More Reviews

Current Selection
New Release
Reviews for 2021

October 2021 - New Release

October 2021 - New Release
This month's Wine feature is On-Demand Wines

New Release Reviews

All
Chateau De Roques 2018 Chateau De Roques Puisseguin St. Emilion
94 points
$20
Best Buy
Chateau De Roques
2018 Chateau De Roques Puisseguin St. Emilion
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of rosehips, orange peel, tobacco, mocha mousse, caramelized onion, and hints of apricot with a tannic, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a nuanced, long finish with notes of spiced latte and plum with drying tannins and moderate oak flavor. While youthful, this Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion promises a rich, satisfying and layered experience after some cellar time; if drinking now, be sure to decant.
94 points $20 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Dewitt Family 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$65
Dewitt Family
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of cocoa dusted raspberry, black currant, suede, paprika, and black pepper with a tannic, lively, dry-yet-fruity full body and a warming, delightful, very long finish evoking accents of black cherry, nutmeg, fig bar, and coconut with chewy, firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. A balanced Cabernet with firmness and complexity; pair with prime cuts.
94 points $65
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Lobo 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
94 points
$95
Lobo
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of tomato stem, dark chocolate, bramble fruit, and fennel with a tannic, lively, dry full body and a peppery, intricate, very long finish that presents touches of boysenberry, fresh rosemary, cedar, and roasted green pepper with well-integrated, firm tannins and heavy oak flavor. A laser-focused palate of black fruit and cedar is supported by a solid structure; drink now and for years to come.
94 points $95
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Kirkland Signature 2015 Gran Reserva Ribera Del Duero
93 points
$14
Best Buy
Kirkland Signature
2015 Gran Reserva Ribera Del Duero
Dusty garnet color. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, watermelon candies, cherry tobacco, and licorice with a lightly tannic, vibrant, dry medium-to-full body and a warming, appealing, medium-long finish that shows notes of black plum, mace, sun dried tomato, and cocoa with firm, well-integrated tannins and moderate oak flavor. An expressive Tempranillo balancing ripe fruit and fine tannic grip.
93 points $14 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Corner 103 2018 Inspiration Red Blend Sonoma County
93 points
$75
Corner 103
2018 Inspiration Red Blend Sonoma County
Garnet black color. Aromas and flavors of bell pepper, dark chocolate, sassafras, and cranberry with a velvety, lively, dry full body and a warming, involved, very long finish with notes of black currant, prune, black licorice, and vintage leather with woody, well-integrated, chewy tannins and heavy oak flavor. Juicy and inviting Red Bordeaux that shows complexity and promise for years ahead.
93 points $75
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Monte De Oro 2016 Vigna Vicini Reserve Red Wine Blend Temecula Valley
93 points
$90
Monte De Oro
2016 Vigna Vicini Reserve Red Wine Blend Temecula Valley
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cherry tart, hints of baked peach, hibiscus, milk chocolate, and sarsaparilla with a round, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a warming, involved, long finish with accents of earl grey tea with cream, toasted and spiced almonds, and opera cake with moderate oak flavor. A delicious and silky Temecula Red that’s a great choice for dinner parties and beyond.
93 points $90
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Mt. Monster 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$13
Best Buy
Mt. Monster
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Black garnet color. Herbal aromas and flavors of ripe plum, fresh cut grass, young coconut, Alpine herbs, wet stone, and fresh peppermint with a satiny, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a peppery, very complex, long finish that shows accents of dark chocolate, nut-studded nougat, hints of leather, and peppercorns with moderate oak flavor. A big, bold, refined Cabernet Sauvignon with big Aussie style.
92 points $13 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Porterhouse Winery 2018 Black Label Reserve Red Blend Santa Ynez Valley
92 points
$60
Porterhouse Winery
2018 Black Label Reserve Red Blend Santa Ynez Valley
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of black olives, tart cherries, fruity black tea blend, vanilla latte, and leather with a velvety, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long finish with accents of tomato jam, crushed coriander, and boysenberry with heavy oak flavor. A lip-smacking Petite Sirah blend with exceptionally well-integrated tannins; elegant and pleasing.
Awards: 2021 Best US Red Blend
92 points $60
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Ukan 2018 Rioja
92 points
$65
Ukan
2018 Rioja
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of pimento, new leather, and red plum with a supple, tangy, dry medium body and a tingling, medium-long finish with nuances of tart plum, dark chocolate, and currant with dusty tannins and moderate oak flavor. High-toned red fruits bring a lifted finish in this cedar-studded, dense Rioja.
