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New Release Wine
Reviews for 2020

June 2020 - New Release Wine

June 2020 - New Release Wine
This month's Wine feature is New Release Wines

New Release Wine Reviews

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Sixteen Appellations 2016 Red Blend Napa Valley
93 points
$75
Sixteen Appellations
2016 Red Blend Napa Valley
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of dried figs and dates, cinnamon, spring blossoms, cocoa powder, leather, and sun dried tomato with a satiny, vibrant, petillant, dryish medium-to-full body and a warming, intriguing, medium-length finish manifesting notes of peppered nuts with moderate oak flavor. An Old World-styled Bordeaux Varietal blend from Napa that will be a charmer at the table.
93 points $75
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Date Tasted:
Hall Ranch 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$20
Best Buy
Hall Ranch
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of mocha, brandied cherries, hints of peppermint, and toffee with a slightly chewy, lively, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long finish with overtones of cinnamon fritter, berry crumble bar, hint of licorice, and black tea with heavy oak flavor. A very oaky and desirable Cabernet Sauvignon that will delight fans of the style.
92 points $20 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Paradise Ridge 2012 Love Late Disgorge Blanc de Blanc Russian River Valley
92 points
$52
Paradise Ridge
2012 Love Late Disgorge Blanc de Blanc Russian River Valley
Yellow straw color. Aromas of green apple, artisan pastry crust, and creamy caramel with a satiny, vibrant, finely carbonated, dryish light-to-medium body and a graceful, delightful, medium-length lime zest and juice, buttered toast, and limestone finish. A bright, citrusy Blancs de Blancs that opens the palate with remarkable freshness for its maturity.
92 points $52
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Date Tasted:
Francois de la Roche 2019 La Coulée Sauvignon Blanc
91 points
Francois de la Roche
2019 La Coulée Sauvignon Blanc
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of fresh parsley, white peach, and honey roasted citrus with a satiny, crisp, dryish full body and a smooth, crisp finish with accents of white pepper and lemon strudel. A crisp and clean Sauvignon Blanc that will be a delight at the table.
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Kenwood 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$15
Best Buy
Kenwood
2016 Cabernet Sauvignon
Garnet black color. Inviting aromas of cassis pie, graphite, sassafras, cherry coulis, and black tea with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an interesting, medium-long chocolate galette, anise, and honeyed toast finish with moderate oak flavor. A desirable Cabernet that offers something for everyone; easy to love.
91 points $15 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Phantom 2018 Chardonnay
91 points
$20
Phantom
2018 Chardonnay
Golden straw color. Aromas of toasted Parker dinner rolls, bruleed lime, melted butter, and custard with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, complex, medium-long pineapple cake, meyer lemon, and bananas foster finish with moderate oak flavor. A juicy Chardonnay that hits the nail on the head.
91 points $20
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Date Tasted:
Francois de la Roche 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
90 points
Francois de la Roche
2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Yellow straw color. Aromas of white asparagus, white peach, and baked heirloom apples with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a sleek, engaging, medium-long lime spritz, hearts of palm, and minerals finish. A bright and appetizing Touraine Sauvignon Blanc with great depth and roundness.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Adventure Series 2018 Chianti DOCG
90 points
$4.99
Best Buy
Adventure Series
2018 Chianti DOCG
Light garnet color. Aromas of cherry-vanilla almond bark, cedar shavings, rose tea, and clay with a chewy, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length candied orange peel and cranberry-ginger granola finish with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A juicy, spicy Chianti that checks all the boxes; will pair effortlessly.
90 points $4.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Aldi NV Orange Mimosa American
90 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Aldi
NV Orange Mimosa American
Bright golden yellow color. Aromas and flavors of orange zest and orange custard-style yogurt with a satiny, vibrant, spritzy, off-dry light-to-medium body and an even, medium-length finish with accents of tangy orange sorbet. A balanced and flavorful Mimosa that offers a delicious brunch time treat in a convenient package.
90 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Art of Earth 2019 Qualitätswein Riesling
90 points
$11.99
Best Buy
Art of Earth
2019 Qualitätswein Riesling
Yellow straw color. Aromas of peach pie, buttercream, honey cake, and lemon yogurt with a velvety, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a seamless, medium-length key lime, orange peel, nectarine, and poached green apple finish with no oak flavor. A delightful Riesling with a true sense of place.
90 points $11.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Hall Ranch 2018 Estate Zinfandel
90 points
$20
Best Buy
Hall Ranch
2018 Estate Zinfandel
Light garnet color. Aromas and flavors of wild raspberry, cola, toffee, and tonka bean with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, interesting, medium-length finish with touches of caramel latte with light oak flavor. A wonderfully juicy and appetizing Zinfandel that is sure to please.
