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For this round of wine reviews , we asked our national panel of experts to rate their best of 2022 . 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 .

( 97 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). I decided to repeat my experiment from before with another 1994 from my cellar to taste and compare side by side with the current release here . Building on the house style , Winemaker Kevin Hall has done it again . 95 % cab is layered with touches of merlot , while hints of cab franc , malbec and petit verdot add fruit notes and seamless complexity . The ‘ 94 still had remnants of fruit and showed great structure — patience was rewarded here . The 2020 has beautiful dark fruit notes , firm tannins and a rich , elegant finish . These two were the highlight of this year . ($ 27.99 )

FIVE STARS

( 98 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Cyrus 2017 ( CA ). Five classic varietals for a Bordeaux blend are selected from nine of their best estate lots . Each lot was fermented and aged separately for 12 months , then aged an additional 12 months after the blending process in French oak . The result is a beguiling puzzle that pulls you in all the right directions — unctuous , complex , rich and balanced — all perfectly done and in complete harmony . Flavors of dark chocolate , black fruits complement the rich oak and vanilla notes . Saved this for a petite filet dinner , with garlic mashers and creamed spinach — who needs dessert ! ($ 75.00 )

( 97 ) Nicolas Joly Savennieres Les Vieux 2019 Chenin Blanc ( France ). This is not your everyday sipper . Organic and made from select ancient vines . Complex , with honeyed stone fruits laden with zesty citrus and light spice . Fresh almond and flint with a creamy texture and long lush finish . It should age well for at least 10 years . Enjoy with seared curried scallops . ($ 75 )

( 97 ) Jean-Michel Guillon & Fils Les Crais Gevrey-Chambertin 2018 ( France ). A seductive wine that opens with aromas of wildflowers and red fruits . The palate is overwhelmed with gorgeous flavors of sage-dusted raspberry , ripe plum and the gentlest caress of dark chocolate . A hint of earthiness on the generous finish completes the mission . ($ 69.99 )

( 96 ) Caterwaul Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 ( CA ). Bursting with notes of ripe black cherry , dark chocolate and crushed blackberries , laying down a silky mouthfeel before surrendering

( 94 ) Alexander Valley Vineyards Sin Zin 2019 ( CA ). In 1978 , Hank Wetzel created one of the first “ pop ” zins , and this 41st release shows the continuing evolution in complexity and value . Sourced from six of their favorite vineyard sites . Each lot was kept separate through de-stemming and fermentation , then aged for 14 months in American oak . Beautiful color , great complexity and a smooth lingering finish . Wonderful color with spice notes of black pepper and vanilla . We paired this with a carbonara dish instead of our favorite chianti , and were richly rewarded ($ 24.99 )

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