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Reviews for 2020

October 2020 - Stellar Cellar Selection

October 2020 - Stellar Cellar Selection
This month's Wine feature is Stellar Cellar Selection Wines

Stellar Cellar Selection Reviews

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PONO 2016 Mana Cabernet Sauvignon
93 points
$110
PONO
2016 Mana Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Aromas of ripe red apple, figs, dates, cocoa powder, polished oak, and warm cherry cobbler with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long black toast with orange marmalade and espresso bean finish with moderate oak flavor. A dry, spot-on Rutherford Cabernet with a long life ahead of it.
93 points $110
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Date Tasted:
Publix Premium 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$34
Publix Premium
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black violet color. Aromas and flavors of boysenberry jam, maple drizzled pancakes, pecan shortbread, apricot, and coconut with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a peppery, interesting, medium-long finish with notes of parsley with moderate oak flavor. A bold and bright Napa Cabernet that will benefit from a slumber in the cellar.
92 points $34
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Date Tasted:
Zonte’s Footstep 2018 Baron Von Nemesis Shiraz
92 points
$48
Zonte’s Footstep
2018 Baron Von Nemesis Shiraz
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of black plums, black cassis, pomegranate, green olive, grilled coffee-rubbed pork belly, and lemon zest with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a long finish. A velvet monster of a Shiraz that will appeal to lovers of brawny, voluptuous wines.
92 points $48
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Date Tasted:
Crane Family Vineyards 2015 Don Raffaele Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$65
Crane Family Vineyards
2015 Don Raffaele Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep purple color. Inviting aromas of plum preserves, berry custard, sassafras, spice cookies, and artisan cola with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and an effortless, complex, long pencil shavings, toasted challah, and cream puff finish with heavy oak flavor. A dreamy Napa Cabernet with creamy oak and sultry spiced fruit.
92 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Crane Family Vineyards 2015 Cavaliere Reserve Red Blend Napa Valley
92 points
$75
Crane Family Vineyards
2015 Cavaliere Reserve Red Blend Napa Valley
Ruby black color. Fruity aromas and flavors of stewed plums, root beer float, flourless chocolate cake, rich chocolate-covered caramels, hints of spearmint, and cassis preserves with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, long finish manifesting notes of bacon-wrapped dates with well-integrated tannins and heavy oak flavor. A decadent Napa Bordeaux Varietal Blend.
92 points $75
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Date Tasted:
Wakefield/Taylors 2016 The Pioneer Shiraz
92 points
$140
Wakefield/Taylors
2016 The Pioneer Shiraz
Black garnet color. Complex aromas of smoky pipe tobacco, plum dumplings, blueberry pie, black olive, vanilla bean, and gingersnap cookies with a slightly chewy, lively, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, distinctive, long pickled beets, dill, and dark chocolate finish with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bold, spice-laden Shiraz with a complex nose you can get lost in.
92 points $140
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Date Tasted:
E Cellars 2015 Cuvee Bennett Valley Red Blend Sonoma County
91 points
$24
E Cellars
2015 Cuvee Bennett Valley Red Blend Sonoma County
Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of ripe raspberries, milk chocolate ganache, sarsaparilla, and toasted pecans with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, appealing, medium-length finish with heavy oak flavor. A fruity, velvety, spicy Sonoma Red that delights.
91 points $24
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Date Tasted:
Jarvis 2016 Estate Tempranillo
91 points
$90
Jarvis
2016 Estate Tempranillo
Deep purple color. Aromas of ripe plum, wild strawberry, vanilla-scented tobacco, pine, and roasted coconut with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, subtle, long castelvetrano olives, raspberry jam, salted nuts, and chocolate wafer finish with heavy oak flavor. A concentrated and flashy Napa Tempranillo with generous oak.
