruity and approachable chardonnay that will be very crowd-pleasing.
87 points $12.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Rancho Coyote 2018 Luccas Vineyard Pinot Noir Blanc
87 points
$20
Rancho Coyote
2018 Lucca's Vineyard Pinot Noir Blanc
Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of agave nectar, panettone, white strawberry, honey, and toffee-popcorn with a satiny, vibrant, dry light-to-medium body and a seamless, relaxed finish with accents of crisp apple and grape leaves with fruit tannins. A dry, food-friendly white to pair with rich, fatty fish like salmon or monkfish.
87 points $20
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Date Tasted:
The Great Oregon Wine Company 2017 Pinot Noir
87 points
$20
The Great Oregon Wine Company
2017 Pinot Noir
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of blueberry muffins, ripe fig, graphite, hibiscus, and black tea with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, subtle, medium-long finish with suggestions of savory herbs, pomegranate, and blood orange with light oak flavor. A juicy, incredibly silky Pinot Noir that will be a dream with duck or holiday turkey dinners.
87 points $20
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Date Tasted:
St. August 2018 Sweet Wine Riesling
86 points
$5.99
Best Buy
St. August
2018 Sweet Wine Riesling
Golden yellow color. Aromas of lemon curd, pineapple upside down cake, and white flowers with a satiny, crisp, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length honeycomb and mandarins in syrup finish with no oak flavor. A tropical sweet Riesling that goes down easy.
86 points $5.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Giacondi 2018 Pinot Grigio
86 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Giacondi
2018 Pinot Grigio
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of almond biscotti, lemon curd, and ripe apple with a silky, vibrant, fruity light body and a smooth, breezy finish that shows shades of meyer lemon custard and kiwi yogurt with no oak flavor. A juicy and smooth Pinot Grigio that is sure to please.
86 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Riva Leone 2017 Barbera
86 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Riva Leone
2017 Barbera
Ruby black color. Aromas of mulberry, toasted granola, and bread crusts with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium body and a polished, swift tart raspberry and hibiscus finish. A easy-drinking Barbera for salumi.
86 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Sand Point Family Vineyards 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
86 points
$12
Best Buy
Sand Point Family Vineyards
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of roasted nuts in milk chocolate, suede, and oak chips with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a sleek, complex, medium-long finish that shows notes of pine nut toffee and rose hip jam with moderate oak flavor. A toasty, jammy Cabernet.
86 points $12 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Pizzolato 2018 NSA Merlot
86 points
$13.99
Best Buy
Pizzolato
2018 NSA Merlot
Dark dusty violet color. Aromas and flavors of pickled beets, baked blackberry, black currant, and blackened pie crusts with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with notes of berry iced tea. A fruity, juicy merlot with lots of charm.
86 points $13.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Cardigan Bay 2018 Sauvignon Blanc
86 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Cardigan Bay
2018 Sauvignon Blanc
Golden straw color. Aromas of dill pickles, white grapefruit, bay, and toasted herb baguette with a round, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a seamless, brisk apple cider and underripe stone fruit finish with no oak flavor. A pickley and herbaceous wine that offers a distinctive take on New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
86 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
La Catrina NV Classic Margarita Wine Cocktail
86 points
$15.99
La Catrina
NV Classic Margarita Wine Cocktail
Cloudypale yellow-green color. Citrusy aromas and flavors of meringue, key lime custard, agave nectar, peppercorns, and roasted root vegetables with a supple, tangy, petillant, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a silky, interesting, medium-length finish. A juicy margarita that checks off all the boxes.
86 points $15.99
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Date Tasted:
Riva Leone 2015 Nebbiolo
86 points
$19.99
Riva Leone
2015 Nebbiolo
Burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of pomegranate, roasted nut brittle, hibiscus, incense, and rosehips with a lightly tannic, lively, dry light-to-medium body and a warming, medium-length finish with notes of reduced citrus with coarse tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. Bold acid and tight tannins; cellar this for a few years.
