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New Release Wine
Reviews for 2020

November 2020 - New Release Wine

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

New Release Wine Reviews

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Monte De Oro 2016 Unique Elements Red Blend Temecula Valley
92 points
$32
Monte De Oro
2016 Unique Elements Red Blend Temecula Valley
Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of ripe strawberries, seville orange, honey, basil, caramelized mushrooms, and black pepper with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long finish with light oak flavor. An almost off-dry red packed with yummy hot-climate flavors; skillfully blended.
92 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Maroon Wines 2015 Reserve Zinfandel
92 points
$60
Maroon Wines
2015 Reserve Zinfandel
Dusty garnet color. Complex aromas and flavors of cinnamon, dried rose, espresso bean, dark chocolate, and hints of spearmint with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium body and a peppery, interesting, medium-long finish that presents suggestions of red peppercorns, hints of coconut cream, almonds, candied fennel seed, and dried herbs with well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A distinctive Zinfandel with just-baked fruit character.
92 points $60
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Date Tasted:
Denada 2018 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$14
Best Buy
Denada
2018 Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of black cassis, blueberry preserves, chocolate-covered raspberry, pencil shavings, and carob with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long finish with impressions of caper berries and baking spices with crunchy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A pleasing, concentrated Cabernet.
91 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2018 Diablo Single Vineyard Petite Sirah
91 points
$32
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2018 Diablo Single Vineyard Petite Sirah
Dark black violet color. Aromas and flavors of blueberry pie, plum tart, melon sorbet, hints of fruity olives, and mint with a tannic, vibrant, dryish full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long finish with notes of thyme with firm tannins and light oak flavor. A bold, fruity and intriguing Petite Sirah with aging potential.
91 points $32
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2018 Redtail Single Vineyard Nero dAvola
91 points
$32
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2018 Redtail Single Vineyard Nero dAvola
Dark violet color. Aromas of red licorice, wild strawberry, and incense with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a hot, nuanced, medium-long dark chocolate, chestnuts, cedar, allspice, and brandy finish with medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bold red with charming aromatics; this one will play well with thoughtfully paired meals.
91 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Monte De Oro 2017 Vigna Vicini Red Blend Temecula Valley
91 points
$38
Monte De Oro
2017 Vigna Vicini Red Blend Temecula Valley
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cinnamon-spiced toast, black licorice, blackberries, rose, and cherries with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium body and a peppery, appealing, medium-long finish revealing suggestions of white pepper and ginger with firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A juicy, spicy, peppery Red Blend that’s a great match to a charcuterie plate.
91 points $38
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Date Tasted:
McIlroy 2019 Bembey Vineyard Pinot Noir
91 points
$40
McIlroy
2019 Bembey Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dark ruby color. Aromas of cherry, blackberry, cola, and sarsaparilla with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a graceful, captivating, medium-long vanilla gelato, rhubarb custard and graham cracker finish with moderate oak flavor. Vivid fruit and creamy oak shine in this wide-appealing RRV Pinot Noir.
91 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Stephen Vincent 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$23
Stephen Vincent
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Inviting aromas and flavors of mocha latte, cranberry sauce, salted caramel, dried herbs, violet, and leather with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, subtle, long finish with notes of hazelnut creme, candied ginger, suede, and ganache with firm tannins and heavy oak flavor. A spot-on sexy Napa Cabernet that will evolve with time; decant or cellar.
90 points $23
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Date Tasted:
Kenwood 2019 Rugged Elements Andrews Vineyard Chardonnay
90 points
$38
Kenwood
2019 Rugged Elements Andrew's Vineyard Chardonnay
Yellow straw color. Oaky aromas and flavors of caramel, apple fritters, brioche with pineapple preserves, cardamom, and white mocha latte with a velvety, vibrant, fruity medium body and an effortless, complex, medium-long finish with well-integrated, coating tannins and heavy oak flavor. A sultry, oaky Chardonnay with layers and layers of flavor.
90 points $38
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Date Tasted:
Kenwood 2019 Rugged Elements Stone Ranch Petite Sirah
90 points
$38
Kenwood
2019 Rugged Elements Stone Ranch Petite Sirah
Black violet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of crushed blackberries, white pepper, fresh baguette, chocolate, licorice, and orange liqueur with a lightly tannic, crisp, dry-yet-fruity full body and a polished, interesting, medium-length finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A bold, inky Petite Sirah for robust pairings.
90 points $38
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Date Tasted:
McIlroy 2018 Chock Rock Vineyard Pinot Noir
90 points
$40
McIlroy
2018 Chock Rock Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of cherry confection, herbal tea, tonka bean, violet, and milk chocolate with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long finish with accents of spice cake and buttercream with a suggestion of oak flavor. A spicy, palate-pleasing Pinot Noir with silky texture and great table presence.
