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New Release
Reviews for 2020

December 2020 - New Release

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

New Release Reviews

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Red Thread 2018 Estate Red Blend Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
93 points
$65
Red Thread
2018 Estate Red Blend Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Black ruby color. Aromas and flavors of dark chocolate, creamy caramel, licorice, freshly roasted espresso beans, and chai latte with a lightly tannic, lively, dry-yet-fruity full body and a hot, complex, long finish with overtones of coconut and lemon curd with moderate oak flavor. A bold, bright and commanding Howell Mountain Red that turns heads.
93 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Omina Romana 2016 Ars Magna Merlot
93 points
$70
Omina Romana
2016 Ars Magna Merlot
Brick red color. Aromas of candied cherry, raspberry gelee, and red bell pepper with a round, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a complex, long leather, licorice, cola, and cafe au lait finish with silky, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. A silky, well integrated Merlot that will fit right in with an excellent steak.
93 points $70
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Date Tasted:
Estancia 2016 Stonewall Vineyard Pinot Noir
92 points
$26
Estancia
2016 Stonewall Vineyard Pinot Noir
Burnt sienna color. Inviting aromas and flavors of pickled strawberry, black cherry, marinated beets, and foraged mushrooms with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, complex, long finish that shows impressions of cinnamon, black tea, shortbread, and cranberry relish with light oak flavor. A delightful Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir with hints of maturity and nice depth.
92 points $26
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Date Tasted:
Red Thread 2019 Pinot Noir
92 points
$45
Red Thread
2019 Pinot Noir
Deep purple color. Herbal aromas and flavors of pomegranate, sweet cherry, red velvet cake, mint-chocolate, and coconut flakes with a round, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, interesting, medium-long finish imparting impressions of fresh parsley with moderate oak flavor. A rich Pinot Noir with marked herbal notes that lift the palate and create a highly pairable wine.
92 points $45
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Date Tasted:
Omina Romana 2018 Ars Magna Viognier
92 points
$50
Omina Romana
2018 Ars Magna Viognier
Light gold color. Fruity, spicy aromas and flavors of orange marmalade, vanilla bean, ripe starfruit, spiced orange tea, licorice, tarragon, and peach danish with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, nuanced, long finish with well-integrated, medium tannins and heavy oak flavor. A joyful Viognier with toasty and balanced oak kissed with notes of orange zest and vanilla bean.
92 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Estancia 2017 Reserve Meritage Red Blend Paso Robles
91 points
$26
Estancia
2017 Reserve Meritage Red Blend Paso Robles
Black violet color. Aromas of juicy plum, black cassis confiture, licorice, and hazelnut with a slightly chewy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a seamless, elegant, long fine tea and pickled pomegranate arils finish with moderate oak flavor. A bold and chewy Meritage blend with mouthwatering acidity that will elevate steak.
91 points $26
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Date Tasted:
Macauley 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel
91 points
$55
Macauley
2018 Old Vine Zinfandel
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of chocolate-covered strawberries, raspberry tart with dark chocolate ganache, black plum, underbrush, and hints of tobacco with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and an effortless, appealing, medium-long finish with moderate oak flavor. A big and chocolatey Zinfandel that delights.
91 points $55
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Date Tasted:
Omina Romana 2019 Chardonnay
90 points
Omina Romana
2019 Chardonnay
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of pineapple pastry, coconut cream, yuzu, chamomile, thyme, and minerals with a supple, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a refreshing, medium-length finish revealing suggestions of dried peach, corn muffins, and buttered croissant with well-integrated, medium tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bright, balanced, fruity and creamy Chardonnay.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Augusta Winery 2017 Estate Bottled Chambourcin
90 points
$8
Best Buy
Augusta Winery
2017 Estate Bottled Chambourcin
Dusty violet color. Aromas and flavors of milk chocolate ganache, ripe blackberries, spiced cocoa powder, and hints of mint with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, intriguing, medium-length finish with notes of candied violet petals with well-integrated, silky tannins and moderate oak flavor. A highly pleasing, chocolatey Chambourcin with wide appeal.