90 points $20 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2018 Estate Syrah
90 points
$24
Alexander Valley Vineyards
2018 Estate Syrah
Violet color. Aromas of black peppercorn on melon rind, raspberry jam, lardons, vanilla bean, and cigar wrapper with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, compelling, medium-long watermelon, pomegranate, and toast finish with moderate oak flavor. A high-acid, toasty Syrah that will pair like a dream with lamb; drink now or cellar.
90 points $24
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Date Tasted:
Bernador NV Vinho Verde DOC
89 points
$4.99
Best Buy
Bernador
NV Vinho Verde DOC
Emerald straw color. Aromas of tropical fruit, sweet pear, and hay with a satiny, crisp, spritzy, dryish light body and a seamless, easy hints-of-mango, wheat grass, and passion fruit finish. A refreshing and layered Vinho Verde with nicely restrained acidity.
89 points $4.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Exquisite Collection 2019 Trio Blanc
88 points
$7.99
Best Buy
Exquisite Collection
2019 Trio Blanc
Straw color. Aromas of honeycomb, almond tart, and grilled citrus with a satiny, crisp, dryish light body and a silky, charming, medium-length gem lettuces, lime curd, and creme fraiche finish with no oak flavor. A rock solid white with a juicy sensibility.
88 points $7.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Paradise Ridge 2015 The Convict Zinfandel
88 points
$48
Paradise Ridge
2015 The Convict Zinfandel
Brick red color. Aromas and flavors of roasted strawberry, roasted sweet potato, cream pie, and praline with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry light-to-medium body and a warming, quick finish with shades of cranberry sauce with medium tannins. An absolute pleasure of a zinfandel.
88 points $48
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Date Tasted:
Terroir 2018 Terroir Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$48
Terroir
2018 Terroir Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of ripe black cassis, licorice, green peppercorn, and cologne with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and a captivating, medium-long finish with nuances of cigar wrapper with medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bright and youthful Cabernet Sauvignon that’s ready to drink.
88 points $48
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Date Tasted:
ESPRITZA NV Bubbly White Wine
87 points
$4.99
Best Buy
ESPRITZA
NV Bubbly White Wine
Silvery emerald straw color. Fruity aromas of candied pear, almond cakes, lemon blossom, and kiwi with a satiny, vibrant, spritzy, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, breezy pineapple sorbet and green apple finish with no oak flavor. A fruity, Prosecco-like sparkler that’s sure to please.
87 points $4.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
African Rock 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage Western Cape
87 points
$5.99
Best Buy
African Rock
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Pinotage Western Cape
Indigo color. Aromas and flavors of tar pit, blistered blackberries, dill, hibiscus, and black pepper with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium body and a peppery, interesting, medium-length finish with elements of beef jerky, tomato chutney, and mulberry. A bold, smoky red that will triumph with grilled game.
87 points $5.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Aldi NV Pineapple Mimosa American
87 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Aldi
NV Pineapple Mimosa American
Bright golden yellow color. Aromas and flavors of pineapple, roasted mango, papaya, orange yogurt, and citrus sponge cake with a satiny, crisp, spritzy, fruity sweet light-to-medium body and a smooth, engaging, medium-length finish revealing shades of tangy orange punch. A fun, fruity, tropical wine cocktail.
87 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Art of Earth 2019 Pinot Grigio
87 points
$11.99
Best Buy
Art of Earth
2019 Pinot Grigio
Straw color. Aromas of roasted almond, baked pear, honey, and quince with a satiny, crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length sea spray, wet stone, ginger, and baked pineapple finish with no oak flavor. A dry and mineral-forward Pinot Grigio.
87 points $11.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2019 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese Sonoma County
87 points
$16
Alexander Valley Vineyards
2019 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese Sonoma County
Steely pink color. Aromas and flavors of watermelon rind, honey-drizzled strawberries, grilled oranges, sweet pea blossom, and cream with a round, vibrant, dryish light-to-medium body and a seamless, medium-long finish with no oak flavor. A pure, nicely restrained Rosé that offers simple summer pleasure.
87 points $16
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Date Tasted:
Alexander Valley Vineyards 2018 Homestead Red Blend Alexander Valley
87 points
$23
Alexander Valley Vineyards
2018 Homestead Red Blend Alexander Valley
Garnet color. Aromas of roasted walnut and raspberry confection with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-length blackberry pie, red licorice, black tea, and molten chocolate cake finish. A widely-appealing, juicy red; a great stand-alone sipper or perfect pairing for summer barbecue.
87 points $23
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Date Tasted:
Paradise Ridge 2015 Merlot
87 points
$38
Paradise Ridge
2015 Merlot
Dusty violet color. Aromas of plum pie, raspberry jam and chocolate biscuit with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, charming, medium-length sweet gum tree, pomegranate, citrus spritz, and black pepper finish with medium tannins. A punchy, fruity Merlot that’s easy to pair.