92 points $65
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Porterhouse Winery 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
92 points
$95
Porterhouse Winery
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby black color. Elegant aromas and flavors of chocolate-plum pudding, olives, tobacco, aniseed, and turmeric with a round, crisp, dry medium-to-full body and a complex, long finish revealing nuances of coconut with moderate oak flavor. A spicy, balanced and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon that has its best days ahead of it; serve with dry-aged steaks.
92 points $95
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Wanderwild 2019 Chardonnay
91 points
$17
Best Buy
Wanderwild
2019 Chardonnay
Yellow straw color. Aromas of puff pastry, roasted apples, hints of light caramel, and allspice with a satiny, crisp, light-to-medium body and an effortless, interesting, medium-length bananas flambé, roasted pineapple, and toasted hawaiian rolls finish with well-integrated, fruit tannins and moderate oak flavor. A bright Santa Barbara Chardonnay with restrained oak and beautiful balance.
91 points $17 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Line Shack Winery 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
91 points
$18
Best Buy
Line Shack Winery
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark deep purple color. Aromas and flavors of dried fig, prune, and spiced nuts with a tannic, vibrant, dry-yet-fruity full body and a peppery, medium-long finish manifesting impressions of luxardo cherry, graphite, and cherry liquor with drying tannins and heavy oak flavor. A brooding, very fruity and dense Cabernet Sauvignon for the richest fare.
91 points $18 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Chateau De Roques 2019 Chateau De Roques Puisseguin St. Emilion
91 points
$20
Chateau De Roques
2019 Chateau De Roques Puisseguin St. Emilion
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of anise, dark chocolate, spruce, currant, and tomato leaf with a lively, dry full body and a smooth, complex, long finish with impressions of black berries, clove, suede, lavender, and eucalyptus with well-integrated, firm tannins and moderate oak flavor. This classic Bordeaux brings a complex density of fruit and spice while remaining lifted and balanced.
91 points $20
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Viña Trebolar 2018 Author Wine Red Blend Spain
91 points
$24
Viña Trebolar
2018 Author Wine Red Blend Spain
Black garnet color. Aromas and flavors of damson plum, cherry preserves, fragrant black tea, and cured meat with a round, crisp, fruity medium body and an even, delightful, medium-length finish displaying notes of hazelnut-chocolate pot de creme with heavy oak flavor. A friendly, fruity, satisfying Spanish red for all occasions; allow this to open up in the glass.
91 points $24
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Dewitt Family 2019 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir
91 points
$65
Dewitt Family
2019 Single Vineyard Pinot Noir
Dusty ruby color. Aromas and flavors of kirsch, cranberry-orange muffin, french silk pie, and nutella with a slightly chewy, crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a sleek, interesting, medium-length finish revealing notes of pecan scone with heavy oak flavor. An oaky, almost chewy Pinot Noir with instantly appealing aromas.
91 points $65
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Mt. Monster 2019 Shiraz
90 points
$13
Best Buy
Mt. Monster
2019 Shiraz
Garnet black color. Aromas of cherry preserves, hints of smoked meats, and spicy dry-rub with a velvety, crisp, fruity medium body and a graceful, engaging, medium-length cherry fruit leather, spiced hazelnuts, toasted coconut, and grilled berries finish with moderate oak flavor. A chewy, easy-to-pair Shiraz that delivers the spicy complexity you crave.
90 points $13 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Jip Jip Rocks 2020 Shiraz Cabernet Padthaway
90 points
$16
Best Buy
Jip Jip Rocks
2020 Shiraz Cabernet Padthaway
Black garnet color. Herbal aromas and flavors of black licorice, wintergreen, black plum, and cinnamon with a velvety, vibrant, dryish medium-full body and a warming, medium-length finish with elements of black tea, forest berries, and hints of vanilla with moderate oak flavor. An easy-to-love, hugely herbaceous Australian red that will pair well with grilled lamb and more.
90 points $16 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Premium 1904 2019 Tempranillo
90 points
$16
Best Buy
Premium 1904
2019 Tempranillo
Dusty deep purple color. Rustic aromas and flavors of leather, mulberry, fennel, sun dried tomato, and prune with a velvety, vibrant, dryish medium-to-full body and an even, subtle, medium-long finish that presents touches of black cassis and graphite with light oak flavor. Earthy flavors, velvety texture and a memorable finish; what’s not to love about this Spanish red?
