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).
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.
AMERICAN WINES
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).
RATING SYSTEM
Five Stars( 92-100) A top-flight wine. Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship.
Four Stars( 86-91) A very good wine and an excellent value. A wine for which customers will keep coming back.
Three Stars( 80-85) An above-average wine, at a reasonable price point, which many customers will enjoy.
FIVE STARS
( 98) Bending Branch Texas Passito 2023( TX). This Texas amarone-style wine combines malbec, tannat, souzao and petite sirah from three vineyards. The grapes were hand-harvested and air-dried before finishing, resulting in concentrated flavors. Twenty-two months in oak adds further depth to this distinctive Texas blend.($ 90)
( 97) Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Whole Cluster 2024( OR). This pinot noir combines old and new world techniques, including carbonic maceration, whole cluster fermentation, cold soaking and twice-daily pump overs. The wine shows a beautiful ruby color with cherry, raspberry and plum notes. An excellent example of Oregon pinot noir.($ 30)
( 97) Bending Branch Malbec Reserve 2022( TX). This single-vineyard Malbec was hand-picked, underwent cryo-maceration and fermented in open-top containers before spending 30 months in American oak barrels. It has a deep color with black fruit, dark cocoa and tobacco notes. Only 24 cases were produced.($ 65)
( 97) Sandy Road Vineyard GSM 2024( TX). This first release of grenache, syrah and mourvèdre is made entirely from estate-grown fruit. A youthful wine with light acidity, it offers hints of ginger and spice and a softer style that complements Asian cuisine.($ 45.00)
( 97) Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée Rosé( CA). This outstanding domestic sparkling wine blends two-thirds pinot noir with one-third chardonnay, offering a pale salmon-pink color and an enticing bouquet of fresh fruit with subtle floral notes. Extended bottle aging provides a delicate, persistent mousse, while the elegant profile makes this a natural pairing for elegant foods.($ 75)
( 96) 2022 Shea Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir( OR). This stunning pinot noir showcases the reputation of this well-established Oregon producer, with bright ruby color and a nose packed with red tree fruits and berries. The palate delivers solid fruit and fine tannins, with a balanced mouthfeel that makes the wine enjoyable now while giving it room to improve with age.($ 50)
( 96) First Flight Family Legacy Red Blend 2022( WA). This blend of cabernet, merlot, malbec, petite verdot and cabernet franc showcases fruit from the Monson family’ s high-altitude sites. Native yeast fermentation adds complexity, followed by 16 months in French oak. Raspberry, plum and cherry notes dominate, with touches of dark chocolate, spice and tobacco on the finish.($ 28)
( 96) Bending Branch Petite Sirah Reserve 2020( TX). Exceptional fruit and cryo-maceration produce a petite sirah with dominant black fruit notes alongside vanilla and dark chocolate. More than 30 months in French oak round out the wine and add further texture.($ 55)
( 96) Morris Ranch Cellars Mourvèdre 2021( TX). This mourvèdre is blended with 22 % grenache and fermented in stainless steel before spending 18 months in neutral oak. Plum, white pepper and smoke lead to hints of bacon and cherry on the finish.($ 68)
( 95) Parr Vineyards Tempranillo Reserve 2020( TX). Sourced from the estate’ s best lots, this tempranillo is rich and well-structured with vibrant fruit. Plum, cherry and fig notes dominate, while five years of aging in French oak vats add depth. Only 130 cases were produced, and the wine could age another decade.($ 60)
( 95) Bending Branch Tempranillo Reserve 2022( TX). Part of Bending Branch’ s Texas oak aging program, this tempranillo uses barrels with different toast levels to add a subtle touch of sweetness. Plum and dark chocolate dominate the nose, leading to a smooth, lingering finish.($ 60)
( 95) All Chard Reserve 2024( CA). This classic California chardonnay really packs a punch with intense fruit flavors, a creamy midpalate and a buttery finish. Aromas of yellow peach, guava and honeysuckle are intertwined with warm notes of spice and toasted oak. These ripe fruit flavors continue on the palate, layered with creamy vanilla and subtle richness.($ 59.99)
( 95) 2024 Hamel Estate Sauvignon Blanc( CA). Bright and clear straw in the glass, this sauvignon blanc shows a hint of lemon peel alongside an expressive nose of fruit, fruit petals and subtle spice. Its balanced acidity is enough to cut through butter and other rich sauces without becoming overly assertive. A wonderfully balanced wine with the structure to improve over time.($ 60)
( 95) 2024 Sea Slopes Pinot Noir( CA). Bright ruby-garnet in color, this pinot noir is dominated by red fruit aromas with a subtle floral note. The palate echoes the nose with focused dark fruit and a slight citrus edge, leading to a well-balanced finish supported by fine tannins and pleasant acidity.($ 35)