87 points $38
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Date Tasted:
ESPRITZA NV Bubbly Rosé Wine
86 points
$4.99
Best Buy
ESPRITZA
NV Bubbly Rosé Wine
Steely pink color. Aromas of apple cake, honey-nut Cheerios, and cray pas with a supple, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a tingling, medium strawberry puree and apple sauce finish. A cider-like wine for carefree sipping; serve ice cold.
86 points $4.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
African Rock 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
86 points
$5.99
Best Buy
African Rock
2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Straw green color. Aromas of jicama in mango vinaigrette and dill with a supple, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light body and an even, compelling, medium-length water chestnut, lime-spritzed papaya, fresh cut grass, and meyer lemon finish. A tart, earthy Sauvignon Blanc for the table.
86 points $5.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Petit Coconut NV
86 points
$7.99
Best Buy
Petit Coconut
NV
Opaque creamy ivory color. Aromas of coconut cream and white chocolate cookie with a creamy, vibrant, sweet light-to-medium body and a warming, breezy buttermilk pie, coconut macaroon, vanilla yogurt, and white pepper finish. A fruity, tangy, creamy treat.
86 points $7.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Fruity Haze NV Blackberry Merlot
85 points
$3.99
Best Buy
Fruity Haze
NV Blackberry Merlot
Light ruby color. Aromas of cranberry and black cherry Jell-O with a satiny, crisp, spritzy, sweet light body and a silky, breezy hints of sweet cinnamon and cran-raspberry juice finish with no oak flavor. A berry-flavored spritzer that offers bubbly fun in a glass.
85 points $3.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Fruity Haze NV Raspberry Zinfandel Rosé
85 points
$3.99
Best Buy
Fruity Haze
NV Raspberry Zinfandel Rosé
Pale light siam color. Aromas of strawberry glaze, hints of eucalyptus, and blood orange with a supple, crisp, sweet light-to-medium body and a smooth, crisp cherry jam and orange juice finish with no oak flavor. A juicy-sweet quaffer for your inner child.
85 points $3.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Raw Bar 2019 Vinho Verde
85 points
$10
Raw Bar
2019 Vinho Verde
Emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of cream, dried lemon, and chalk with a supple, vibrant, spritzy, dryish light body and a silky, cheery finish conveying nuances of green papaya and mango. A crisp, refreshing Vinho Verde for casual sipping.
85 points $10
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Date Tasted:
Art of Earth NV Bubbly Sangria
85 points
$11.99
Art of Earth
NV Bubbly Sangria
Bright ruby color. Aromas and flavors of fruit punch, lime sherbet, sour citrus candies, and lemon verbena with a satiny, lively, effervescent, very sweet medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-length finish that shows accents of coconut cream pie and toffee with no oak flavor. A crisp and soda-like bubbly sangria for outdoor festivities.
85 points $11.99
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Date Tasted:
Chateau Frey 2018 Organic Pinot Gris
85 points
$18
Chateau Frey
2018 Organic Pinot Gris
Straw green color. Aromas and flavors of fallen lemon, cream, and nectarines with a supple, bright, petillant, dryish light body and a polished, rapid finish with accents of almond skins, slate, and banana chips. A crisp and curiously toasty Pinot Gris that will open the palate.
85 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Hall Ranch 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
85 points
$18
Hall Ranch
2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Straw green color. Aromas and flavors of honey, white blossoms, and pears in cream with a satiny, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish conveying accents of white grapefruit with no oak flavor. A concentrated yet restrained Sauvignon Blanc.
85 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Bogle 2017 Pinot Noir
84 points
$12
Bogle
2017 Pinot Noir
Dark ruby color. Aromas of fruit punch, chocolate cake, and cherries in syrup with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, relaxed toffee and roasted nuts finish with moderate oak flavor. A toasty, friendly Pinot Noir with big notes of cherry and chocolate.
84 points $12
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Date Tasted:
Lawer Estates 2019 Rosé Pinot Noir
84 points
$22
Lawer Estates
2019 Rosé Pinot Noir
Silvery amber color. Aromas of underripe cherry, cream, and lemon spritz with a satiny, crisp, dryish light body and a silky, fast peach granola and iron finish. A understated Rosé that will shine with food.
84 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Lawer Estates 2019 Rosé Syrah
83 points
$25
Lawer Estates
2019 Rosé Syrah
Silvery pink color. Aromas of paper mâche, dried flowers, and hint of fig bar with a soft, bright, dry light body and a seamless, momentary cream and hint of strawberry finish with no oak flavor. An earthy Rosé for the table.
83 points $25
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Date Tasted:
Rosé-Vous? 2019 Pays dOc IGP
81 points
$4.99
Rosé-Vous?
2019 Pays d'Oc IGP
Silvery amber color. Aromas of watermelon candies, parchment, and cream of wheat with a lightly tannic, soft, dry light body and a sleek, fleeting sour lemon candies and mossy earth finish. A simple Rosé quaffer to serve ice cold.
81 points $4.99
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Date Tasted:
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