WINE SELECTIONS • AMERICAN
( 96 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2020 ( CA ). Cool climate is the place for chardonnay , and the Russian River Valley in Sonoma certainly delivers . Estate fruit combines with the best winemaking techniques : night harvesting , cold fermentation , judicious program for oak aging and malolactic fermentation . A subtle addition of viognier , and you wind up with a very balanced wine with great body . Citrus notes on the nose yield to soft pear notes on the finish . Great value for the money , and the perfect complement to pasta with shrimp in a cream sauce . ($ 21.99 )
( 92 ) Sobon Estate Cougar Hill Zinfandel 2020 ( CA ). Single-vineyard offering from Sobon Estate . Typical notes of black cherry and bright red fruits are met with smokey tobacco and black peppercorns in the midpalate . The tannins are present but not overwhelming , and integrate well into the finish . ($ 22.99 )
( 95 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2020 ( CA ). AVV takes pinot noir very seriously . Russian River-estate sourcing highlights four legendary Burgundian clones . Hand-harvested lots were kept separate , with Dijon 777 undergoing a 48-hr . cold soak and tank fermentation , while the other lots utilized a technique known as cryoextraction for maximum flavor and color extraction . After vinification , the lots underwent a 10- month French oak-aging program . Dark fruit notes dominate the nose , with subtle pepper spice undertones . Beautiful color , with a unique California interpretation of the classic Burgundy grape . ($ 37.99 )
The finish lingers , with additional hints of ripe summer fruit with just a touch of tannin . This wine has enough to keep you interested , with or without food . ($ 18 )
( 93 ) Raywood Chardonnay ( CA ). Ripe apple and pear on the palate . Wonderful acidity to support this lightly oaked chardonnay . ($ 9.99 )
( 92 ) Raywood Moscato 2021 ( CA ). Bright peaches and green apple on the nose , backed up by a slight sweetness and balanced acidity . ($ 9.99 )
( 92 ) Bishop Pine Vineyards Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). Sourcing seems to be the secret for this very good offering using vineyard lots from all over the state , with Arroyo Seco for complexity and Lodi for fruit forward characteristics . The free-run juice is fermented in stainless steel , then transferred to oak barrels for a 10-month aging program , including malolactic fermentation and site segregation , before being gently filtered , blended and bottled . Classic tropical fruit flavors with a touch of vanilla and butter . An absolute steal at this price ($ 8.99 )
( 92 ) Hall Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ( CA ). Classic , rich Paso mouthfeel : big , juicy and well-integrated . Notes of black currants , red and black fruits dominate this cabernet , with a hint of olive brine on the entry . ($ 21.99 )
FOUR STARS
( 91 ) Verada Tri-County Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ( CA ). A definite people-pleaser , with grapes hailing from San Luis Obispo , Monterey and Sonoma County . The red fruit and cherry cola notes are rich but delicate , and further elevated by the soft tannins and velvety finish . ($ 20.99 )
( 91 ) Sundry Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). Fragrant toasted marshmallow and vanilla envelop the senses and balance out the cherry cola , cassis and plum notes . Smooth and elegant , with a long and silky finish . ($ 19.99 )
( 91 ) Matchbook The Arsonist Red 2018 ( CA ). An opulent blend , complex and exotic . Licorice , fennel and plum blend with savory herbs , leading to a long , seamless finish . A perfect wine for any grilled meat . ($ 32 )
( 91 ) Verada Tri-County Chardonnay 2020 ( CA ). This light-bodied , elegant chardonnay presents with bright citrus notes of lemon and creamy butter , with hints of soft honeysuckle and crisp apple . Great to take along on picnics , and a perfect match for any cheese board . ($ 20.99 )
( 90 ) Forge Cellars Riesling 2019 ( NY ). From the shores of Seneca Lake , this sustainable winery , hidden away from the world , is producing some of the best riesling from this area . Working with Saint Cosme of Rhone Valley fame , they have created a fresh , dry riesling with balanced acidity , lovely pear overtones and a touch of tangerine . Pairs with just about everything ! ($ 25 )
( 90 ) Courtney Benham Rosé 2021 ( CA ). This wine is a lovely cotton candy pink color with bright notes of strawberry candy and lemon zest . Light and refreshing , easily paired with
32 Beverage Dynamics • September / October 2022 www . beveragedynamics . com