86 points $19.99
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Date Tasted:
Replica 2018 Retrofit Chardonnay
86 points
$20
Replica
2018 Retrofit Chardonnay
Straw green color. Aromas and flavors of smoked gouda, apple pastry, and frosted banana cake with a velvety, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, appealing, medium-length finish evoking notes of buttery croutons and herb muffin with moderate oak flavor. A smoky chardonnay to pair with autumnal dishes.
86 points $20
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2017 One Hundred Vineyard Petite Sirah
86 points
$32
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2017 One Hundred Vineyard Petite Sirah
Black violet color. Aromas of ripe blueberry, lavender, and seasoned wood with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length toast finish with drying tannins. A toasty petite sirah that will fit in nicely at the table.
86 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Pico Viejo 2017 Reserva Malbec
85 points
$6.99
Pico Viejo
2017 Reserva Malbec
Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of toasty graham cracker pie crust, blackberry jam, grilled meats, and chocolate ganache with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a polished, compelling, medium-length finish that shows notes of graphite with moderate oak flavor. A rich and alluring Malbec that will pair effortlessly with beef.
85 points $6.99
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Date Tasted:
Cape Africa NV Marula Cream
85 points
$7.99
Cape Africa
NV Marula Cream
Dark taupe color. Aromas of vanilla wafer creme cookie, caramel sauce, waffle cone, and rocky road ice cream with a creamy, crisp, sweet light-to-medium body and a silky, medium-length candied cherry and pineapple finish. A creamy, chocolatey, fruity concoction to serve over ice; sweet tooths need apply.
85 points $7.99
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Date Tasted:
Essenza di Vita 2018 Pinot Grigio
85 points
$7.99
Essenza di Vita
2018 Pinot Grigio
Straw color. Aromas of lemon soufflé and tapioca with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, brisk tart lemon candies and meringue finish. A smooth and slammable Pinot Grigio.
85 points $7.99
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Date Tasted:
Connelly’s NV Caramel Country Cream
85 points
$8.99
Connelly’s
NV Caramel Country Cream
Creamy toffee color. Aromas of cookies ’n cream milkshake, coconut macaroon, and butter-pecan with a glycerous, bright, light-to-medium body and a warming, medium-length kit kat bar, Irish butter, parmesan, and dulce de leche finish. A very creamy dessert beverage to serve on ice or spike coffee with.
85 points $8.99
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Date Tasted:
Connelly’s NV Salted Caramel Country Cream
85 points
$8.99
Connelly’s
NV Salted Caramel Country Cream
Gold color. Aromas and flavors of toffee and caramel bar with a glycerous, bright, sweet medium body and a smooth, brisk finish revealing touches of whipped cream and coconut cake. A sweet and creamy dessert beverage to spike your coffee with.
85 points $8.99
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Date Tasted:
Peirano 2016 Estate, The Heritage Collection, "Six Clones" Merlot
85 points
$12.99
Peirano
2016 Estate, The Heritage Collection, "Six Clones" Merlot
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of black raspberry, blackened focaccia, red licorice, and cedar with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a silky, interesting, medium-length finish with accents of ligonberry jam and menthol with earthy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A chewy, earthy merlot with pops of jammy fruit; will fit in well at the table.
85 points $12.99
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Date Tasted:
Inkarri 2018 Estate Bottled Bonarda
85 points
$13.99
Inkarri
2018 Estate Bottled Bonarda
Dark violet color. Aromas and flavors of ripe blueberry, pickled garlic, tomato, black tea, and allspice with a slightly chewy, racy, dryish medium body and a silky, medium-length finish with crunchy tannins. A high-acid Bonarda with lots of character on the nose; a nice choice for pairing with rich foods.
