We asked the Beverage Dynamics national wine panel to taste and rate American Wines. As always, these reviews include tasting notes, ratings and suggested retail price for a 750-ml. bottle( unless otherwise noted).

FIVE STARS

( 98) Newsom Vineyards“ Inception” 2020( TX). I think this is Nolan Newsom’ s signature wine. All estate fruit in a classic blend of cabernet, sangiovese, tempranillo and cabernet franc— a Texan Super Tuscan interpretation. 12 months in oak really mellows this wine out and lets the fruit shine. Time to start smoking a prime rib to pair with this.($ 59.99)

( 98) Bending Branch Tannat Reserve 2020( TX). Dr. Robert Young brings a decidedly scientific approach to the art of Texas winemaking, utilizing cyro maceration, whole berry fermentation and flash détente to highlight his signature varietal: tannat. Now adding a Texas element to the aging process: Texas white oak barrels. Young was the driving force behind this latest innovation, working with a new cooperage in Blanco, TX. 24 months aging program, with the last four months in Texas white oak. 11-year-old vines yield exceptional fruit with hints of pecan, almonds, butterscotch and vanilla. This great winery is always pushing the envelope! Time for that prime rib.($ 69.99)

( 98) Bending Branch Petite Verdot Reserve 2020( TX). Another part of the new Texas white oak barrel program, this adds a new level of complexity and flavor components. Brown sugar, molasses, cinnamon and vanilla notes. Only 70 cases produced. 24-month barrel aging. Rich, smooth and supple. This should be part of the Texas Beef Councils advertising campaign!($ 59.99)

( 97) Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon 2022( WA). Sourcing from the famed Red Mountain district and utilizing fruit from eight distinct vineyards allows for true expression of this terrior. 86 % cab with merlot, syrah, malbec and cab franc for complexity. The 19-month French oak aging program uses eight different coopers. Raspberry, cherry and plum notes. Smooth tannins and a rich mouthfeel all lead to a plush, lingering finish. Works very well with pork tenderloin.($ 34.99)

( 96) Peake Ranch Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2022( CA). The 2022 Peake Ranch Chardonnay from Santa Rita Hills is a vibrant and refined expression of the region. It opens with aromas of ripe citrus, white peach and toasted almond, layered with hints of vanilla and flinty minerality. On the palate, it balances richness and tension beautifully, offering a creamy texture lifted by crisp acidity. The finish is long, with notes of lemon curd, wet stone and subtle oak spice, showcasing both elegance and power typical of the Sta. Rita Hills terroir.($ 34.99)

( 96) Bending Branch Texas Cowboy Cuvee 2021( TX). Sourcing doesn’ t get much better than the famed Newson vineyards in the High Plains. A classic Texas cuvee of cabernet, merlot, petite sirah and malbec. Aged for 24 months, with the final aging in the new Texas white oak barrels. Only 212 cases produced. Dark chocolate, vanilla and cherry flavors dominate. A new Texas classic.($ 59.99)

( 96) Slate Theory“ Phobic” 2022( TX). Zinfandel( 75 %) and petite sirah( 25 %) sourced from the Texas High Plains. Aged 18 months in a mix of French and neutral oak. A Texas fruit bomb on the nose, with hints of pepper, spice and cherries. Looking forward to even better wines as their own estate reds program comes online!($ 59.99)

( 95) Spicewood Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2022( TX). A very good quality cab from the Yates family, eighth-generation farmers. 100 % cabernet with rich cherry, blueberry and blackberry notes. High-elevation vineyard with cool nights and hot Texas days. Touches of vanilla and tea notes. Also check out their sister winery Ron Yates on the 290 Wine Trail; some award-winning reds!($ 40.99)

( 95) McPherson Cellars Viognier 2023( TX). The classic Texas alternative to California chardonnay. Good acidity, aromatic with fragrant floral notes of apricot and peach. A touch of spritz leads to a lingering finish. Stainless-steel fermentation preserves the delicate fruit notes. Excellent with shrimp to pork tenderloin, and even chicken off the grill. Great value for the money.($ 29.99)

( 95) Parr Vineyard“ Celebration” Mourvedre 2019( TX). This is 100 % mourvèdre from their estate vineyards in the Hickory Sands AVA( pending). Aged in neutral French oak with additional bottle aging for three months. Medium bodied, balanced acidity and intense dark-fruit flavors. Only 145 cases produced. A wonderful pairing with grilled salmon.($ 39.99)