90 points $8 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Augusta Winery 2019 Estate Bottled Chardonel
90 points
$8
Best Buy
Augusta Winery
2019 Estate Bottled Chardonel
Golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of pineapple glaze, sweet yellow corn, toasted apple cake, and lemon candies with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, appealing, medium-length finish displaying nuances of ginger and banana with a suggestion of oak flavor. A bright and full-bodied Chardonel with big fruity character and easy pairability.
90 points $8 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Estancia 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$13
Best Buy
Estancia
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dusty violet color. Aromas of dried cherries, cranberry, fig, licorice, and olives with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a warming, charming, medium-length black tea finish with drying tannins and moderate oak flavor. A vivacious Paso Cabernet that will be a dream at the table; pair with rib roast, steak, pork chops and more.
90 points $13 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Mark West 2017 Pinot Noir
90 points
$24
Mark West
2017 Pinot Noir
Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of amarena cherries, sweet beets, ripe figs, luxury black tea, hints of caramel, suede, and spiced fritters with a satiny, crisp, dryish medium body and an even, compelling, medium-long finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A juicy, cellar-able Pinot Noir with bold structure and complex style.
90 points $24
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Date Tasted:
Lawer Estates 2019 Cannon Block Unoaked Chardonnay
90 points
$32
Lawer Estates
2019 Cannon Block Unoaked Chardonnay
Straw color. Interesting aromas and flavors of heirloom apples, honey on granola, wild lemon, dried flower petals, and ripe peach with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a silky, intricate, medium-long finish displaying notes of pineapple cake with no oak flavor. A juicy, grown-up, smooth-sipping Chardonnay with great varietal character.
90 points $32
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Date Tasted:
Lawer Estates 2019 Cannon Block Chardonnay
90 points
$36
Lawer Estates
2019 Cannon Block Chardonnay
Pale golden straw color. Fruity aromas and flavors of roasted apple, hints of orange, tropical fruit danish with vanilla icing, and golden kiwi with a velvety, lively, fruity medium body and a tingling, layered, medium-long finish conveying notes of honey roasted seeds and nuts, vanilla cream, and orange zest with coating tannins and heavy oak flavor. A firm and generous Chardonnay with whispers of tropical fruit.
90 points $36
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Date Tasted:
Omina Romana 2015 Ars Magna Cabernet Franc
90 points
$70
Omina Romana
2015 Ars Magna Cabernet Franc
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of douglas fir, tart cranberry, dried cherry, flamed orange peel, and chocolate-dipped raisins with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length finish imparting suggestions of ink, carob, black tea, and macerated strawberry with moderate oak flavor. A charming Italian Cabernet Franc that will pair effortlessly.
90 points $70
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Date Tasted:
Estancia 2018 Chardonnay
89 points
$11
Best Buy
Estancia
2018 Chardonnay
Pale golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of orange marmalade and butter on toast, apple strudel, and fancy roasted nuts with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish displaying shades of hints of pineapple and coconut cookies with moderate oak flavor. A smooth-sipping Monterey Chardonnay with balanced flavors.
89 points $11 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Estancia 2017 Merlot
89 points
$11
Best Buy
Estancia
2017 Merlot
Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of blistered blackberries, ripe plum, ginger cookies, and crushed nuts with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium body and a sleek, refreshing, medium-long finish with notes of charcoal and tobacco with grippy tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A mouthwatering Paso Robles Merlot that won’t let you down.
89 points $11 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
The Dreaming Tree 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
89 points
$14
Best Buy
The Dreaming Tree
2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Pale yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of lemon-spritzed plantains, pickled grapefruit, honey, hints of mint, violet, and celery leaf with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, appealing, medium-length finish. A bright and charming Sauvignon Blanc with delicate, enchanting herbal notes.
89 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Roga Junmai Daiginjo
89 points
$18
Roga
Junmai Daiginjo
White gold color. Aromas and flavors of pine nut brittle, honeycrisp apples, dried pineapple, hints of soy, and musk with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-length finish with accents of beurre blanc, clove, and horchata finish. A table-ready Junmai Daiginjo with a full body and grippy texture.
89 points $18
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Date Tasted:
Magnífico 2019 Ignacio Marín Family Vineyards Grenache
88 points
$12
Best Buy
Magnífico
2019 Ignacio Marín Family Vineyards Grenache
Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of green bell pepper, ripe blackberries, and buttercream with a slightly chewy, crisp, medium body and a warming, compelling, medium-length finish displaying impressions of hints of dark chocolate and black tea with grippy tannins and light oak flavor. A rich Grenache that will be very versatile at the table.