85 points $13.99
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Date Tasted:
En Memoire du Malbec 2016 Malbec
85 points
$14.99
En Memoire du Malbec
2016 Malbec
Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of asparagus, stewed black fruit, black pepper, and dried herbs and spices with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry medium-to-full body and an interesting, medium-length finish imparting nuances of char-grilled plum and tomato. A dry and table-ready Malbec.
85 points $14.99
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Date Tasted:
Corner 103 2018 Chardonnay
85 points
$40
Corner 103
2018 Chardonnay
Light gold color. Aromas of honeycrisp apple, fresh baguette with spiced apple butter, golden kiwi, and fresh cream with a soft, medium body and a graceful, medium-length caramel and ghee finish with moderate oak flavor. A ultra-buttery chardonnay to pair with a lobster roll.
85 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Connelly’s NV Mint Chocolate Country Cream
84 points
$8.99
Connelly’s
NV Mint Chocolate Country Cream
Taupe color. Aromas and flavors of creme de menthes thins with a creamy, bright, sweet medium body and a seamless, brisk finish with notes of mint gum and quark. A rich and buttery mint-chocolate beverage for after-dinner indulging.
84 points $8.99
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Date Tasted:
Connelly’s NV Pumpkin Spice Country Cream
84 points
$8.99
Connelly’s
NV Pumpkin Spice Country Cream
Gold color. Aromas of horchata, toffee, greek yogurt, and wafer cookies with a sweet light-to-medium body and a warming, quick pumpkin latte and tvorog with dried apricot finish. A rich, cinnamon kissed dessert beverage.
84 points $8.99
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Date Tasted:
Pizzolato 2018 NSA Cabernet Sauvignon
84 points
$13.99
Pizzolato
2018 NSA Cabernet Sauvignon
Dusty garnet color. Aromas of hibiscus, milk chocolate coconut bar, dried fruit, and kraut with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length fruit punch and black tea finish with moderate oak flavor. A juicy, lighthearted red that’s easy to drink.
84 points $13.99
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Date Tasted:
Duck Pond 2017 Fries Family Cellars Pinot Noir
84 points
$19
Duck Pond
2017 Fries Family Cellars Pinot Noir
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of pickled beets, steamed asparagus, sour cherries, red bean buns, and salami with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish that presents notes of dill and strawberry jam with light oak flavor. A savory Pinot Noir for the table.
84 points $19
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Date Tasted:
Connelly’s NV Strawberry Country Cream
83 points
$8.99
Connelly’s
NV Strawberry Country Cream
Creamy pink color. Aromas and flavors of strawberry soft serve ice cream, canned fruit punch, rainbow sherbet, and bubble gum with a satiny, soft, sweet light-to-medium body and a silky, relaxed finish evoking notes of marshmallows and ghee. A creamy, fruity novelty for your inner child.
83 points $8.99
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Date Tasted:
Rancho Coyote 2018 Luccas Vineyard Rosé Pinot Noir
82 points
$18
Rancho Coyote
2018 Lucca's Vineyard Rosé Pinot Noir
Khaki orange color. Aromas of dried rose hips and dried apricot with a satiny, crisp, dry light body and a seamless, relaxed chamomile and minerals finish. A dry and food-friendly rose for the table.
82 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Inkarri 2017 Estate Bottled Petit Verdot
81 points
$13.99
Inkarri
2017 Estate Bottled Petit Verdot
Black violet color. Aromas of blackberry, menthol, dark chocolate, banana bread, and rose hip with a slightly chewy, sharp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a warming, fast Warheads candy finish with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A zingy Petit Verdot for rich meals.
81 points $13.99
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Date Tasted:
Holly Hill Farms NV Eggnog
80 points
$6.99
Holly Hill Farms
NV Eggnog
Creamy marigold color. Aromas and flavors of cinnamon, egg custard, sour cream frosting, peach sherbet, and spice cake with a creamy, sweet medium body and a smooth, brisk finish. A toasty, fruity, spicy melange for dessert-topping.
80 points $6.99
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Date Tasted:
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