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US Rhone Varietals
Reviews for 2020

June 2020 - US Rhone Varietals

June 2020 - US Rhone Varietals
This month's Wine feature is US Rhone Varietals Wines

US Rhone Varietals Reviews

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Crux Winery 2016 Grenache
93 points
$45
Crux Winery
2016 Grenache
Ruby black color. Inviting aromas and flavors of chocolate ganache, ripe berries, crystalized violet petals, eucalyptus, and creme de menthe with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, distinctive, long finish revealing suggestions of tobacco, blueberry, and lavender with moderate oak flavor. A concentrated Grenache that explodes with ripe fruit, bright florals and alluring herbaceousness; a must try.
93 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Crux Winery 2016 GSM Red Wine Russian River Valley
93 points
$45
Crux Winery
2016 GSM Red Wine Russian River Valley
Dusty deep purple color. Aromas of ripe strawberry, ripe tomato, basil, and kid leather with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, complex, medium-long plum tart with balsamic reduction, bay leaf, chocolate mousse, and coffee finish with moderate oak flavor. A mature wine that offers distinctive alluring aromas and highly pairable flavors.
93 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Jacob Franklin 2015 Leeds and Pesch Vineyard Petite Sirah
93 points
$45
Jacob Franklin
2015 Leeds and Pesch Vineyard Petite Sirah
Black ruby color. Complex aromas and flavors of spiced orange tea, grilled ginger, sandalwood, peppermint, blackberry yogurt, and cola with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, complex, long finish with notes of graham cracker crust with moderate oak flavor. A spicy, fruit-forward Petite Sirah that’s complex and lengthy; drink this stylish wine now or cellar.
93 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Jacob Franklin 2017 Frediani Vineyard Petite Sirah
93 points
$50
Jacob Franklin
2017 Frediani Vineyard Petite Sirah
Nearly opaque black violet color. Aromas and flavors of tobacco, dark chocolate, spiced walnuts, birch, and black tea with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a smooth, intricate, long finish displaying overtones of rosewood and cherry cola. A bold and unique Petite Sirah with distinctive oak notes that captivate.
93 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Crux Winery 2015 Petite Sirah
92 points
$45
Crux Winery
2015 Petite Sirah
Black garnet color. Aromas of plum pudding with balsamic reduction, roasted strawberries, toasted cinnamon stick, and cacao nibs with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dryish full body and a long heirloom grape jelly, cracked peppercorns, sun dried tomato, and molasses finish. A peppery, spicy Petite Sirah that will pair with all manner of grilled fare; balanced, complex and highly satisfying.
92 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Jacob Franklin 2016 Leeds and Pesch Vineyard Petite Sirah
92 points
$45
Jacob Franklin
2016 Leeds and Pesch Vineyard Petite Sirah
Black violet color. Aromas of pomegranate, rose hips, and milk chocolate with a chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, complex, long candied nuts and orange peel, coconut macaroon, dried cranberry, spice cake, apricot chutney, and tobacco finish. A decadent and luxurious Petite Sirah with craveable notes of fruit, spice, and toasty tobacco.
92 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Jacob Franklin 2014 Hayne Vineyard Petite Sirah
92 points
$50
Jacob Franklin
2014 Hayne Vineyard Petite Sirah
Black violet color. Spicy aromas and flavors of cinnamon, licorice, salumi, saffron, and rose petal with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a peppery, epic, very long finish that presents notes of pomegranate, chocolate, fig vinaigrette, cumin, and pepper with moderate oak flavor. A one-of-a-kind Napa Valley Petite Sirah with distinctive spice flavors that will become the centerpiece of the meal.
92 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Wildwood Oak Winery 2017 Abba Vineyard "Mamma Mia" Syrah
91 points
$37.50
Wildwood Oak Winery
2017 Abba Vineyard "Mamma Mia" Syrah
Deep purple color. Aromas of cookie dough, baked plums, buttery cobbler topping, and mocha with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, appealing, long chocolate buttercream and sarsaparilla finish with heavy oak flavor. A rich Syrah laden with chewy notes of baking spice and fresh baked cookies; a decadent sipper and pairing.
91 points $37.50
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Date Tasted:
Crux Winery 2017 Caties Corner Vineyard Grenache Blanc Russian River Valley
90 points
$30
Crux Winery
2017 Catie's Corner Vineyard Grenache Blanc Russian River Valley
Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of white peach, magnolia, flint, and underripe pear with a satiny, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long finish revealing suggestions of fresh citrus zest and balsam. A full-bodied, vibrant Rhone Varietal Blend that will pair effortlessly.
90 points $30
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Date Tasted:
City Winery 2017 Alder Springs Vineyard Reserve Syrah
90 points
$38
City Winery
2017 Alder Springs Vineyard Reserve Syrah
Dark violet color. Aromas of figs, raspberry, dates, and earth with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length chocolate, raspberry pie, lemon custard, and oak finish. A silky, juicy Syrah for grilled fare.
90 points $38
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Date Tasted:
Crux Winery 2016 Syrah
90 points
$40
Crux Winery
2016 Syrah
Black violet color. Aromas and flavors of dried plum, cinnamon, chocolate ganache, creme brulee, and lilac with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, complex, very long finish revealing notes of red peppercorns, pomegranate, tamarind chutney, and star anise with moderate oak flavor. A rich, brooding Syrah with fleshy-fruity dreamy oak and fine balance; elegant and with wow-factor.
90 points $40
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Date Tasted:
City Winery 2017 Alder Springs Vineyard Au Naturel Syrah
89 points
$32
City Winery
2017 Alder Springs Vineyard Au Naturel Syrah
Black violet color. Attractive aromas of juicy raspberries, spice rub, and violet with a round, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a seamless, subtle, long vanilla bean-plum kombucha, leather, berry cobbler a la mode, and clove finish with moderate oak flavor. A bold and spicy Syrah with alluring fruit.
89 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Line 39 2018 Petite Sirah
88 points
$10
Best Buy
Line 39
2018 Petite Sirah
Black violet color. Aromas of cinnamon-flecked dark chocolate, dried cranberry, tangerine, oak, and purple flowers with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity medium body and a sleek, engaging, medium-length toffee and dried blueberries finish. A balanced and interesting Petite Sirah for bold wine lovers; great with meaty dishes.
88 points $10 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Concannon Vineyard 2017 Petite Sirah
88 points
$16.99
Concannon Vineyard
2017 Petite Sirah
Black ruby color. Aromas of black pepper, blueberry jam, and hints of candied ginger with a round, lively, dryish full body and a warming, delightful, medium-long cranberry, creme brulee, violet candy, and peppers finish with moderate oak flavor. A juicy, fruit-forward Petite Sirah to elevate the meal.
88 points $16.99
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Date Tasted:
Crux Winery 2017 Viognier
88 points
$30
Crux Winery
2017 Viognier
Golden yellow color. Floral aromas and flavors of white flowers, peach, ripe melon, baklava, and sultana with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, delightful, medium-long finish that presents overtones of apricot essence and grapefruit pith. A floral and outgoing white that will be lovely with grilled seafood and Spanish cuisine.
88 points $30
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Date Tasted:
Cloud Break 2018 Barrel Reserve Petite Sirah
87 points
$9
Best Buy
Cloud Break
2018 Barrel Reserve Petite Sirah
Deep purple color. Aromas of candied bacon and mixed berry jelly with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, relaxed oak chips, cigarillo, and milk chocolate finish with moderate oak flavor. A solid welcome to Petite Sirah with dark fruit and powerful tannins.
87 points $9 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Wildwood Oak Winery 2018 Abba Vineyard "Rowan Down the River" Grenache
86 points
$35
Wildwood Oak Winery
2018 Abba Vineyard "Rowan Down the River" Grenache
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of stewed fruit, black licorice, rhubarb, toasted panettone, and mulling spices with a crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a peppery, medium-length finish that exhibits accents of milk chocolate, orange peel, cherry yogurt, and pink peppercorns with moderate oak flavor. A dense Grenache with roasted fruit notes; pair with roasts and game.
86 points $35
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Date Tasted:
Barefoot NV Shiraz
84 points
$6.99
Barefoot
NV Shiraz
Deep purple color. Aromas of cranberry tart, gingerbread, and wood chips with a chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length chocolate soft serve, butterscotch, and black pepper finish with moderate oak flavor. A bold and chewy American Shiraz for a weeknight roast.
84 points $6.99
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Date Tasted:
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