// WINE REVIEW - AMERICAN

PHOTO CREDIT : © LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - STOCK . ADOBE . COM

We asked members of our panel to taste and evaluate AMERICAN WINE . As always , these selections include brief tasting notes , a rating and the wine ’ s retail price ( which can vary from store to store and market to market ). If you ’ re a beverage professional with a specialty in wine and you ’ re interested in participating in the panel , please contact Off-Premise Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgacceleration . com or 763-383-4447 .

Five Stars «««««

( 98 ) Bending Branch Tannat 2019 ( TX ). Dr . Robert Young brings a decidedly scientific approach to the art of Texas winemaking utilizing cyro maceration , whole-berry fermentation and flash détente to highlight his signature varietal : tannat . Black fruit notes add to the deep-inky coloring . ($ 59.99 )

( 98 ) Newsom Inception 2019 ( TX ). This vintage highlights syrah ( 48 %) and sangiovese / tannat ( 40 %) with small amounts of seven other varietals for complexity . Rich and full bodied , it starts out lush and finishes bone-dry . 30 months of oak aging helps smooth things out with a fruit-forward style . ($ 49.99 )

( 97 ) Foley Estate Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). A wonderful example of Central Coast pinot noir , balancing rich fruit with acidity and elegance . Brilliant dark ruby , the nose and palate share a common thread of bright and slightly spicy red fruit . ($ 61 )

( 96 ) Abeja Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ( WA ). Mostly cabernet , with some merlot , a bit of cabernet franc and petit verdot added in , this wine is a dense , brilliant red . The nose is dominated by dark red fruit , with an intriguing baked spice aspect . ($ 64.99 )

( 96 ) Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). Using a combination of fruit from some of the region ' s top vineyards , in addition to estate fruit , the quality of the wine is apparent from the start . In the glass , the bright-red color is nearly opaque . The nose and palate exhibit lots of appealing dark fruit , with spice notes . ($ 55 )

( 96 ) Slate Theory Montepulciano 2019 ( TX ). One of the new releases from this up-andcoming winery . New and neutral French oak adds subtle smoothness to compliment rich black fruit and vanilla notes ($ 59.99 ) ranking system

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

HHHH FOUR STARS ( 86-91 ) A very good wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back .

HHH THREE STARS ( 80-85 ) An above-average wine , at a reasonable price point , which many customers will enjoy .

( 96 ) Bending Branch Petite Sirah 2019 ( TX ). Rich and full-bodied with beautiful color extraction . Dark fruit notes , and touches of black pepper , anise and Texas cedar . Try this with grilled pork tenderloin with a red wine reduction ! ($ 39.99 )

( 95 ) McPherson Cellars La Herencia 2019 ( TX ). One of the original proponents of the classic tempranillo grape , Kim McPherson adds complexity by blending small amounts of

26 Beverage Wholesaler • Fall 2023