91 points $90
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Date Tasted:
Sleeper 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$175
Sleeper
2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Inviting aromas of black plum, patent leather, dark chocolate ganache, roasted root vegetables, and clove with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, appealing, long hazelnut, black toast, and espresso finish with drying, firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A taut but expressive Cabernet Sauvignon best saved for a few years; expect this brooding Cabernet to come alive and be a centerpiece of a great meal in 3-10 years.
91 points $175
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Date Tasted:
Jarvis 2014 Lake William Red Blend Napa Valley
91 points
$230
Jarvis
2014 Lake William Red Blend Napa Valley
Ruby color. Aromas and flavors of dried cassis, braised meats, dried rose, green pepper, and cumin with a round, fruity medium-full body and an effortless, distinctive, long finish displaying notes of roasted coffee bean, dark chocolate, cinnamon-dusted toast, and roasted plums with chewy, well-integrated tannins and heavy oak flavor. A delicious, slightly savory Bordeaux varietal blend from Napa that delivers power and nuance.
91 points $230
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Date Tasted:
Paradise Ridge 2019 Grandview Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
90 points
$22
Paradise Ridge
2019 Grandview Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
Straw green color. Aromas of hints of gooseberry, key lime custard, golden apple, and pickled tomato with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, compelling, medium-long pineapple, quince, tangerine, and slate finish with no oak flavor. A lovely New World Sauvignon Blanc with great varietal character, mouthwatering minerality and instant appeal; purchase liberally.
90 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Ricossa 2015 Ca dei Mandorli Barbera
90 points
$34.99
Ricossa
2015 Ca' dei Mandorli Barbera
Black violet color. Aromas and flavors of prune, black cassis, dark chocolate biscuit, vanilla bean, and spiced tea with cream with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a sleek, appealing, medium-length finish with notes of balsamic reduction and fig with moderate oak flavor. A bold, very fruity Barbera that will be a great pizza pairing
90 points $34.99
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Date Tasted:
Sleeper 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
90 points
$45
Sleeper
2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Silvery straw color. Inviting aromas and flavors of ripe gooseberry, juicy peach, pear, lime rinds, and thyme with a satiny, lively, dryish medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-long finish with notes of pico de gallo with no oak flavor. Big varietal character dominates this Sauvignon Blanc that is sure to please lovers of the grape.
90 points $45
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Date Tasted:
PONO 2016 Hapa Red Blend Napa Valley
90 points
$80
PONO
2016 Hapa Red Blend Napa Valley
Black violet color. Aromas of stewed plums, vanilla bean, pencil shavings, and hints of sun dried tomato with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, interesting, medium-long honeyed figs, chocolate wafer, spice rub, and licorice finish with heavy oak flavor. A solid Napa Bordeaux Varietal blend that hits all the notes.
90 points $80
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Date Tasted:
Jaraman 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
89 points
$22
Jaraman
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Herbal aromas and flavors of blueberry preserves, eucalyptus lozenge, chocolate mousse, mole-covered poblano peppers, and violet with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-length finish manifesting accents of ginger and peppercorns with moderate oak flavor. A fresh, herbaceous Cab with a youthful appeal.
89 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Jaraman 2018 Grenache
89 points
$22
Jaraman
2018 Grenache
Dark dusty ruby color. Aromas of bing cherry yogurt, compressed watermelon, mulled pomegranate juice, peppermint, and carob with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, captivating, medium-long milk chocolate, candied strawberry, and black licorice finish with light oak flavor. A balanced and pleasing Grenache to pair with herbed pork or pesto.
89 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Jaraman 2018 Pinot Noir
89 points
$22
Jaraman
2018 Pinot Noir
Garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cinnamon candies, dried cherries, spearmint, cacao bean, honey-eucalyptus tea, and foraged mushrooms with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an even, compelling, medium-length finish manifesting notes of fennel seed and flamed orange with light oak flavor. A very food-friendly Australian Pinot Noir with balanced and pleasing herbal character.