90 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Kenwood 2017 Rugged Elements Bavarian Lion Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$50
Kenwood
2017 Rugged Elements Bavarian Lion Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry tart, spiced cassis preserves, strong old fashioned coffee, and bell pepper with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry medium-full body and a warming, amusing, medium-long finish with elements of carob, black tea, and peppered nuts with light oak flavor. A bold, dry and restrained Cabernet that will play well with food; decant.
90 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Contempo 2019 Barbera
87 points
$9.99
Best Buy
Contempo
2019 Barbera
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cherry, compressed watermelon, blackberry custard, hints of rose, carob, and earth with a vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, engaging, medium-length finish that presents accents of bay leaf with a suggestion of oak flavor. A rock solid Barbera with a nice blend fruity and earthy notes.
87 points $9.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
The Abarbanel 2019 Les Chemins de Favarelle Chardonnay
87 points
$14
Best Buy
The Abarbanel
2019 Les Chemins de Favarelle Chardonnay
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of soft apple, apricot, fondant, hints of popcorn, and praline with a satiny, bright, light body and a smooth, compelling, medium-length finish with shades of puff pastry with moderate oak flavor. An oaky but restrained Chardonnay that will pair well with fish.
87 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Les Dauphins 2018 Côtes du Rhône Rouge
87 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Les Dauphins
2018 Côtes du Rhône Rouge
Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of strawberry pie, bright cherry, hints of tonka bean, licorice, and suede with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry medium body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-length finish with suggestions of dried cranberry and herbal tea with light oak flavor. Decant or cellar this rock solid Cotes du Rhone to unveil further complexity.
87 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$15
Best Buy
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of blistered cherries, pencil shavings, sarsaparilla, blueberry handpie, and incense with a chewy, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a carefree finish that shows accents of cedar shavings with woody tannins and heavy oak flavor. A chewy, oaky Cabernet for weeknight beef.
87 points $15 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2019 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
87 points
$15
Best Buy
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2019 Estate Sauvignon Blanc
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of dried pear and lavender with a supple, crisp, dry light body and a polished, fast finish that shows impressions of lime and minerals with no oak flavor. A crisp, dry quaffer for anytime sipping.
87 points $15 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2017 Thirty Eight Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$32
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2017 Thirty Eight Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of red plum, cedar, earth, black licorice, and coriander seed with a slightly chewy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish conveying shades of spice cake with coarse tannins and moderate oak flavor. A woody, chewy Cab with plenty of yummy spice notes.
87 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Monte De Oro 2016 Estate Grown Tempranillo
87 points
$32
Monte De Oro
2016 Estate Grown Tempranillo
Dusty dark ruby color. Aromas and flavors of spiced plum, castelvetrano olives, and orange zest with a silky, crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, medium-length finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A solid domestic Tempranillo that will play well with Mediterranean fare.
87 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Sand Point Family Vineyards 2018 Pinot Noir
86 points
$12
Best Buy
Sand Point Family Vineyards
2018 Pinot Noir
Light garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cherry lozenge, spiced plum, smoked mushrooms, sesame, and chocolate with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a polished, medium-length finish with moderate oak flavor. A simple Pinot Noir with wide appeal.
86 points $12 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Caricature 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel
86 points
$15
Best Buy
Caricature
2018 Old Vine Zinfandel
Deep purple color. Woody aromas and flavors of raspberry jam on graham cracker, scented tobacco, cedar shavings, and leather with a slightly chewy, vibrant, medium body and a warming, medium finish evoking elements of sugared plum tart. A chewy, oaky, juicy Zin for anytime sipping.
86 points $15 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
ONE LEAF 2018 Shiraz
85 points
$9.99
ONE LEAF
2018 Shiraz
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry tisane, bay leaf, peppercorns, and clove with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium body and a warming, medium-length finish with moderate oak flavor. A simple but juicy California Shiraz for weeknight sipping.
85 points $9.99
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Date Tasted:
ONE LEAF 2019 Malbec
85 points
$9.99
ONE LEAF
2019 Malbec
Deep purple color. Fruity aromas and flavors of blackberry coulis, sweet tea, pomegranate, and kirsch with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, medium-length finish with notes of charcoal with moderate oak flavor. A berry-packed juicy Malbec that will hit the spot.
85 points $9.99
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2019 Estate White Moscato
85 points
$15
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2019 Estate White Moscato
Straw green color. Aromas and flavors of pear, lime, gooseberry, passion fruit, and honey with a satiny, crisp, petillant, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a tingling, engaging, medium-length finish with chalky tannins and no oak flavor. A bright, somewhat serious Moscato to pair with delicate desserts.