( 95) 2023 Chehalem Pinot Noir( OR). Brilliant ruby in the glass, this pinot noir offers aromas of dark red tree fruit and berries followed by lovely notes of spice. The palate combines solid fruit with a fine tannic backbone, while balanced acidity carries through to a lingering finish.($ 30)
( 95) 2025 Oberon Sauvignon Blanc( CA). Brilliant pale yellow with straw notes, this sauvignon blanc is fermented in a combination of stainless steel and barrel, adding complexity, weight and texture. Fresh fruit aromas carry through to the palate, making this an exceptionally versatile and enjoyable wine for a wide range of pairings.($ 19)
( 95) NV Piper Sonoma Blanc de Blancs( CA). Made primarily from chardonnay with a touch of pinot blanc for added complexity and balance, this sparkling wine is focused and clean on both the nose and palate. A balanced, subtle and lingering finish adds to its versatility, making it an easy match for a broad range of foods.($ 21.99)
( 94) Barra Cabernet 2024( CA). Cedar and vanilla open into ripe plum, currant and dark cherry, with fennel, sage and an earthy berry core underneath. Tannins are smooth, finishing long.($ 24.99)
( 94) 2025 Chemistry Pinot Gris( OR). Bright pale yellow with a subtle green hue, this stainless-steel fermented and aged pinot gris showcases Oregon’ s signature white grape variety. Fresh stone fruit leads the nose, accented by lemon peel and floral notes, while the palate moves toward more exotic fruit and blossoms. With no oak to overwhelm the fruit, the wine offers plenty of bright flavor and weight alongside broad food-friendly appeal.($ 25)
( 94) Greenwing Cabernet Sauvignon 2024( WA). This cabernet from Duckhorn adds merlot, malbec and cabernet franc for added complexity. It spends 16 months in stainless steel and French oak, with aromas of plum and cherry alongside dark chocolate and white pepper. Complex in the glass, it leads to a long, smooth finish. An excellent value for the money.($ 23)
( 94) Ron Yates‘ The Good Guy’ Tempranillo 2022( TX). This wine showcases 93 % estate tempranillo blended with 7 % cabernet franc. Aged for 18 months in new and neutral French oak, it features leather, tobacco, dill and cedar notes.($ 60)
( 94) Willamette Valley Vineyards Chardonnay, Tualatin Estate Vineyards 2024( OR). This chardonnay combines Oregon fruit with a nod to chablis. Whole cluster fermentation and 10 months aging on the lees contribute complexity and mouthfeel, while the vineyard’ s soil composition and use of the Draper clone bring together American and French styles.($ 60)
( 94) Sandy Road Vineyards Marselan 2023( TX). Marselan, a Bordeaux hybrid of cabernet sauvignon and grenache, is well suited to Texas growing conditions. This wine has thick-skinned fruit, good acidity and a medium-bodied, easy-drinking style. Sandy Road is the only winery bottling this varietal, making it a distinctive Texas offering.($ 45)
( 93) Bending Branch Charbono 2023( TX). Sourced from the iron-rich soils of the proposed Hickory Sands AVA, this charbono is rich and full-bodied with balanced acidity. Fresh red fruit on the nose leads to plum on the palate, with subtle earth, thyme spice and graphite notes. Whole berry maceration is followed by 26 months in neutral French and American oak.($ 45)
( 93) 69 Miles Chardonnay 2025( CA). This bombastic chardonnay bursts with concentrated flavors of mango, pear, white peach and buttercream. Despite its opulence, the wine remains beautifully balanced, finishing with a crisp lift that keeps it food-friendly and refreshing.($ 19.99)
( 93) Harvester Cabernet Sauvignon Estrella District 2023( CA). Crafted by Austin Hope, this is an elegant expression of the region’ s cabernet. Full bodied yet refined, it showcases bright red fruit flavors of currant and cranberry, accented by hints of tomato and fresh herbs and supported by balanced tannins.($ 29.99)
( 92) Greenwing Pinot Grigio 2025( OR). A blend of 96 % pinot grigio and 4 % pinot blanc, this wine has a vibrant structure, balanced acidity and distinct minerality. Citrus, peach and bright apple flavors dominate the nose.($ 18)
( 92) Sandy Roads Vineyard Chardonnay 2024( TX). Made in a French Chablis style, this chardonnay incorporates native limestone soil with stainless steel fermentation and neutral oak aging. The result is a clean, crisp wine with a purity of fruit.($ 45)
( 92) Great Depths Cabernet Napa Valley 2023( CA). Bottled by the Duckhorn Collection. Layers of ripe red and black fruit are complemented by subtle spice and well-integrated oak, while refined tannins and a velvety texture create an approachable yet structured wine.($ 49.99)
( 92) Great Depths Sauvignon Blanc 2025( CA). Bottled by the Duckhorn Collection. Bright notes of lemon pith and green apple create a pleasing aromatic profile. The palate is crisp and clean, with weight in the midpalate that adds depth and complexity.($ 29.99)
( 92) Harebrained Cabernet 2023( CA). Rich dark fruit of blackberry and currant are layered with spice, cedar and tobacco. Voluptuous yet balanced, with bright acidity and smooth tannins. Elegant, expressive and polished with lingering depth.($ 44.99)
