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New Release
Reviews for 2021

June 2021 - New Release

June 2021 - New Release
This month's Wine feature is New Release Wines

New Release Reviews

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Monte De Oro 2017 Estate Grown Zinfandel
94 points
$40
Monte De Oro
2017 Estate Grown Zinfandel
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of strawberries, blackberry, peach jam, violets, and fresh thyme with a supple, lively, dry medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of fresh oregano, black pepper, raspberry jam, and cedar with fine, well-integrated, firm tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A precisely balanced Zinfandel; each sip leaves you wanting more.
Awards: 2021 Best Zinfandel
94 points $40
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Date Tasted:
Byington 2017 Unfiltered Pinot Noir
92 points
$54
Byington
2017 Unfiltered Pinot Noir
Dark garnet color. Aromas of chocolate cake with cherry sauce, candied aniseed, hints of mint, pickled cherries, and saffron with a round, vibrant, fruity medium body and a smooth, distinctive, very long wild raspberry, fresh beets, hints of licorice, and toffee finish with moderate oak flavor. A palate-pleasing Pinot Noir that offers delicious pure fruit flavors complimented by fresh herb notes.
92 points $54
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Date Tasted:
Lorenzi Estate 2017 Reserve Estate Merlot
92 points
$65
Lorenzi Estate
2017 Reserve Estate Merlot
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of caramel, cassis, thyme, and leather with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a smooth, appealing, medium-long finish evoking notes of berry sorbet and oak with chewy tannins and moderate oak flavor. An earthy, fruit-forward Merlot that will shine at the table.
92 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Zonte’s Footstep 2018 Super Trooper Shiraz Cabernet
91 points
$17
Best Buy
Zonte’s Footstep
2018 Super Trooper Shiraz Cabernet
Medium dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of black plum, prune, eucalyptus, dried mint, black olive, leather, and vanilla with a satiny, crisp, dry medium-full body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish conveying suggestions of dried black cherries, dried plum, fresh earth, smoked meat, allspice, grand marnier, and juniper berries with fine, soft tannins and light oak flavor. A delicious wine in the classic Aussie Shiraz style; full bodied, juicy, and a little brooding.
91 points $17 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Penfolds 2018 Bin 704 Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$75
Penfolds
2018 Bin 704 Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep purple color. Aromas of plum pudding, spiced cola, chocolate ganache, clove, and pomegranate with a chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a peppery, long lemon marmalade, blonde tobacco, and graphite finish with chewy tannins and heavy oak flavor. A bold, juicy, chewy Cabernet Sauvignon with chocolatey appeal.
91 points $75
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Date Tasted:
Byington 2016 Tin Cross Vineyard Merlot
90 points
$39
Byington
2016 Tin Cross Vineyard Merlot
Black violet color. Aromas of hints of peach, grilled plum, toffee with nuts, rose petal, and bourbon-kissed blackberries with a slightly chewy, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long raspberry and chocolate truffle finish with moderate oak flavor. Mouthfilling with buoyant berry notes, this bold Merlot is an easy hit.
90 points $39
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Date Tasted:
Byington 2019 Unfiltered Pinot Noir
90 points
$54
Byington
2019 Unfiltered Pinot Noir
Dusty dark ruby color. Aromas of purple plums, cassis, and leather with a velvety, lively, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, delightful, medium-length beets, watermelon, and fresh mushrooms finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A earthy and zesty Pinot Noir for pairings.
90 points $54
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Date Tasted:
Silvia Cellars 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$85
Silvia Cellars
2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Garnet color. Aromas and flavors of toffee, honey-roasted nuts, coconut, pumpkin bread, white chocolate, and cassis pie with a round, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a tingling, interesting, medium-long finish conveying touches of chocolate-covered raisins, espresso, cream, and nutmeg with light oak flavor. A restrained but flavorful Cabernet Sauvignon that drinks effortlessly.
90 points $85
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Date Tasted:
Penfolds 2018 Bin 600 Cabernet Shiraz California
89 points
$50
Penfolds
2018 Bin 600 Cabernet Shiraz California
Deep purple color. Aromas of blistered berries, earl grey tea with cream, grilled plum, and creamy caramel with a round, crisp, fruity light body and a smooth, buoyant toasted nuts and fruit punch finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. A light-hearted, wide-appealing California Cabernet with Aussie swagger.
89 points $50
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Date Tasted:
Tin Cross 2019 Reserve Pinot Noir
89 points
$64
Tin Cross
2019 Reserve Pinot Noir
Dark ruby color. Complex aromas of grilled beets, tarragon, fried plantains, spiced raisins, and cherry preserves with a round, vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and a seamless, complex, medium-long pomegranate and charcoal finish with light oak flavor. A tasty, complex and grown-up Pinot Noir with stylish savory character.
