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( 91 ) Montecillo Riserva Tempranillo ( Spain ). Established in 1870 , these folks have been pioneers in bringing the best of Spain to America . Sourcing older vines helps yield concentrated flavor . Very regimented fermentation combines the best of Old World and New World techniques ( stainless and concrete tanks ) The magic happens in the aging to achieve the reserva status . Twenty-four months in mainly French oak is followed by 24 months of bottle aging . Beautiful ruby coloring in the glass leads to red fruit notes . Rich and elegant , with touches of espresso and vanilla on the finish . Incredible value for a wine of the pedigree . ($ 20.99 )
( 90 ) Oak Ridge Estate Cabernet 2020 ( CA ). Located between the Sierra Foothills
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and San Francisco Bay , this is a wine for rich and fruit-forward cabernet lovers . The decadent mouthfeel is almost port-like with notes of sweet cedar , blackberry , earth and ripe red fruits . ($ 16.99 )
( 90 ) Forever Vineyards Chardonnay 2022 ( CA ). A chardonnay made for those who enjoy the oaky style with a creamy finish . This wine is bright yellow in color , full-bodied with vanilla , nutmeg and baking spice notes . ($ 15.99 )
( 90 ) Roccalta Chianti DOCG 2022 ( Italy ). Approachable and easy drinking Chianti . Fruity and intense aromas with the typical notes of orange peel and tart cherry that follow through on the palate . Toasted oak barrel and balanced tannins
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give this wine a balanced structure and finish . ($ 9.99 )
( 90 ) Routestock Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ( CA ). An elegant balance of black fruit is balanced with hints of stone fruit . The juicy fruit and slightly firm tannins all tie in with a hint of vanilla and gentle yet satisfying finale . ($ 29 )
( 90 ) Pradorey " Sr . Nino " Tempranillo 2022 ( Spain ). A dark purple tone , with high-intensity inviting aromatics that lead to juicy , fruit and plummy notes on this festive and fun wine . Organically farmed , with carbonic maceration that brings liveliness to its style . ($ 25 )
( 89 ) Decoy Limited Chardonnay 2022 ( CA ). Duckhorn continues to fine-tune the
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Decoy portfolio with this offering . The shared winemaking expertise and great contracts and estate sourcing yield spectacular results . Stainless-steel aging then light oak aging and malolactic fermentation maintains the purity of the fruit . Kiwi , lemon and butterscotch notes dominate . Light oak and balanced acidity lead to a smooth finish with a hint of eucalyptus . Great for that spring picnic , with cold grilled chicken . ($ 29.99 ) •
WINE PANEL If you are a beverage professional with a specialty in wine who is interested in participating in the panel , please contact Managing Editor Kyle Swartz at kswartz @ epgacceleration . com .
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