90 points $16 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Morambro Creek 2019 Shiraz
90 points
$25
Morambro Creek
2019 Shiraz
Violet color. Aromas of chocolate-raspberry truffles, cola, and suede with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, brisk pickled plums, bay, and coriander finish with moderate oak flavor. A spicy, high-acid Shiraz that will complement rich, grilled fare.
90 points $25
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Christeni Vineyards 2017 Parker McCollum - Probably Wrong Cabernet Sauvignon
90 points
$45
Christeni Vineyards
2017 Parker McCollum - Probably Wrong Cabernet Sauvignon
Dark ruby black color. Attractive aromas and flavors of black licorice, espresso, marzipan, vanilla bean, and root beer with a chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a silky, interesting, long finish evoking accents of blistered berries and ganache with heavy oak flavor. A decadent, chocolate-y Cabernet Sauvignon that hits.
90 points $45
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Whitehaven 2020 Sauvignon Blanc
89 points
Whitehaven
2020 Sauvignon Blanc
Pale straw green color. Aromas of serrano pepper, guava, lime peel, ruby red grapefruit, and gooseberry with a supple, lively, dry light-to-medium body and a seamless, interesting, medium-length lime zest, yellow peaches, star fruit, and spicy arugula finish with no oak flavor. A charming wine; fruity, crisp and citrus-forward.
89 points
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Sundry 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
89 points
$16
Best Buy
Sundry
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Deep purple color. Aromas of crushed blackberries, honey, amaretto, crystallized lemon peel, and ginger with a slightly chewy, vibrant, fruity medium-full body and a tingling, delightful, medium-long chewy chocolate confection, roasted espresso, and nougat finish with moderate oak flavor. A chewy, palate-pleasing Cabernet with huge chocolatey notes and hints of sweet baked fruit in a very Paso Robles style.
89 points $16 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Corner 103 2018 Corner Cuvée Red Blend Sonoma County
89 points
$55
Corner 103
2018 Corner Cuvée Red Blend Sonoma County
Ruby black color. Aromas and flavors of cocoa nibs, black licorice, and vanilla bean with a velvety, lively, dry full body and a warming, interesting, long finish with impressions of blueberry compote, dried sage, cracked pepper, and olive tapenade with well-integrated, firm tannins and heavy oak flavor. A complex blend with lush layers; a wine that will continue to unfold.
89 points $55
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Domaine de Bachellery 2016 Baccalarius Vin De Pays Doc
88 points
$16
Domaine de Bachellery
2016 Baccalarius Vin De Pays D'oc
Brick red color. Aromas and flavors of forest berries, hints of savory pastry, aniseed, and hints of black olives with a crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-length finish manifesting touches of pomegranate and tea with a suggestion of oak flavor. A restrained, balanced French red; an old world wine for old world wine-lovers.
88 points $16
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Christeni Vineyards 2019 Parker McCollum - To Be Loved By You Cabernet Sauvignon
88 points
$45
Christeni Vineyards
2019 Parker McCollum - To Be Loved By You Cabernet Sauvignon
Ruby color. Inviting aromas and flavors of bing cherry, ripe red plum, cola, oregano, and sage with a silky, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a medium-to-long finish that shows suggestions of vanilla gelato and pound cake. A youthful Cabernet with easy appeal that offers bright aromas of sour cherry and rich vanilla bean flavors on the palate.
88 points $45
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Jip Jip Rocks 2020 Shiraz
87 points
$16
Jip Jip Rocks
2020 Shiraz
Black garnet color. Herbal aromas of chocolate mint meltaways, rose hips, bell peppers, spice drop candies, and plum pudding with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, appealing, medium-length slivered almonds, minerals, and black peppercorns finish with moderate oak flavor. An herbaceous and bright Shiraz with a youthful vibe.
87 points $16
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Three Mills Botanicals Rose, Strawberry & Elderflower Flavored Wine
86 points
$6
Best Buy
Three Mills
Botanicals Rose, Strawberry & Elderflower Flavored Wine
Coral orange color. Aromas and flavors of freeze-dried raspberry, strawberry jam, and sweet pea with a soft, bright, fruity sweet light body and a smooth, rapid finish that shows notes of kiwi with fruit tannins. A berry-driven sipper that would add punch to a spritz.