( 92) Kudos Pinot Noir 2024( OR). Delicate floral aromas and bright red cherry notes lead on the nose. The palate offers juicy plum and dried strawberry flavors accented by hints of chocolate, while firm tannins provide structure and balance through the medium-bodied finish.($ 14.99)
( 92) Schnaer Family Cabernet 2024( WA). This is a rich, full-bodied cabernet built around dark fruit and structure, with crème de cassis, blackberry and plum up front, backed by graphite and a touch of tobacco leaf for savory grip.($ 26.99)
( 92) Truth & Valor Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2023( CA). Deep aromas of ripe black fruit, savory spice and dark roast coffee lead into a full-bodied, concentrated palate. Rich layers of dark fruit and spice are supported by ample weight and ripe tannins, culminating in a long, polished finish.($ 29.99)
FOUR STARS
( 91) Spicewood Vineyards“ Louisa” Semillon 2025( TX). Made from 100 % semillon and fermented and aged in stainless steel for six months, this is a light, easy-drinking wine with lower alcohol. It offers a refreshing style suited to warm-weather drinking.($ 30)
( 91) Morris Ranch Cellars Proprietary Red 2021( TX). Made in the style of a classic syrah, mourvèdre and grenache blend, this wine undergoes stainless steel fermentation and 18 months of aging in neutral oak. It has a lighter style, 13.9 % alcohol and balanced acidity, with black fruit, earth, clove and jam notes on the palate.($ 56)
( 91) 1858 by Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2024( CA). Bright cherry and raspberry lead, backed by nutmeg, cinnamon and toasted oak. Smooth, rounded structure makes it easily enjoyable, with balanced fruit and spice that keep the palate engaged and approachable from start to finish.($ 24.99)
( 91) District Series Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2024( CA). Showcases elegant notes of poached peaches, ripe nectarine, butter and toast, with hints of lemon and a clean finish that leaves you wanting more. Beautifully balanced.($ 21.99)
( 91) Eagle Glen Cabernet Sauvignon 2023( CA). Aromas of blackberry and cassis lead into a rich, concentrated palate layered with red cherry flavors. Bright acidity and well-structured tannins provide balance, while notes of savory spice, dark chocolate and graphite linger.($ 17.99)
( 91) Kudos“ Light” White Blend 2024( OR). Aromas of orange blossom, white nectarine and Meyer lemon. Flavors of mandarin, honeysuckle and crisp green apple. Bright and crisp in style, with perfumed aromatics that give the wine more complexity and depth than your average light wine.($ 14.99)
( 91) Muirwood Vaquero Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023( CA). Subtle aromas of dried dark cherry and blackberry are complemented by earthy notes of leather, mushroom and oak. The palate is supple and lush, offering flavors of black currant, plum and blueberry layered with hints of vanilla and smoke.($ 19.99)
( 91) River Road Reserve Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2024( CA). Notes of grilled pineapple, Bosc pears, vanilla and cinnamon. The fruit is concentrated, and the oak and buttery notes are in full force, creating a sumptuous flavor arc.($ 22.99)
( 90) Revelation Sauvignon Blanc 2024( WA). Part of the Goose Ridge winery, this sauvignon blanc comes from select high-elevation sites that provide acidity and fruit character. Fermentation in neutral French oak with native yeasts and six months aging on the lees add complexity. Green apple, nectarine and pineapple flavors dominate.($ 15)
( 90) Spicewood Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2023( TX). Sourced from the Dell Valley vineyards in West Texas, this 100 % cabernet franc is a lighter style with hints of cherry, bell pepper, earth and tobacco. Bright acidity and smooth tannins complement 11 months of aging in new and neutral oak.($ 40)
( 90) Eagle Glen Merlot 2023( CA). Ripe plum and black cherry aromas are complemented by well-integrated oak. The palate is layered with notes of chocolate and toasted oak, accented by dark fruit flavors and baking spice for a polished finish.($ 17.99)
( 90) Leia Vintners Pinot Noir 2024( CA). Aromas of ripe cherry, raspberry and cranberry are accented by subtle floral notes and hints of cocoa. Vibrant and expressive, showcasing juicy strawberry, red plum and pomegranate flavors, balanced by bright acidity and soft tannins for a silky finish.($ 9.99)
( 90) Needle & Thread Pinot Noir 2024( CA). Crafted by the winemakers of Bread & Butter, this smooth and approachable wine offers inviting aromas of ripe red cherry and cassis. Subtle oak aging enhances the rich fruit flavors, leading to a long, velvety finish with notes of sweet vanilla and soft, luscious tannins.($ 14.99)
( 90) Soaring Heights Buttery Chardonnay 2024( CA). Full flavored with intense notes of toasted oak and butter, with hints of ripe orchard fruit creating harmony. Perfect for California chardonnay lovers looking for a Tuesday night wine.($ 9.99)
( 90) Unlikely Path Chardonnay 2024( WA). Made by Chateau Ste. Michelle. Rich notes of toasted oak, butter and nectarine are balanced by a clean finish, finding balance with integrated oak between a buttery California style and a crisp unoaked profile.($ 9.99) •
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.