// WINE REVIEW - AMERICAN graciano ( 16 %) and carignan ( 3 %). Very integrated fruit with hints of dark fruit , plum and white pepper . ($ 19.99 )
( 95 ) Hendry HRW Pinot Noir 2020 ( CA ). Dazzling aromas of sagebrush , black currants and espresso blossom out of the glass . Bold-yet-delicate flavors of blackberries , coffee bean and raspberries lay down a river of enticing flavors leading to a finish showing hints of toast and chocolate flakes . ($ 24.99 )
( 95 ) Rex Hill Jacob Hart Pinot Noir 2017 ( OR ). Elegant , with dusty tannins . Blue and black fruit over cedar , baking spices , cherries and mushrooms make this complex pinot a perfect partner for grilled salmon . ($ 75 )
( 95 ) Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée 2015 ( CA ). The Royal Cuvée with a blend of 2 / 3 pinot noir , and 1 / 3 chardonnay enjoys an extended time in bottle for its secondary fermentation , resulting in wonderful complexity and a delicate mousse . The nose and palate reveal lots of apple and citrus notes , as well as bight , clean fruit in the mouth . ($ 65 )
( 94 ) Ramey Russian River Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). A cuvee of juice , some from 1978 , produces toasty nuances with a creamy finish . A palate of lemon , green apple , oak , spice and blood orange make this wine perfect for baked chicken with lemon cream sauce . ($ 48 )
( 94 ) Katherine Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). Inviting aromas of red cherries and caramel with tons of red fruit to seduce the palate . A gentle kiss of dark , powdery chocolate wrapped in silky tannins shows wonderfully on the long , generous finish . ($ 29.99 )
( 94 ) NV Piper Sonoma Reserve Brut ( CA ). Nearly all chardonnay , with a balancing dollop of pinot noir added , the wine is brilliant gold in the glass , with a touch of green . The nose is dominated by bright tropical and citrus fruit , with hints of spice . In the mouth , the elegant sparkling wine is refreshing and delicious . ($ 27 )
( 94 ) Luke Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( CA ). 100 % sauvignon blanc . The nose is dominated by tropical fruit , with hints of grass . In the mouth , it showcases the typical aspects of bright citrus and stone fruits , with amazing focus and balance . ($ 20 )
( 94 ) Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ( CA ). Oberon has been producing outstanding wines from Napa Valley for decades . The nose and palate share a spicy dark fruit character , with subtle hints of baking spices and cocoa . A lovely example of classic cabernet . ($ 25 )
( 94 ) Caymus-Suisun Grand Durif 2020 ( CA ). This is a super-dark , almost-inky wine in color with a very sumptuous plum and cherry cola palate . The finish has soft tannic notes that are mature and not overwhelming . ($ 59.99 )
( 93 ) Sonoma Bench Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). This full-bodied pinot noir is a saturated deep red in the glass , with lots of red fruit on the nose , with a hint of spice to add to its complexity . ($ 30 )
( 93 ) Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs NV ( CA ). This lovely , 100 % chardonnay sparkling wine reveals lots of bright apple citrus fruit , with subtle floral hints . In the mouth , the wine ' s energy is apparent , with lovely effervescence and plenty of fruit . ($ 35 )
( 93 ) McPherson Cellars Picpoul Blanc 2022 ( TX ). The 100-degree Texas heat shifts this from lip stinger to lip-smacking good . Lower alcohol and stainless-steel fermentation accent the great acidity and clean finish . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) Daou Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( CA ). Stunning melon and floral notes leap from the glass with zippy flavors of green apple , melon and just the right amount of grapefruit . A fully loaded package with a bright , juicy , refreshing finish . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) Smith Bench Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). From the Wente Family , this chardonnay has a medium-yellow color . Tropical and apple notes elegantly balanced with oak and a kiss of spice . Think lobster and butter sauce . ($ 24.99 )
( 93 ) Newsom Albarino 2021 ( TX ). Utilizing malolactic fermentation , Nolan Newsom tames the acidity and creates a rich buttery white , perfect for hot Texas summers . Great minerality with hints of melon , butterscotch and vanilla . ($ 24.99 )
( 93 ) House of Brown Chardonnay 2022 ( CA ). Great depth and concentration with plenty of Golden Delicious apples , pear , lemon and candied orange notes to please the palate . A gentle kiss of buttered brioche on the lengthy finish is the perfect touch . ($ 24.99 )
( 92 ) The Walking Fool Red Blend 2021 ( CA ). This wine is dark , brooding and downright decadent . Candied cherries , spice and stewed berry notes make this a hardy wine to stand up against grilled meats , steak and lamb . ($ 37.99 )
( 92 ) Paso Highlands Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ( CA ). This is an elevated , subtler example of the region . Refined earth notes on the nose with blackberry and currants on the palate . ($ 19.99 )
( 92 ) Kudos Winemaker ' s Reserve Pinot Noir 2020 ( OR ). Rich ruby color in the glass , this is quintessential Willamette pinot noir . Complementary notes of tart cherries , red currant and dried herbs fill the nose and carry into the palate . ($ 27.99 ) ��
Four Stars ����
( 91 ) L . Prima Chardonnay 2021 ( CA ). From the Wente Family , this chardonnay has a pale-yellow color . Classic California chardonnay with notes of apple followed by oak , vanilla and nice creaminess . ($ 17.99 )
( 91 ) Medina Gap Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). Classic example of a Paso Robles cabernet . Bold , fruit forward and a people pleaser . This is a super-approachable wine with blackberry , earth , black currant and plum notes . ($ 17.99 )
( 91 ) Caliveda Pinot Noir 2021 ( CA ). Bursting with flavor , this pinot has medium-purple color with notes of juicy black cherry and pomegranate cola rounded out with an enticing vanilla note . ($ 19.99 ) ( 91 ) Parr Vineyards Viognier 2022 ( TX ). Robert and Dilek have supplied great fruit to top Texas wineries and have made the transition to producing their own estate-sourced wines . ($ 35.99 )
( 91 ) Samuel Roberts Pinot Noir 2021 ( OR ). Gorgeous maroon color . Notes of grilled meat and herbs — with subtle and soft red fruit like ripe
Fall 2023 • Beverage Wholesaler 27