88 points $12 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Mark West 2018 Black Label Pinot Noir
88 points
$13
Best Buy
Mark West
2018 Black Label Pinot Noir
Deep purple color. Oaky aromas and flavors of crushed berries, vanilla bean, and smoked nuts with a supple, bright, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with suggestions of salted caramel and pie crusts with light oak flavor. A food-friendly Pinot Noir for the table with nice berry aromas.
88 points $13 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Simi 2019 County Series Sauvignon Blanc
88 points
$13
Best Buy
Simi
2019 County Series Sauvignon Blanc
Pale straw color. Aromas and flavors of white grapefruit, poached pear, hints of celery leaf, and white peppercorns with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish conveying notes of salted grapefruit segments and sweet apple with no oak flavor. A bright, palate-pleasing Sauvignon Blanc that will have you coming back for more.
88 points $13 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
The Dreaming Tree 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$14
Best Buy
The Dreaming Tree
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of caramel, wood shavings, blackberry jam, and sweet tea with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, medium-length finish that exhibits accents of toast and roasted nuts with moderate oak flavor. A juicy, pleasing weeknight Cabernet with toasty oak flavors.
88 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Ruggeri NV Prosecco di Treviso DOC
88 points
$14.99
Best Buy
Ruggeri
NV Prosecco di Treviso DOC
Straw color. Aromas of lemon custard, almond biscotti, and carnation with a satiny, crisp, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, medium-length white peach and pink peppercorns finish with no oak flavor. A crisp, easy-drinking Prosecco.
88 points $14.99 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Roga Junmai Sake
88 points
$15
Best Buy
Roga
Junmai Sake
White gold color. Fruity aromas of sticky rice, jicama, honeyed peach, ripe melons, and strawberry with a supple, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a tingling, snappy white peppercorns and hints of preserved ginger finish. A fruity entry point into Sake that’s easy to love.
88 points $15 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Black Box 2019 Chardonnay
88 points
$19
Black Box
2019 Chardonnay
Light gold color. Oaky aromas of pickled pineapple, dill, jicama, and sweet blossoms with a silky, vibrant, dryish light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length baked peach and lemon curd finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A vibrant and steely Chardonnay that will work very well at the table.
88 points $19
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Date Tasted:
Simi 2018 County Series Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$24
Simi
2018 County Series Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of plum butter, nutmeg, spiced raisins, molasses, and earl grey tea with a satiny, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-length finish with moderate oak flavor. A solid Sonoma Cabernet that checks all the boxes.
88 points $24
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Date Tasted:
Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$10
Best Buy
Robert Mondavi Private Selection
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dusty deep purple color. Aromas of blackberry jam on toast, cranberry sauce, coriander, and cigar box with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, amusing, medium-length vanilla bean, roasted, candied nuts, and licorice finish with moderate oak flavor. A rich and spicy everyday Cab that won’t let you down.
87 points $10 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Clos du Bois 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$11
Best Buy
Clos du Bois
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dusty deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of cassis tart, oatmeal raisin cookies, cherry cola, hints of banana, and mocha latte with a satiny, dryish medium body and a sleek, medium-length finish displaying notes of tobacco and cedar with woody tannins and moderate oak flavor. A dry-yet-fruity red packed with notes of berry, spice and oak.
87 points $11 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Estancia 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
87 points
$11
Best Buy
Estancia
2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of green apple, hints of almond, fresh lime, and wheat grass with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of underripe peach with no oak flavor. A solid Monterey Sauvignon Blanc with bright acidity and a zesty, grassy profile.
87 points $11 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Estancia 2019 Pinot Grigio
87 points
$11
Best Buy
Estancia
2019 Pinot Grigio
Topaz gray color. Inviting aromas and flavors of delicate pear, white florals, white peach, fondant, ginger, and slivered almonds with a satiny, crisp, fruity light body and a sleek, interesting, medium-length finish with no oak flavor. A delicate and restrained Pinot Grigio with a sense of elegance.
