For this round of wine reviews , we asked our national panel of experts to rate American wines . 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 . Unless noted otherwise , the price reflects a 750-ml . bottle . If you ’ re a wine professional and you ’ re interested in participating in the panel , please contact managing editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgacceleration . com or 763-383-4447 .

FIVE STARS

( 97 ) Alexander Valley Vineyard ASR Petite Sirah 2018 ( CA ). Kevin Hall showcases his passion for small lot projects ( 568 6-btl . cases ) with this special offering . This second vintage is sourced from two special lots that were grafted over to old head-pruned vines in hillside and valley floor sites . Almost perfect growing conditions yielded perfect fruit . Hand harvested , then soaked for 24 hours , yeast inoculated and then punched down for maximum color and fruit extraction . After vinification , the wine was aged in a 20-month oak-barrel program . Inky , dark and perfumed , with blue

48 • Fall 2022

fruit berries dominating on the nose . Balanced acidity , with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate lead to a smooth , lingering finish . I just love experiments that turn out like this ! ($ 49.99 )

( 96 ) Canvasback Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ( WA ). Canvasback reflects the Washington State portion of the Duckhorn portfolio . Sourcing from the famed Red Mountain appellation virtually guarantees exceptional fruit . Bordeaux-style blending ( primarily cabernet , with merlot , petit verdot , syrah and malbec ), mountain-fruit sourcing and a 20-month French-oak aging program yield spectacular results . Beautiful color and soft berry

RATING SYSTEM

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

Four stars ( 86-91 points ) A superb wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back .

Three stars ( 80-85 points ) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point , one that many consumers will enjoy .

aromas yield to a smooth lingering finish , with plum and dark chocolate notes . An excellent example of Washington State cabernet , perfect for that rib-eye coming off the grill . ($ 45.99 )

( 95 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir 2020 ( CA ). AVV takes pinot noir very seriously . Russian River-estate sourcing highlights four legendary Burgundian clones . Hand

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