86 points $6 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Peekaboo 2020 Chardonnay
86 points
$19
Peekaboo
2020 Chardonnay
Straw color. Aromas and flavors of heirloom apple, chalk, honey on pineapple, and underripe nectarine with a satiny, crisp, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish with a suggestion of oak flavor. An smooth and easy-drinking unoaked Chardonnay for anytime sipping.
86 points $19
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Christeni Vineyards 2020 Parker McCollum - To Be Loved By You Sauvignon Blanc
86 points
$30
Christeni Vineyards
2020 Parker McCollum - To Be Loved By You Sauvignon Blanc
Silvery emerald straw color. Aromas of parchment, fresh white asparagus, green tea, and bananas in cream with a supple, crisp, dry light body and a smooth, breezy marinated artichoke hearts and apple relish finish with no oak flavor. A food-friendly Sauvignon Blanc with distinctive herbal style.
86 points $30
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Woodvale Estates 2016 Merlot
85 points
$18
Woodvale Estates
2016 Merlot
Dark garnet color. Aromas and flavors of berry popsicles, honey-roasted pine nuts, raspberry liqueur, and capers with a satiny, vibrant, fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth, complex, long finish manifesting nuances of strawberry, coconut, chocolate, and roasted hazelnut with light oak flavor. A lighter-bodied yet boldly fruit Merlot with instantly appealing fruity aromas.
85 points $18
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Joaquin’s Inferno 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
85 points
$19
Joaquin’s Inferno
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
Violet color. Aromas and flavors of hints of cassis, violet, parchment, and cedar with a chewy, vibrant, dry light body and an effortless, brisk finish with firm tannins and a suggestion of oak flavor. A firm Cabernet for weeknight beef.
85 points $19
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Portola Vineyards 2016 Estate Pinot Noir
85 points
$38
Portola Vineyards
2016 Estate Pinot Noir
Ruby garnet color. Aromas and flavors of cherry gastrique, compressed watermelon, cranberry, fennel, and thyme with a chewy, vibrant, dryish light body and an engaging, medium-length finish revealing overtones of cocoa powder, black olives, and carob with coarse tannins and moderate oak flavor. A chewy Pinot Noir best for the Hunter’s table.
85 points $38
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
The Abarbanel 2020 Les Champs Nobles Pays Doc Igp
84 points
$17
The Abarbanel
2020 Les Champs Nobles Pays D'oc Igp
Amber beige color. Aromas of cedar and parchment with a supple, soft, dry light-to-medium body and an effortless, brisk strawberry jam and toffee finish with no oak flavor. An easy rose quaffer to serve with a good chill.
84 points $17
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Christeni Vineyards 2019 Parker McCollum - To Be Loved By You Central Coast
84 points
$30
Christeni Vineyards
2019 Parker McCollum - To Be Loved By You Central Coast
Pale orange salmon color. Odd aromas and flavors of baked tangerines and apricots and lanolin with a supple, crisp, dry light-to-medium body and a polished, agreeable finish with no oak flavor. A simple pleasure rose; serve with a good chill.
84 points $30
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Three Mills Botanicals Cucumber Juniper & Lime Flavored Wine
83 points
$6
Best Buy
Three Mills
Botanicals Cucumber Juniper & Lime Flavored Wine
Silvery emerald straw color. Aromas and flavors of cucumber jasmine, jasmine, and lime with a soft, bright, off-dry light body and a smooth, rapid finish with notes of watermelon with fruit tannins and no oak flavor. Fresh and fruity; try this flavored wine with spicy Thai dishes.
83 points $6 Best Buy
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
La Screaming Goat 2020 Gewürztraminer Pays Doc Igp
83 points
$19
La Screaming Goat
2020 Gewürztraminer Pays D'oc Igp
Golden straw color. Funky aromas and flavors of banana soufflé, pear candies, peach vinaigrette, cream of wheat, and jasmine with a supple, bright, dryish light body and a smooth, intriguing, breezy finish evoking accents of honey-toasted oats with no oak flavor. Piquant aromas and a creamy mouthfeel combine with funky, unexpected aromas; a Gewurtz for the adventurous.
83 points $19
» Read Full Review
Date Tasted:
Shortcut: https://www.tastings.com/Calendar-Wine/Review-2021-11-18-On-Demand.aspx