87 points $11 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Los Conquistadores 2019 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
87 points
$12
Best Buy
Los Conquistadores
2019 Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby black color. Smoky aromas and flavors of blistered berries, charcoal briquettes, cacao nib, and grilled banana with a chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish with shades of cherry yogurt and cedar with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. A chewy but balanced Cabernet for grilled fare.
87 points $12 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Augusta Winery 2017 Estate Bottled Norton
87 points
$14
Best Buy
Augusta Winery
2017 Estate Bottled Norton
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of toasted almonds and coconut flakes, dark chocolate flakes, and dried berries with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with no oak flavor. A simple red quaffer that goes down easy.
87 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
The Dreaming Tree 2018 Crush Red Blend California
87 points
$14
Best Buy
The Dreaming Tree
2018 Crush Red Blend California
Deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of fruit cake, prune, and tobacco with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and an even, appealing, easy finish revealing notes of chocolate and licorice with no oak flavor. A dark, rich red blend for weeknight indulging.
87 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Kwaya Cellars 2019 Organic Merlot
87 points
$16
Kwaya Cellars
2019 Organic Merlot
Dark dusty violet color. Aromas and flavors of blackberry wine, dried dates, graphite, and apples with a chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a sleek, appealing, medium-long finish with woody tannins and moderate oak flavor. An oaky, slightly funky Merlot for the natural set.
87 points $16
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Date Tasted:
Frontera 2019 After Dark Red Blend Central Valley
86 points
$6
Best Buy
Frontera
2019 After Dark Red Blend Central Valley
Dark violet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of raspberry sauce on chocolate gelato, fertile earth, pickles, and pepper medley with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, medium-length finish with soft tannins and moderate oak flavor. A fruity, earthy Chilean red with chocolate undertones.
86 points $6 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2019 Buttery Chardonnay
86 points
$10
Best Buy
Robert Mondavi Private Selection
2019 Buttery Chardonnay
Straw green color. Oaky aromas and flavors of vanilla gelato, toasty pastry, and hazelnut creme with a velvety, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and an even, compelling, medium-length finish manifesting notes of pineapples in cream with moderate oak flavor. A creamy, dreamy vanilla-scented Chardonnay for lovers of the style.
86 points $10 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Clos du Bois 2018 Chardonnay
86 points
$11
Best Buy
Clos du Bois
2018 Chardonnay
Light golden straw color. Sweet aromas and flavors of poached apples, frosted cream cheese danish, cream soda, banana pastry, and hints of sassafras with a supple, bright, dryish light body and a smooth, brisk finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A supple and pillowy Chardonnay with plenty of California style.
86 points $11 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Estancia 2018 Pinot Noir
86 points
$13
Best Buy
Estancia
2018 Pinot Noir
Dusty garnet color. Aromas of roasted nuts with maple syrup, toasty crepes, cherry cola, and mocha with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length cranberry and black tea finish with light oak flavor. A slightly oaky Pinot Noir with attractive roasty notes; an easy weeknight Pinot.
86 points $13 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
The Dreaming Tree 2018 Rosé California
86 points
$14
Best Buy
The Dreaming Tree
2018 Rosé California
Steely amber color. Aromas and flavors of dried strawberry and earthy thyme with a supple, bright, dryish light body and an effortless, swift finish that shows nuances of cherry glaze with no oak flavor. A simple, slightly earthy Rosé with a fruity finish.
86 points $14 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Black Box 2018 Pinot Noir
86 points
$19
Black Box
2018 Pinot Noir
Light garnet color. Aromas of spiced cherries, sumac, and cola with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length hints of orange and clove finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A solid Pinot Noir that will play well at the table and beyond.
86 points $19
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Date Tasted:
Black Box 2018 Red Blend California
86 points
$19
Black Box
2018 Red Blend California
Violet color. Spicy aromas and flavors of blackberry, mint, brown butter, mulling spices, and chocolate-covered orange peel with a satiny, crisp, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, appealing, medium-length finish with moderate oak flavor. A fruity, spicy red that’s bold but uncomplicated.
86 points $19
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Date Tasted:
Crafters Union NV Pinot Grigio
85 points
$6
Best Buy
Crafters Union
NV Pinot Grigio
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of cooked apples, pineapple, and banana custard with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, relaxed finish with no oak flavor. A juicy, effortless Pinot Grigio.