89 points $22
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Date Tasted:
Château Guillaume Blanc 2018 1562 Bordeaux Supèrieur
89 points
$29.99
Château Guillaume Blanc
2018 1562 Bordeaux Supèrieur
Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate gelato, black cassis jam, chocolate-covered raisins, green peppercorns, and cured meats with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry medium-full body and a crisp finish with moderate oak flavor. A simple, sturdy red that will stand up well to beef.
89 points $29.99
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Date Tasted:
Williamsburg Winery 2017 Trianon Cabernet Franc
89 points
$40
Williamsburg Winery
2017 Trianon Cabernet Franc
Deep purple color. Earthy aromas and flavors of caramel-drizzled smoked cherries, blackberry preserves, cocoa powder, caramelized eggplant, raisins, pine nuts, and hint of barnyard with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, complex, medium-long finish that shows nuances of crystalized ginger with moderate oak flavor. A savory, rustic Cabernet Franc that sings; a delight from Virginia.
89 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Williamsburg Winery 2017 Reserve Petit Verdot
89 points
$49
Williamsburg Winery
2017 Reserve Petit Verdot
Indigo color. Funky, rustic aromas and flavors of plum butter, spice cookies, berry kombucha, and coconut cream with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long finish that shows overtones of tomato leaf with chewy tannins and light oak flavor. A funky Virginia Petit Verdot with Old World vibes.
89 points $49
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Date Tasted:
Wakefield/Taylors 2016 The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon
89 points
$140
Wakefield/Taylors
2016 The Visionary Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Mature aromas of dried leaves, dates, prunes, stewed tomatoes, cornichons, peppercorns, and star anise with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, complex, medium-length grilled bread finish with moderate oak flavor. A mature, high-octane Cabernet with lots of spicy character.
89 points $140
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Date Tasted:
Wakefield/Taylors 2018 St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$50
Wakefield/Taylors
2018 St. Andrews Cabernet Sauvignon
Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of cinnamon tea, spiced plums, dried orange, black cassis tart, and spearmint with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, medium-length finish with suggestions of raisin bread pudding with medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A solid Aussie Cabernet that will pair effortlessly.
88 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Bodegas Alto Moncayo 2017 Veraton Grenache
87 points
$24.99
Bodegas Alto Moncayo
2017 Veraton Grenache
Black ruby color. Fruity aromas and flavors of raspberry cake, pickled berry, berry pavlova, and white chocolate ganache with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and an even, medium-length finish with suggestions of vanilla pudding with moderate oak flavor. A fruit-forward, vanilla-laden Grenache that will be a real crowd pleaser.
87 points $24.99
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Date Tasted:
Château Guillaume Blanc 2014 La Réserve Merlot
87 points
$29.99
Château Guillaume Blanc
2014 La Réserve Merlot
Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of dark chocolate, carob, black tea, black pepper, dried berries, and bell pepper with a chewy, vibrant, dry medium-full body and a warming, breezy finish imparting impressions of tart cherry and graphite with moderate oak flavor. A sturdy weeknight red for rich meals.
87 points $29.99
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Date Tasted:
Blacklist 2018 Red Blend Lodi
87 points
$39
Blacklist
2018 Red Blend Lodi
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of plum cobbler, paprika, mint, and honey with a chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, refreshing, medium-long finish with impressions of toffee and shortbread with berry sauce with grippy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A grippy, food-friendly Red Blend with sturdy style.
87 points $39
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Date Tasted:
Wakefield/Taylors 2018 St. Andrews Shiraz
87 points
$50
Wakefield/Taylors
2018 St. Andrews Shiraz
Black violet color. Inviting aromas of juicy plums, caramel latte, ripe red apples, and lily with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry medium-full body and a warming, medium-long char roasted nuts, black cherries, and licorice finish with drying tannins and moderate oak flavor. A solid Shiraz for the meat-lover’s table.
87 points $50
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Date Tasted:
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