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( 95) Heart ' s Needle Cabernet Sauvignon by Thomas Rivers Brown 2023( CA). Rich and voluptuous with blackberry and red cherry, evoking stewed pie-like fruits. Notes of baking spice, toast and vanilla from well-integrated oak. A lingering finish reveals hints of leather and dried fruit for added depth.($ 99.99)
( 94) Alexander Valley Vineyards Temptation Zinfandel 2023( CA). The next evolutionary step for the original sin zin … temptation is what leads to sin. A righthand turn for this one … 76 % zin, 20 % syrah and a kiss of sangiovese. A heavy blend with bright fruit notes of cherry, raspberry and cranberry. Sixteen months in American and French oak balance all the components. Sub this one easily for Chianti when you’ re planning your next Italian meal!($ 15.99)
( 94) Chateau Rieussec Sauternes 2013( France). The 2013 vintage was one of the best for this Chateau in a year that produced very little quality grapes in Sauternes. The floral and fruit are perfectly balanced. Full body with crisp acidity, add a bit of ginger and fresh peach, and you have a perfect afternoon sipper with friends.($ 90)
( 93) Old Winery Road Cabernet Napa Reserve 2022( CA). Inviting aromas of chocolate-covered strawberries lead to a palate of blackberries and black cherries, adding depth and contrast. Well-integrated oak and bright acidity lift the fruit, creating a lingering, complex finish.($ 49.99)
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( 93) Floorshow Red 2021( CA). Round and indulgent, this wine opens with rich black cherry and blackberry layered with baking spices and vanilla cream. The palate is velvety and decadent, offering flavors of mascarpone, dark cherry, strawberry and toasted marshmallow. Despite the candied character dancing across the palate, the wine remains impressively balanced and not overly sweet.($ 34.99)
( 93) Alexander Valley Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc 2024( CA). When your taste buds look for alternatives to your favorite chardonnay, look no further. Lean, crisp, with beautiful fruit notes, winemaker Kevin Hall let the grapes speak from this spectacular vintage. Cold fermentation preserves the freshness of the fruit. No malolactic fermentation or oak aging. Honeydew, citrus and pineapple hints accent the minerality and a touch of smokiness. Beautiful aperitif to start any Fall celebration.($ 24.99
( 96) J. Lohr Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon( CA). Jerry Lohr was one of the early pioneers of the Paso Robles AVA and delivered“ Napa” quality at reasonable prices. Primarily cabernet with touches of petite sirah, merlot, petite verdot and cab franc for added richness and complexity. Fermentation in stainless steel and finishing in American oak using a regimented aging process adds beautiful complexity. Rich extraction yields rich dark fruit, a beautiful nose, fruit forward flavors and a smooth lingering finish that all help make this a tremendous value.($ 19.99)
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( 93) Chateau Buena Vista Chardonnay 2022( CA). From the Chateau Buena Vista collection. Sourcing from the sweet spot for chardonnay, with the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay, produces spectacular fruit from an almost perfect growing season. Hand-harvested, with whole-cluster pressing with 100 % barrel fermentation in French oak for 12 months. Tropical fruit notes of mango, pineapple and guava combine with citrus notes for a lush creamy finish. Hints of vanilla and spice complement hints of stone fruit and subtle minerality. Excellent with a seasoned pork tenderloin!($ 38.99)
( 92) Dubourdieu Pure Sauvignon Blanc 2024( France). Bright notes of lemon, slate, pear and chamomile lead the way, offering a layered aromatic profile. The concentrated and complex flavors create a vibrant flavor arch that lingers on the palate with grace and elegance.($ 19.99)
( 92) Halos de Jupiter Viognier 2024( France). Opulent layers of pear and apricot unfold alongside delicate honeysuckle and vibrant clementine. Rich notes of freshly baked brioche add depth and warmth. The full-bodied palate is contrasted by bracing acidity, creating a balanced and pleasing finish.($ 17.99)
( 92) Chateau Gigery Rose Cotes de Provence 2024( France). Dry, crisp and bright, with concentrated notes of red cherry, strawberry and lime. The finish is fresh and delicate, lifted by vibrant acidity and a clean, complex profile.($ 19.99)
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( 92) Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rosé of Sangiovese 2024( CA). From their inaugural release in 2005, this winery keeps finetuning this offering. A great growing season yielded wonderful fruit. 100 % sangiovese is held for just a few hours to achieve the perfect light hue. Very floral with hints of rose petals, lichee and grapefruit. Perfect balance of sweet and sour. Great aperitif or perfect with light fall dishes.($ 22.99)
( 92) Dr. Heidemanns Riesling Dry 2024( Germany). Aromas of honeysuckle and delicate florals lead into rounder, lusher orchard fruit flavors of apricot, white nectarine, with subtle hints of chamomile lingering on the palate. Perfectly versatile for pairing, yet elegant enough to enjoy on its own.($ 19.99)
( 92) Harebrained Cabernet 2023( CA). Rich dark fruit— blackberry and currant— layered with spice, cedar and tobacco. Voluptuous yet balanced, with bright acidity and smooth tannins. Elegant, expressive and polished with lingering depth.($ 44.99)
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