85 points $6 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Crafters Union 2018 Daring & Elegant Red Blend California
85 points
$6
Best Buy
Crafters Union
2018 Daring & Elegant Red Blend California
Black violet color. Fruity aromas and flavors of plum danish, spritz of lime, fruit punch, and raisin swirl toast with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a warming, medium-length finish that presents accents of milk chocolate covered raspberry and blueberry with moderate oak flavor. An intensely fruity, bold red for weeknight indulging.
85 points $6 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Frontera 2019 After Dark Cabernet Sauvignon
85 points
$6
Best Buy
Frontera
2019 After Dark Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark violet color. Aromas of fertile earth, pimento, violet, and spice cabinet with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, medium-length cherry candies and black tea finish with drying tannins and moderate oak flavor. A simple Cabernet quaffer for everyday enjoyment.
85 points $6 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Fetzer 2019 Sundial Chardonnay
85 points
$10
Fetzer
2019 Sundial Chardonnay
Pale golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of peach tart, apple compote, pineapple cake, and coconut cookies with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a warming, medium-length finish displaying shades of cracked pepper with a suggestion of oak flavor. An easy-drinking Chardonnay in an everyday style.
85 points $10
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Date Tasted:
Mark West 2018 Pinot Grigio
85 points
$10
Mark West
2018 Pinot Grigio
Yellow straw color. Aromas and flavors of diced apples, pears, pineapple fruit leather, and lemongrass with a supple, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, breezy finish with notes of mango lassi with no oak flavor. A fruity, effortless Pinot Grigio for anytime refreshment.
85 points $10
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Date Tasted:
Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2019 Chardonnay
85 points
$10
Robert Mondavi Private Selection
2019 Chardonnay
Golden straw color. Aromas and flavors of brioche, pineapple preserves, and honey with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish manifesting notes of pineapple pastry and hints of peach with moderate oak flavor. A juicy, fruity Chardonnay with toasty nuance.
85 points $10
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Date Tasted:
Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2018 Merlot
85 points
$10
Robert Mondavi Private Selection
2018 Merlot
Ruby black color. Aromas of raspberry jam thumbprint cookies and pencil shavings with a lightly tannic, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length plum butter and oak finish with woody tannins and light oak flavor. A chewy, oaky Merlot to pair with casual meals.
85 points $10
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Date Tasted:
Clos du Bois 2019 Pinot Grigio
85 points
$11
Clos du Bois
2019 Pinot Grigio
Silver color. Interesting aromas and flavors of melon, sweet orange peel, white peach, hints of candied peanut, and underripe pineapple with a supple, crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, brisk finish imparting accents of Granny Smith apple with no oak flavor. A mild and refreshing wine for al fresco pleasure.
85 points $11
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Date Tasted:
The Dreaming Tree 2019 Pinot Noir
85 points
$14
The Dreaming Tree
2019 Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of juicy cherries and raspberries, hints of toast, and herbal tea with a bright, dryish light body and a smooth, carefree finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. An appetizing, easy-drinking Pinot Noir for everyday pleasure.
85 points $14
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Date Tasted:
The Dreaming Tree 2019 Chardonnay
85 points
$14
The Dreaming Tree
2019 Chardonnay
Golden yellow color. Aromas and flavors of buttered graham cracker, candied orange, and hints of creamy banana with a satiny, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with impressions of Parker dinner rolls and moderate oak flavor. A juicy, oaky Cali Chardonnay that hits the spot.
85 points $14
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Date Tasted:
Black Box 2018 Malbec
85 points
$19
Black Box
2018 Malbec
Ruby black color. Green aromas and flavors of grilled green bell pepper, blackberry jam, and coriander seed with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish displaying suggestions of spiced nuts and dark chocolate with a suggestion of oak flavor. A green and herbaceous Malbec with a chocolatey finish.
85 points $19
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Date Tasted:
Frey 2018 Biodynamic Chardonnay
85 points
$20
Frey
2018 Biodynamic Chardonnay
Yellow straw color. Aromas of grilled apple, toasted marshmallow, dark roasted nuts, licorice, and hints of leather with a supple, soft, dryish light body and a smooth, medium-length cedar and ginger finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A funky Chardonnay for the table.
