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( 92 ) Ravines Pinot Noir 2017 ( NY ). A beautiful nose of bright , ripe fruit and earthy underbrush grabs your attention in this Finger Lakes wine . Concentrated cherry , dark plum and raspberries show a plush texture on the palate , with just the slightest hint of dark chocolate showing through on the long creamy finish . Coolclimate pinot noir that can fool you into thinking burgundy , but at a fraction of the price . ($ 24.99 )
( 92 ) Shady Lane Cellars Semi-Dry Riesling 2017 ( MI ). A glorious nose of tropical white flowers lures you into the ripe apricot , green pear and candied lemon that cascade down on the palate . A beautiful balance of ripeness and acidity is exhibited on the long , elegant finish that refreshes rather than burdens the senses . Begs to be paired with shellfish , sushi , salads or just warm summer nights all by itself . ($ 16.99 )
( 92 ) Stone Hill Winery Chambourcin 2013 ( MO ). A French -American hybrid grape , this wonderful wine shows a dazzling array of ripe dark fruit with blackberries , black currants and juicy plum filling the mouth . A toasty oak finish is kissed with a touch of cocoa . Hearty enough for barbeque , pizza and burgers . A Midwest treasure . ($ 19.99 )
( 92 ) John Legend Signature by LVE Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 ( CA ). A keen balance of red and blue fruits that jump from the glass to the palate . All the blueberry and raspberry flavors are made more elegant by soft tannins that lightly grip just enough to show off the flavor intensity . ($ 19.99 )
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FOUR STARS
( 91 ) John Legend Signature by LVE Chardonnay 2020 ( CA ). Bartlett pear and a hint of bright Granny Smith notes give this Sonoma County wine life and zesty drive . Light vanilla flavors provide the fruit with direction and balance , but stay subtle and keep the wine ’ s complexity and smoothness . ($ 14.99 )
( 91 ) Kaleidoscope Red 2019 ( CA ). Bright strawberry notes dance from the nose to the palate while bolder black fruits give this red a smooth mouthfeel . With depth and zip , this fruit-forward wine finishes with chocolate flavors that linger nicely . ($ 13.99 )
( 91 ) Crimson Ranch Red Blend 2018 ( CA ). Juicy and smooth , hints of cocoa add an extra tasty element to the dark cherry fruit-forward flavors that dominate the wine . Floral aromas , and an energetic structure on the palate , give this red blend an edge , and keeps it interesting . ($ 14.99 )
( 91 ) Thirsty Owl Riesling 2019 ( NY ). White flowers and lychee on the nose and palate , this approachable , fun , Finger Lakes wine has a good balance . Crisp texture with powerful fruit flavors , this wine is bright , off-dry and over-delivers from start to finish . ($ 10.99 )
( 91 ) Kudos Pinot Noir 2019 ( OR ). Fun and bright , this punchy pinot is soft , savory and interesting , with a medley of red cherry and ripe raspberry notes . The Willamette Valley wine walks the line of approachable , fun and shows spicy savoy notes
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that give everything a certain depth . ($ 14.99 )
( 91 ) Hosmer Dry Riesling 2019 ( NY ). This is the summer go-to wine for food . Crisp acidity , balanced by notes of ripe cantaloupe . The finish is straightforward , almost mouthwatering . Great example of less than 1 % residual sugar in a New York State riesling . ($ 15 )
( 91 ) Dr . Konstantine Frank Salmon Run Chardonnay 2019 ( NY ). This unoaked chardonnay is a very easy drink , with lovely fruit and balanced acidity . Sourced from younger vines on the Dr . Frank estate in the Finger Lakes , it is delicate yet round on the palate , with aromas and flavors of green apples , lemon zest and stone fruits . Perfect for grilled seafood such as shrimp or , well , salmon . ($ 12.99 )
( 90 ) Analemma “ Oak Ridge ” Pinot Noir 2017 ( WA ). Organic fruit from the base of Mount Adams produce a bright ruby-colored ethereal wine that has cranberry tones laced with an intriguing spice note that lingers . ($ 38 )
( 90 ) Boundary Breaks Vineyard OLN Riesling 2017 ( NY ). This medium-dry Finger Lakes riesling has a beautiful and energetic pop of fruit and acidity . Gentle tangerine and a hint of pineapple give way to a fresh and clean finish . Perfect for a warm up to the backyard or the lake . ($ 15.99 )
( 90 ) Joel Gott Palisades Red Blend 2017 ( CA ). This cabernet-led red resembles a field blend , seasoned with several varietals such as petite
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syrah , alicante bouschet and malbec . Striking dark purple in the glass , with boisterous aromas of dark , baked-fruits balanced with spice notes and a hint of licorice and red flowers . Still moderately tannic , the dark berry and leather flavors give way to softer red fruits and baking spices on the medium-length finish . ($ 14 )
( 90 ) Cru Unoaked Chardonnay 2018 ( CA ). Fresh and vibrant , the palate of this Monterey wine is medium with zingy citrus and an underbelly of stone fruit . Screw top . Made for the beach ! ($ 17.95 )
( 89 ) A by Acacia Unoaked Chardonnay 2019 ( CA ). Pleasant tropical notes on the nose , even getting a bit of pineapple . Dry and smooth , a refreshing white , yet it still has some body to it but without the heavy oak . Bonus that it is a Stelvin closure . ($ 13.99 )
( 89 ) Empire State Riesling 2018 ( NY ). Medium-bodied with tangy apple and orange blossom on the nose . The palate is dry with lingering apple and earthy pineapple . ($ 22.99 )
( 89 ) Seventh Hill Farm “ Left Foot Charley ” Riesling 2017 ( MI ). This Old Mission Peninsula wine is reminiscent of a dry Clare Valley riesling with stone fruit , honeysuckle and florals — and a touch of TDN ( that squeaky new pool toy aroma ). ($ 24.99 )
( 88 ) Dr . Konstantin Frank Cabernet Franc 2015 ( NY ). A light and refreshing , earthy and spiced red crafted from vines planted in 1974 from a producer in the game for more than 60 years . ($ 24.99 )
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