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medium-bodied wine exudes notes of bright cherry and spice . The graphite notes taper the fruit into a structured finish . This could be easily paired with a variety of food from barbeque to a delicate cheese plate . ($ 19.99 )
( 92 ) Sean Minor Signature Series Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). There is a flavorful elegance to this chardonnay . Gentle notes of butter and apple are intertwined with balanced acidity , leaving a delightful , lingering finish . ($ 25 )
( 92 ) Stolpman ‘ Love you Bunches ’ Rose 2023 ( CA ). On the nose , it offers fragrant aromas of strawberry , watermelon and a hint of rose petals , complemented by subtle notes of citrus zest . Upon tasting , the palate is greeted with a refreshing burst of red berries , including ripe raspberries and juicy cherries , balanced with a crisp acidity that provides a clean and invigorating finish . The mouthfeel is light and refreshing , making it an ideal choice for warm weather or as a versatile pairing with a variety of dishes . ($ 17.99 )
( 92 ) Smith Bench Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). From the Wente family , this is a fresh and lively pinot noir from Monterey with a balanced acidity that enables it to be easily paired with any meal or occasion . A symphony of tart cherries , baking spice and gentle tannins . ($ 22.99 )
( 92 ) Vennstone Reserve 2023 ( CA ). A powerful pinot noir offering intense aromas of plum and caramel . Firm bodied , leathery with dried fig , more black fruits and a slight herbaceous quality of sage . The finish is light compared to the powerhouse entrance . ($ 36.99 )
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FOUR STARS
( 91 ) Caliveda Reserve Pinot Noir 2022 ( CA ). Fans of jammy , juicy pinots and red blends will adore this plush and sumptuously fruit forward style of pinot noir . Blueberry , vanilla , brown sugar and blackberry jam run rampant across the palate , but are balanced by the soft and sweet cedar on the finish . ($ 24.99 )
( 91 ) Muirwood Chardonnay Arroyo Seco ( CA ). Soft aromas for hazelnut , baked apple and pineapple followed by pear and citrus notes on the palate , balanced by oak which gives added complexity . Full bodied and rounded creamy texture leaves you with a lingering finish . ($ 16.99 )
( 91 ) Invicta Red Blend 2023 ( CA ). A plush example of a Sonoma County red blend that lovers of full-bodied wines will appreciate . Rich and structured , with notes of ripe — almost overly ripe — red fruits , baked cherry pie and tobacco . ($ 19.99 )
( 91 ) Medina Gap Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). Just as strong as previous vintages . Fruit-forward and approachable with blackberry , plum and black currant notes . A people pleaser with elevated but soft tannin structure on the finish . ($ 18.99 )
( 91 ) Analemma Oak Ridge Pinot Noir 2019 ( OR ). From an organically farmed vineyard at 1,300 ft . elevation at the base of Mount Adams . Hand harvested , half whole-cluster fermented and aged in neutral oak . A gorgeous , translucent strawberry color with aromas and flavors
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of cranberry , rose and cinnamon . ($ 44 )
( 91 ) Mina Mesa Rosé 2023 ( CA ). Very light salmon pink color with soft notes of strawberry and watermelon . This is a bone-dry , easy-drinking rosé that has a brightness that enlivens the palate . Would be a great summer porch drink or pairable with most foods ! ($ 10.99 )
( 91 ) Buttonwood Grove Cabernet Franc 2021 ( NY ). With supple tannins and lovely dark fruit , this Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc demonstrates the quality and food-friendly nature of this often-overlooked variety . This example possesses lots of clean dark fruit , with the subtlest of spice and a touch of cocoa powder . The tannins are nicely balanced , and contribute to the lengthy , balanced finish . ($ 24.99 )
( 90 ) L ’ Ecole Semillon 2022 ( WA ). Vibrant and refreshing with layers of stone fruit , honeysuckle , lemon and pear . Sustainably managed , beautiful , complex and perfect for a summer picnic with fresh tuna salad sandwiches and pommes frites . ($ 22 )
( 90 ) The Paring Chardonnay 2022 ( CA ). The 2022 Paring Chardonnay reveals a bright and inviting straw-yellow hue . On the nose , it opens with a bouquet of ripe tropical fruits — notably pineapple and mango — interwoven with fragrant notes of citrus blossom and hints of vanilla from subtle oak aging . Flavors of juicy apple , lemon zest and a hint of toasted almond unfold , complemented by a delicate undertone of butterscotch . ($ 24.99 )
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( 90 ) Camp Merlot 2022 ( CA ). The 2022 Camp Merlot pours a deep , rich ruby color with purple hues around the edges , exhibiting good clarity and a medium to full body . The nose presents a bouquet of ripe dark fruits like black cherries , plums and blackberries , with subtle notes of cocoa , vanilla and freshly turned earth . On the palate , it offers a smooth texture with flavors of dark fruit , chocolate , cedar and licorice , balanced by refreshing acidity . The finish is long and satisfying , with lingering dark fruit , a hint of spice and well-integrated , silky tannins . ($ 19.99 )
( 90 ) Sean Minor Pinot Noir 2022 ( CA ). On the palate , it is medium bodied with a smooth , silky texture , revealing a medley of juicy red fruits like cherry and cranberry , layered with pomegranate and a touch of mushroom . The wine ' s bright acidity and well-integrated tannins create a harmonious balance , leading to a refreshing , long finish accented by lingering notes of red fruit , a hint of vanilla and a delicate minerality . ($ 27.99 )
( 90 ) Courtney Benham Terroir Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2023 ( CA ). This is a super crisp and clean sauvignon blanc with notes of almond skin and citrus on the nose . It is a light-bodied and uncomplicated variation of the varietal with classic citrus notes of lemon , grapefruit and lime zest . ($ 17.99 ) •
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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