85 points $20
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Date Tasted:
Frontera 2019 After Dark Sauvignon Blanc
84 points
$6
Best Buy
Frontera
2019 After Dark Sauvignon Blanc
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of pickled white asparagus, meyer lemon, key lime pie, and petrol with a silky, crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, brisk finish with no oak flavor. A crisp, savory Sauvignon Blanc for the table.
84 points $6 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Cedar Ridge Winery NV Gothic Red Blend American
84 points
$9
Cedar Ridge Winery
NV Gothic Red Blend American
Dark garnet color. Creamy aromas of parmesan, dried berries in yogurt, and fragrant plum with a supple, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, brisk apple butter and jam finish with moderate oak flavor. A supple, fruity quaffer for the table.
84 points $9
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Date Tasted:
Mark West 2018 Orange Label Pinot Noir
84 points
$10
Mark West
2018 Orange Label Pinot Noir
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of dried cranberries, compressed watermelon, candied beets, and hints of earthy mushrooms with a supple, bright, dry-yet-fruity light body and a sleek, brisk finish with no oak flavor. A solid Pinot Noir for the table.
84 points $10
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Date Tasted:
Robert Mondavi Private Selection 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
84 points
$10
Robert Mondavi Private Selection
2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Straw green color. Aromas and flavors of citrus, melon, and fresh herbs with a satiny, crisp, dryish light body and a smooth, easy finish with no oak flavor. A bright quaffer for anytime indulging.
84 points $10
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Date Tasted:
Clos du Bois 2018 Rosé California
84 points
$11
Clos du Bois
2018 Rosé California
Pink coral color. Fruity aromas and flavors of strawberry shortcake and cherry jam with a round, vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with no oak flavor. Big fruit flavors stand out in this crowdpleasing Rosé.
84 points $11
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Date Tasted:
Clos du Bois 2018 Lightly Bubbled Chardonnay
84 points
$12
Clos du Bois
2018 Lightly Bubbled Chardonnay
Yellow straw color. Aromas of poached pear, buttery croutons, and hint of mint with a supple, soft, spritzy, moderately sweet light body and a graceful, brisk sweet marmalade and lemon drops finish with no oak flavor. A juicy off-dry wine to toast the season.
84 points $12
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Date Tasted:
Clos du Bois 2018 Lightly Bubbled Rosé California
84 points
$12
Clos du Bois
2018 Lightly Bubbled Rosé California
Silvery amber color. Aromas of strawberry jam and sun dried tomato with a syrupy, soft, spritzy, moderately sweet light-to-medium body and a silky, swift cherry preserves and vanilla buttercream finish with no oak flavor. A juicy, fruity sparkler to serve with cheese.
84 points $12
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Date Tasted:
Pacific Redwood 2019 Organic Chardonnay
84 points
$15
Pacific Redwood
2019 Organic Chardonnay
Yellow straw color. Aromas of caramel-y tequila, spiced apples, pastry dough, and peanuts with a supple, bright, petillant, dryish light body and a smooth, swift buttered toast and lemon spritz finish with light oak flavor. A simple, somewhat oaky white for weeknight pairing.
84 points $15
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Date Tasted:
Black Box 2019 Sauvignon Blanc
84 points
$19
Black Box
2019 Sauvignon Blanc
Straw green color. Aromas and flavors of golden kiwi, ripe gooseberry, passion fruit, and celery leaf with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, relaxed finish with no oak flavor. A ripe, outgoing Chilean Sauvignon Blanc.
84 points $19
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Date Tasted:
Crafters Union NV Rosé California
83 points
$6
Best Buy
Crafters Union
NV Rosé California
Steely coral color. Aromas and flavors of stewed strawberries, starched linen, and preserved lemon with a supple, soft, fruity light body and a graceful, brisk finish with no oak flavor. An easy-going Rosé for casual sipping.
83 points $6 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Frey 2019 Organic Chardonnay
83 points
$15
Frey
2019 Organic Chardonnay
Yellow straw color. Aromas of banana, raisins, sweet cream, and fallen leaves with a supple, crisp, petillant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a tingling, brisk apple compote on yogurt finish with light oak flavor. A simple Chardonnay quaffer for anytime indulgence.
83 points $15
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Date Tasted:
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