We asked the Beverage Wholesaler national wine panel to taste and rate American Wines . As always , these reviews include tasting notes , ratings and suggested retail price for a 750- ml . bottle ( unless otherwise noted ).

FIVE STARS

( 96 ) Roederer Estate Anderson Valley Brut Sparkling Non Vintage ( CA ). Mesmerizing toasted brioche aromas leap from the glass , while flavors of caramel apple , orange , lemon zest and honey dance on the palate . Tasting blind , one could be fooled into thinking this is Champagne . A remarkable wine that overdelivers for its price . ($ 29.99 )

( 96 ) NV Piper Sonoma Brut Reserve NV ( CA ). From one of the country ' s premier sparkling wine producers , the quality and complexity of the wine demonstrates the experience and dedication to quality Piper Sonoma consistently brings to the bottle . Bright gold , with a fine mousse , the nose exhibits notes of citrus , tropical and tree fruit , along with hints of spice . The palate is clean , and the long finish echoes the nose and complex flavors . ($ 27 )

RATING SYSTEM

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

( 95 ) Bernau Block Pinot Noir 2021 ( OR ). Sourced from a single vineyard just south of Salem , this scrumptious pinot noir rings all the bells ! A nose of plum , herbs and graphite leads to a complex palate of red and black fruit , cedar , chocolate and a touch of cinnamon . The structured tannins and well-balanced acidity complete this wine that belongs next to a plate of grilled lamb chops and mushroom risotto . ($ 70 )

( 95 ) 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). This is a big and chewy cabernet . It feels like the flavors of blackberry and cassis are going to explode on your palate at the start of the first sip . Amazingly , all those big jammy flavors fall into place for and extremely satisfying finish . ($ 35 )

( 95 ) Admire Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2022 ( CA ). Made by Dan Kosta , cofounder of Kosta Browne , this pinot noir is a gorgeous example of what the grape is capable of in the right hands . Blackberry , raspberry and black tea flow in waves over the palate before giving way to a long and luxurious finish . A truly sexy wine . ($ 34.99 )

( 94 ) Anatomy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). A wonderful cabernet sauvignon featuring inviting aromas of leather and dark fruit . On the palate , deep

Four Stars ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back . flavors of black cherry and espresso fill the mouth . The long finish shows hints of cocoa powder . A bargain for Napa Valley cabernet . ($ 29.99 )

( 94 ) Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Mother Clone Zinfandel 2021 ( CA ) A powerful wine delivering loads of black currant , plum , raspberry and smoked meat . The lengthy finish shows hints of toasted oak and chocolate . A rich wine that pairs perfectly with barbeque . ($ 19.99 )

( 94 ) Oberon Sauvignon Blanc 2023 ( CA ) Oberon has proven to be one of the most reliable sauvignon blanc producers in the country . The 2023 bottling further confirms the reputation is well earned . Brilliant straw gold in the glass ; the nose and palate are dominated by bright and clean tree fruit , with hints of honeydew . Vivid and focused on the palate — a versatile and lovely wine . ($ 19 )

( 94 ) Pedroncelli Dry Creek Valley Mother Clone Zinfandel 2021 ( CA ) A powerful wine delivering loads of black currant , plum , raspberry and smoked meat . The lengthy finish

Three Stars ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy . shows hints of toasted oak and chocolate . A rich wine that pairs perfectly with barbeque . ($ 24 )

( 94 ) The Calling Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022 ( California ) A beautiful representation of the wonders of Russian River pinot noir . There are silky and satisfying layers of rich plum , dark cherry and an ever so gentle hint of vanilla . ($ 31 )

( 94 ) The Paring Pinot Noir 2022 ( CA ). The 2022 The Paring pinot noir offers a vibrant and expressive profile . On the nose , it exudes aromas of ripe red cherries , strawberries and raspberries . The palate is well balanced , presenting a delightful combination of fresh acidity and smooth tannins . Flavors of red currant and cranberry dominate , complemented by nuances of spice , vanilla and a touch of minerality . The finish is long and elegant , leaving a lingering impression of fruit and a delicate touch of oak . ($ 24.99 )

( 94 ) Stoller Estate Pinot Noir 2022 ( OR ). Produced in the heart of the Willamette Valley , this outstanding pinot noir is supple and complex . The dark fruit is accented by spice and floral notes . The finish is lengthy and balanced , highlighting red fruit and subtle spice notes . ($ 35 )

( 94 ) Old Winery Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ( CA ). Grapes from both Napa and Sonoma Counties were used by the winemakers at Buena Vista to showcase the qualities of each in a seamless 50 / 50 blend . Hints of cedar spice with blueberry , blackberry and black currant notes on the palate . Fruit-forward , rich and well integrated . ($ 39.99 )

24 Beverage Wholesaler • Fall 2024 www . beveragewholesaler . com