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PHOTO CREDIT : © DENISKARPENKOV - STOCK . ADOBE . COM
shows dark purple color with medium intensity . The palate offers voluptuous flavors of blueberry and black cherry that sink into a plush core of currant . The wine is silky smooth and bright with complex notes of cedar , vanilla and baking spices on the mid-palate . The finish is rocking with blackberry cobbler and cigar box wrapped into a velvet finish . Layered and lively . ($ 42.99 )
( 94 ) Snowden ‘ Lost Vineyard ’ Merlot 2018 ( CA ). Randy and Scott Snowden had sold their grapes until 1993 to the likes of Stag ’ s Leap Wine Cellars , Silver Oak , Caymus and Ramey . They decided to start making wine in 1993 and allowed Diana Snowden ( Scott ’ s daughter ) to take the helm of winemaking in 2005 . Lost Vineyard is a two-acre block located on perlite and sand soils . This wine was hand-harvested and fermented with native wild yeast and aged in 50 % new French oak barrels for 14 months while being bottled unfined and unfiltered . The wine , 95 % merlot with 5 % cabernet sauvignon , has beautiful structure and intensity , with loads of fruit and velvet texture . Bright flavors of red cherry and currant pop into the palate with silky finesse and elegant balance . The mid-palate is balanced with ripe red fruit , with touches of spice and whiffs
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of earthy underbrush . Notes of plum , vanilla and cedar are prevalent with hints of tealeaf on the long , lingering finish . ($ 37.99 )
( 94 ) Macari Red Blend Alexandra 2015 ( NY ). Beautiful red fruit aromas radiate out of the glass with this Long Island wine . The palate shows defined layers of raspberries , cherries , black tea and a savory characteristic . This merlot-centric , Bordeauxstyle blend is full of power and balance from top to bottom . ($ 69.99 )
( 94 ) Janzen Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ( CA ). Winemaker Kirk Venge molded this Napa wine and showed his handprint throughout . The 2018 vintage has produced full , meaty wines with quite an abundance of fruit and flavor . This 100 % cabernet sauvignon has combined mountain fruit with the finesse of Oakville and Rutherford . Flavors of blackberry and cassis sink deftly into silky tannins and a creamy core . The mid-palate offers loads of currant , dark chocolate and hazelnut with smidgeons of sandalwood . The finish is dangerously smooth , with toasted cedar and vanilla from new and used French barrels and a long , lingering mouthfeel that offers a whiff of tobacco pipe . Janzen is a cabernet that you open
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when you want to impress your guest . TLC ( textured , layered , complex ). ($ 44.99 )
( 93 ) 22 Pirates Red Blend 2018 ( CA ). Powerful , bold dark fruits on the palate are wrapped nicely in French oak . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) Three Sisters Cabernet Franc 2017 ( GA ). This modest winery just outside of Dahlonega in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia produces one killer cab franc . Dark fruit , smooth tannins and plenty of back bone . Bring your lunch and sip a bottle on their outdoor patio ! ($ 28.95 )
( 93 ) The Calling Russian River Valley Dutton Ranch Chardonnay ( CA ). The gentle butter and light tropical fruit are perfectly intertwined . The wonderful acidity is such a complement to the savor and richness of this wine . A must-have for any creamy pasta dish or cheese platter . ($ 25.99 )
( 93 ) Clos LaChance Cabernet 2018 ( CA ). Dense black fruit and fresh plum on the nose lead to a structurally sound palate that has nicely integrated tannins and a hint of cocoa and chocolate on the finish . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) Crossfork Creek Merlot 2019 ( WA ). Powerful and controlled from start to finish , the beautiful cherry and blackberry flavors are only enhanced by a tasty layer of baking spice flavors . A wolf in sheep ’ s clothing , this Yakima Valley wine delivers . ($ 19.99 )
( 93 ) Paumanok Cabernet Franc 2018 ( NY ). Blackberry and cherry
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notes dance along the nose and palate , with herbal and floral flavors that make this Long Island wine shine . A dash of merlot blended in gives it an edge of beauty , with fruit and a smooth texture to tie everything together nicely . ($ 24.99 )
( 93 ) Wagner Vidal Blanc Ice Wine 2020 ( NY ). Floral and citrus notes all over the nose , with hints of pear , add complexity on the palate . This Niagara ice wine is sweet , clean , ripe and has a light beautiful texture that defines its character . ($ 29.99 per 375-ml .)
( 92 ) Wagner Riesling Dry 2019 ( NY ). A mineral-driven wine that is sharp and exudes bright , clean orange and citrus notes . A white pepper flavor , combined with the lifting acidity and minerality , make this savory fruit-forward Niagara wine over-deliver all day long . ($ 14.99 )
( 92 ) Verada Cabernet Tri-County 2019 ( CA ). Plush and powerful , laced with energy , this wine is packed with red fruit , and punches above its weight class . The mid-palate and finish are strong and balanced with tannins to add to the beautiful structure . ($ 16.99 )
( 92 ) Verada Merlot Tri-County 2019 ( CA ). Blueberry , blackberry and dark cherry notes roll across the nose and palate , accompanied by a beautiful tea element that is reminiscent of a strong merlot blend from St . Emilion . The complexity is complemented by a nice texture and grip that keeps the finish going for quite a long time . ($ 16.99 )
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