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notes and peach , apricot and plantain notes . Only 11 months in oak adds balance to the finish . A very elegant and full-bodied wine for the holiday season dinners . ($ 24.99 )
( 94 ) Herman Story " Casual Encounters " 2017 ( CA ). Beautiful blend from the America ' s top Rhone varietal region — Paso Robles . This rich , powerful meritage of syrah , mourvedre , grenache , carignan and tannat fills your mouth with dark currant , dry blackberry , chewy tannins and a touch of aromatic pepper . Fully mature with great balance . The equal of many northern Rhone ' s ( Cote Rotie , Croze-Hermitage ) for less than half the price . ($ 45.99 )
( 94 ) Lloyd Chardonnay 2022 ( CA ). Rich , succulent fruits burst from this Carneros chardonnay . Hints of lemon curd and stone fruit play off the subtle honeysuckle , clove and vanilla . Refreshing acidity due to the cooler climate in the region gives this wine the backbone to stand up to any meal or party . ($ 49.99 )
( 94 ) Violet Hill Santa Barbara Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). Medium-bodied , with aromas of dark cherry , mocha and floral , that are echoed on the silky palate , with a bright finish . ($ 22.99 )
( 94 ) Sean Minor Four Bears Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). Ruby in color and displays aromas of cassis , black cherry , mocha and violets . Ripe flavors of blackberries and raspberries hit the mid-palate of this Paso Robles wine with a medium-long finish . ($ 16.99 )
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( 93 ) Petites Secondes Chardonnay 2019 ( OR ). Produced by the Drouhin family . The oak aging is evident from the first sip on this Willamette Valley chardonnay . Aside from the warm oak and cedar notes , there are hints of juicy pear and crisp green apple that give the finish of this wine a zesty feeling that enlivens the palate . ($ 32.99 )
( 93 ) Elizabeth Spenser Sauvignon Blanc Special Cuvee 2021 ( CA ). Husband and wife team of Elizabeth Pressler and Spenser Graham established the winning template for their style of wine . Utilizing the best regions of the North Coast AVA , each lot is vinified separately to maintain its unique characteristics . Stainless-steel fermentation preserves the purity of the fruit . Exceptionally smooth , light acidity and good minerality highlight the lychee , citrus and apricot notes . Very versatile food wine which would work with appetizers or an easy alternative to chardonnays . Exceptional value for the money . ($ 24.99 )
( 93 ) Deloach Pinot Noir Heritage Reserve 2021 ( CA ). Retired San Francisco fireman Cecil Deloach helped put Sonoma on the map in the mid 70 ’ s . The Heritage Reserve series offers great value with exceptional wines . Sourced from key cool climate sights in northern and central California , including the famed Russian River AVA . Beautiful berry flavors , rich color extraction , a kiss of spice and great body . Perfect first pinot for the holiday ham dinner . ($ 14.99 )
( 93 ) Raywood Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). Rich with creamy
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notes of vanilla bean , almond and tropical fruit . Balanced acidity and savory toasted notes lead to a long , smooth finish , remembered for its touch of sweet vanilla . Best value of the year ! ($ 11.99 )
( 92 ) Raywood Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). Plush , velvety and ripe . You will be hard pressed to find a better value California cabernet ! Rich red fruit notes are underpinned by gentle oak and a touch of pepper , all leading into a silky finish . ($ 11.99 )
( 92 ) Cuvaison Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( CA ). Cool-climate grapes thrive in the Carneros region , and this example is a real sleeper . 100 % estate fruit , 100 % Napa and 100 % Carneros fruit yields intense notes of lemongrass and citrus , while the addition of a kiss of semillon adds a softness . Brie and honey notes add complexity to the aromatics . Beautiful aperitif wine to start the holiday proceedings . ($ 27.99 )
( 92 ) Cambos Feret Les Buissons Symphonie 2022 ( France ). This is a blend of semillon and sauvignon blanc from Bordeaux . Notes of lychee , candied fruits like peaches , and apricot jump out of the glass . A mild sweetness makes this the perfect companion to any cheese plate , curry or a stellar finish to any meal . ($ 11.99 )
( 92 ) Domaine St . Germain Bourgogne Blue Chardonnay 2022 ( France ). An exemplary food-pairing wine . Its mouthfeel is buttery , a little creamy but with bursts of apple and crisp melon . This Burgundy wine
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lingers for a while , leaving a vibrant vein of minerality on the finish . ($ 16.99 )
FOUR STARS
( 92 ) 1858 Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). Monterey County ' s mix of warm sun and cool fog produce grapes that are incredibly high quality for the price point , and this wine is no exception . This wine delivers an elegant combination of juicy plum mixed with cinnamon and spices . It compliments everything from a dinner party cheese plate to the cranberry sauce for Thanksgiving turkey . ($ 29.99 )
( 91 ) Rise + Fall Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). Paso Robles fans : Don ’ t miss this wine . The classic combination of earth , tobacco , dark and sumptuous black fruits , and herbs that Paso has become known for is evident here . The notes of black fruits are juicy but not overbearing with a perceptible tannic quality on the finish that ’ ll leave you wanting more . ($ 18.99 )
( 91 ) Coltbridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( Australia ) A steal for the price . Fresh red fruits like raspberries and red currants drive this very solid wine . Medium bodied with a hint of licorice and charred meat on the palate , and the perfect amount of tannin on the finish . ($ 10.99 ) •
WINE PANEL If you are a beverage professional with a specialty in wine who is interested in participating in the panel , please contact Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgacceleration . com .
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