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

FIVE STARS

( 98 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards “ Cyrus ” 2017 ( CA ). This family-owned winery continues to pay tribute to the Sonoma valley with this best of the best Meritage blend . . . their 23rd release . Nine of the best lots were fermented and aged separately before entering a 24-month further aging program in French oak . Deep extracted color , with black fruit notes , dark chocolate aromas and oak and vanilla notes . Balanced tannins highlight the Bordeaux style blending . This is THE wine for holiday dinners . ($ 74.99 )

( 98 ) Penfolds Grange 2001 ( Australia ). After 45 minutes of decanting and a slight chill , the first sip of this 100 % shiraz showed blueberry , blackberry and hints of spice . As it evolved chocolate , cocoa and cinnamon underpinned a complex , perfectly balanced wine supported by firm , lush tannins . While it seemed perfect , it probably has at least 10 more years to develop . What a treat ! ($ 800 ).

RATING SYSTEM

Five Stars ( 92-100 ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship .

( 96 ) Cuvaison Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). More than 50 years farming the famed Carneros region decidedly gives you a leg up in producing world-class wines . Estate-only fruit , longer fermentation and minimal barrel time yield this concentrated and aromatic pinot . Red and black fruit notes , earth tones and a hint of spice dominate California ’ s classic interpretation of Burgundian style . Deserves a spot on the holiday dinner table . ($ 41.99 )

( 96 ) J . Lohr Arroyo Vista Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). Kristen Barnhisel works her magic with chardonnay . . . again . The gloves are off on this premium offering , starting with early-morning hand harvesting , and whole-cluster pressing . Different clones give overlapping layers of flavor . Malolactic fermentation , aging on the lees for 14 months and five different French coopers add barrel complexity . Lemon , tangerine and peach flavors add to the sweet oak finish . Think of this as Riverstone chardonnay on steroids ! This wine was made for turkey

Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back . pairing during the holidays . ($ 24.99 )

( 95 ) Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). A cuvee from five vineyards . Fresh and pure , with black cherry , cedar , cassis , ripe blackberry , coffee and tobacco . Long and supple , it is truly a classic Napa cab . ($ 85 )

( 95 ) Buena Vista Cabernet Sauvignon Chateau Buena Vista 2019 ( CA ). With a rich history that dates back to before the American Civil War , this offering reinforces that cab is king in the Napa Valley . Sourced from select valley sites with additional fruit from the Atlas Peak and Oak Knoll AVAs . The addition of merlot , cab franc and petite verdot adds bright red fruit notes to the blend . Aged 24 months in French oak , with semisweet notes of cherry and maple syrup , black fruit hints , all which lead into a smooth slily finish . Classic Napa cabernet ! Wonderful addition to the holiday dinner table . ($ 49.99 )

Three Stars ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .

( 94 ) J . Lohr Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). One of the early pioneers of this AVA , and winemaker Brenden Wood utilizes primarily the estate fruit from Lohr ’ s own Shotwell and Beck vineyards as the foundation for this offering . Estate-grown petite verdot , malbec and cab . Franc is added for rich complexity . 16 months in French oak , sourced from five select coopers . Deep color , concentrated black fruit notes , balanced tannins , with a smooth lingering finish . Perfect for a roast beef holiday meal . ($ 34.99 )

( 94 ) Raymond Chardonnay Reserve Selection 2021 ( CA ). Founded in 1970 , Raymond has produced wines for decades . This is classic California chardonnay . Sourcing from four select sites in southern Napa , including Carneros . 100 % barrel-fermented in French oak , but no malolactic fermentation , and then aged on the lees for 10 months . Traditional apple and stone fruit , with a hint of lemon . Lighter style highlights the balanced acidity and kiss of vanilla . An easy go-to wine for everyday drinking . . . solid value . ($ 24.99 )

( 94 ) Cuvaison Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). With all the new kids on the block , it ’ s easy to overlook the pioneer families that put Napa on the map . Cuvaison is a perfect example . Established in 1969 , it now encompasses more than 200 acres in the premier Carneros AVA in Napa . All estate fruit was utilized with a subtle approach to winemaking . Very aromatic on the nose with an atypical style of light butter

16 Beverage Dynamics • November 2023 www . beveragedynamics . com