89 points $64
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Date Tasted:
Lorenzi Estate 2017 The Catalyst Reserve Red Blend Temecula Valley
89 points
$75
Lorenzi Estate
2017 The Catalyst Reserve Red Blend Temecula Valley
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of wild raspberry, hints of peach, blackened pie crusts, and chocolate wafer cookies with a slightly chewy, crisp, dryish medium-to-full body and a smooth, medium-length finish displaying overtones of watermelon candies, honey-roasted nuts, and golden raisin chutney with moderate oak flavor. Distinctive ripe fruit flavors and a twisting and turning structure; a nice change of pace for Zin-lovers.
89 points $75
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Date Tasted:
Petit Chocolat NV Germany
88 points
$7
Best Buy
Petit Chocolat
NV Germany
Creamy dark taupe color. Aromas and flavors of malted milk balls, chocolate milk shake, and brownie batter with a creamy, vibrant, sweet medium-to-full body and a smooth, medium-length finish with accents of chocolate pudding. A creamy liqueur-like Wine Specialty that offers delicious chocolatey flavors and lipsmacking sweetness.
88 points $7 Best Buy
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Date Tasted:
Lorenzi Estate 2017 Reserve Estate Zinfandel
88 points
$65
Lorenzi Estate
2017 Reserve Estate Zinfandel
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of raspberry jam, wild strawberry, plum pudding, dried leaves, and sarsaparilla with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, interesting, medium-long finish that exhibits notes of cinnamon dusted pastry with moderate oak flavor. A bold and tannic Zinfandel for rich meals.
88 points $65
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Date Tasted:
Point Of The Bluff Vineyards 2020 Reserve Rosé Blaufrankisch
87 points
$29
Point Of The Bluff Vineyards
2020 Reserve Rosé Blaufrankisch
Pink coral color. Aromas and flavors of ripe red watermelon, hints of apricot, strawberry shortcake, and tangerine with a supple, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and an even, interesting, medium-long finish with suggestions of hints of smoke with no oak flavor. A clean, pure and refreshing Finger Lakes rose with an easy-to-love fruity style.
87 points $29
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Date Tasted:
Byington 2018 Sparkling Rosé Wine Santa Cruz Mountains
87 points
$54
Byington
2018 Sparkling Rosé Wine Santa Cruz Mountains
Pink coral color. Aromas and flavors of sliced strawberries, candied ginger, hints of pastry cream, and slivered almonds with a satiny, tart, finely carbonated, bone-dry light-to-medium body and a smooth, refreshing, medium-length finish with notes of white watermelon, lime, underripe strawberry, thyme, and minerals with a suggestion of oak flavor. Scintillating acidity and fresh flavors lend this wine to cellaring; unveil its full potential after several years.
87 points $54
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Date Tasted:
Silvia Cellars 2016 Three Barrels Red Blend North Coast
86 points
$28
Silvia Cellars
2016 Three Barrels Red Blend North Coast
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of vanilla, sandalwood, leather, and dark chocolate with espresso beans with a slightly chewy, crisp, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming, appealing, medium-length finish revealing shades of graphite and peppercorns with moderate oak flavor. A chewy red best for beef.
86 points $28
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Date Tasted:
White Horse Winery 2017 Vintners Red Blend American
85 points
$23
White Horse Winery
2017 Vintner's Red Blend American
Light burnt sienna color. Aromas and flavors of red cherry, red plum, vanilla, speck, and bitter chocolate with a supple, crisp, dry light body and a tingling, fast finish revealing notes of cedar, vanilla, chocolate covered raspberries, and fennel seeds with firm, fine tannins and moderate oak flavor. A lighter bodied red blend with red fruit and oak influence; a great summer red choice.
85 points $23
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Date Tasted:
Byington 2014 Reichel Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
85 points
$71
Byington
2014 Reichel Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of tomatillo, sandalwood, baked plums, perfume, and sun dried tomato with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a tingling, stimulating, medium-long finish with moderate oak flavor. A silky, savory Cabernet Sauvignon for steaks; drink now.
85 points $71
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Date Tasted:
Quanta 2018 Crianza Yecla
84 points
$11
Quanta
2018 Crianza Yecla
Ruby black color. Oaky aromas and flavors of black cassis, coconut candies, new leather, and kalamata olives with a satiny, bright, dryish medium body and a tingling, medium-length finish revealing notes of cured meats with moderate oak flavor. A balanced and table-ready Tempranillo.
84 points $11
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Date Tasted:
Silvia Cellars 2013 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
84 points
$35
Silvia Cellars
2013 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel
Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of pomegranate molasses, roasted beets, marinara, hints of root beer, and peach yogurt with a tangy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tingling, carefree finish with no oak flavor. A full-bodied Zinfandel for the table.
84 points $35
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Date Tasted:
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