85 points $15
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2018 Pinot Noir
85 points
$20
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2018 Pinot Noir
Pale dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of plum preserves, cranberry sauce, and incense with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a sleek, brisk finish with nuances of hints of chocolate and anise with light oak flavor. An easy Pinot Noir quaffer for weeknight sipping.
85 points $20
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Date Tasted:
ONE LEAF 2018 Chardonnay
84 points
$9.99
ONE LEAF
2018 Chardonnay
Straw color. Unusual aromas of golden apple, cinnamon candy, and herbal essence with a supple, bright, dry light body and a tingling, quick over-steeped tea finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A funky white quaffer to serve with a good chill.
84 points $9.99
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Date Tasted:
ONE LEAF 2018 Pinot Noir
84 points
$9.99
ONE LEAF
2018 Pinot Noir
Light garnet color. Aromas and flavors of rose tisane, dried cherry, chocolate-covered coconut bar, smoke, and green pepper with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with light oak flavor. A food-friendly Pinot Noir that will really deliver at the table.
84 points $9.99
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Date Tasted:
Sand Point Family Vineyards 2019 Pinot Grigio
84 points
$12
Sand Point Family Vineyards
2019 Pinot Grigio
Yellow straw color. Aromas of lemon lime confection, struck match, water chestnuts, and thyme with a supple, tangy, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length sour orange finish with no oak flavor. A fruity everyday quaffer to serve with a good chill.
84 points $12
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Date Tasted:
Sand Point Family Vineyards 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
84 points
$12
Sand Point Family Vineyards
2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of struck match, underripe pineapple, geranium, and pencil shavings with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a medium-length finish with notes of metals with no oak flavor. A simple quaffer to serve ice cold.
84 points $12
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Date Tasted:
Sand Point Family Vineyards 2017 Merlot
84 points
$12
Sand Point Family Vineyards
2017 Merlot
Dusty ruby-garnet color. Oaky aromas and flavors of charred oak, cedar chips, blueberry hand pie, and tobacco with a coarse, crisp, dryish light-to-medium body and a peppery, medium-length finish that shows impressions of ground almonds with clunky tannins. A very oaky Merlot for weeknight beef.
84 points $12
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Date Tasted:
Caricature 2018 Red Blend California
84 points
$15
Caricature
2018 Red Blend California
Black violet color. Aromas of cedar shavings, chocolate soft serve, vanilla pudding, and clove with a lightly tannic, bright, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a peppery, medium-length berry jam, milk chocolate, and nut skins finish with heavy oak flavor. An oaky weeknight pleaser with a jammy center.
84 points $15
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2019 Estate Rosé Sangiovese
84 points
$15
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2019 Estate Rosé Sangiovese
Bright pink coral color. Aromas and flavors of grilled watermelon, ripe tomato, and blackberries with a supple, crisp, dry thin body and a sleek, brisk finish with no oak flavor. A nice balance of fruity and savory notes make this a fun Rosé to pair with food.
84 points $15
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Date Tasted:
Les Dauphins 2019 Rosé Côtes du Rhône
83 points
$11.99
Les Dauphins
2019 Rosé Côtes du Rhône
Steely amber color. Aromas and flavors of dried strawberry, citrus candies, and struck match with a lean, vibrant, dryish light body and a tingling, short finish with no oak flavor. A gulpable quaffer to serve ice cold.
83 points $11.99
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2019 River Ranch Rosé Aglianico
83 points
$22
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2019 River Ranch Rosé Aglianico
Pink coral color. Green aromas of dill pickles, strawberry jam, and shiitake mushroom with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a silky, medium-length watermelon candies finish with no oak flavor. A savory, weedy Rosé that will be fun to pair with.
83 points $22
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Date Tasted:
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards 2017 Railroad Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
83 points
$32
LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards
2017 Railroad Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of cedar dust, plum pie, and green tobacco with a coarse, crisp, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, medium-long finish that shows notes of toasted oak with gritty tannins and heavy oak flavor. An oak-centric Cab for hearty weeknight meals.
83 points $32
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Date Tasted:
The Abarbanel 2018 Les Dolmens Rouges Cabernet Sauvignon
82 points
$14
The Abarbanel
2018 Les Dolmens Rouges Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of crushed nuts, raisins, dried figs, geranium, and sandalwood with a lightly tannic, bright, dry medium body and a medium-length finish manifesting notes of straw with light oak flavor. An everyday red for the table.
82 points $14
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Date Tasted:
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