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WINE SELECTIONS • THE BEST WINES OF 2018
with a fl oral-and-cinnamon spice mid-palate lift . As the wine fi nishes you get a balanced acidity with wonderful silky tannins that deliver enough grip to please any bold-red drinker . ($ 62 )
( 93 ) Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Cabernet 2014 ( CA ). Plump and elegant , full , rich and concentrated with a touch of spice . Long fi nish . Enjoy now or cellar for a few years . ($ 60 )
( 93 ) Malabaila Barbera d ’ Alba “ Mezzavilla ” 2015 ( Italy ). Reminiscent of blueberry pie , this gem is exploding with dark fruit , blackberry and plum . The New World fl avor is silky and jammy , with balanced acid and a lip-smacking never-ending berry fi nish . ($ 21.99 )
( 93 ) Tarima Hill Monastrell D . O . Alicante 2015 ( Spain ). Dry-farmed from old vines with strict organic practices and aged 12 months in French oak . The wine exudes spicy black cherry and leather aromas . On the palate , the wine shows full-bodied , balanced fl avors of dark cherries , blackberry , plum and a light smoky character backed by a dark-cocoa fi nish . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) Mollydooker Gigglepot Cabernet 2016 ( Australia ). Rich and creamy with heaps of dark chocolate and vanilla . Nice toasty and spicy long fi nish that goes on forever . ($ 50 )
( 93 ) Crossfork Creek Merlot 2016 ( WA ). This wine has a beautiful nose and palate of blueberries , blackberries and some nice toasted oak notes . Has fantastic power , balance and a lingering fi nish that ’ s impressive to say the least . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) ZD Chardonnay 2016 ( CA ). Aromas of pineapple , lime zest and pear mingle with hints of vanilla and orange blossoms . The palate is rich and full bodied with the exceptional balance between fruit , toasty oak , and lively acidity . The fi nish is amazingly long and lasting . ($ 56.99 ) BD
www . beveragedynamics . com November / December 2018 • Beverage Dynamics 33