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( 95 ) Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz 2017 ( Australia ). Bold berry fruit , dark color and rich lingering finish , is the best description for this delicious shiraz . A deeply satisfying marriage of the fruit and tannin are complemented by the ever-present acidity , with a little time to air this wine becomes a rich masterpiece . ($ 29 )
( 94 ) Tait Ball Buster Proprietary Blend 2017 ( Australia ). Always one of the “ go-to ” wines of Australia , this might be the best vintage yet . Mostly shiraz , with a shot of cabernet sauvignon and merlot to add more depth . Dark , brooding fruit luxuriously coats the palate with notes of black cherry and dark chocolate , giving way to a plush finish of vanilla-kissed tannins . A mouthful of joy at a very friendly price . ($ 24.99 )
( 94 ) Krone Brut Rosé 2018 ( South Africa ). Lively yet elegant , with a fine mousse dancing in the glass . Lovely notes of crushed strawberries , golden delicious apple and ripe cherries arouse the taste buds , giving way to a finish with a subtle bready texture that lingers joyously . Bubblelovers should find great value in this vintage rosé that pairs with everything from cheeses to seafood to desserts and anything in between . ($ 24.99 )
( 94 ) Terrazas de Los Andes Malbec Reserva 2018 ( Argentina ). A brilliant deep ruby in the glass , this 100 % malbec has plenty of supple black and red fruit , with touches of spice . In the mouth , the bright fruit has good weight , and
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excellent balance , with a long finish . ($ 21.99 )
( 93 ) White Cliff Rosé Winemaker ’ s Selection 2020 ( New Zealand ). Brilliant salmon pink in the glass , the rosé enjoys a rich-and-complex nose , and palate of red berry , with faint citrus hints . The bright fruit is well balanced , with a finish sharing the same characteristics . Very versatile , and enjoyable . ($ 16 )
( 93 ) Los Vascos Cromas Carmenère Gran Reserva 2019 ( Chile ). A pure Carmenère wine , from vineyard sites cooled by their proximity to the Pacific Ocean , which helps maintain good acidity and freshness . A very deep ruby with touches of purple . The nose is dominated by black cherry and dark fruit , with subtle spice notes . The palate is well rounded , with the weight of the fruit balanced by the acidity . ($ 20.99 )
( 93 ) Tinga Rio Reserve Pinot Noir 2018 ( Chile ). A supple , well-balanced example of pinot noir . A great example of a fruit-forward style of pinot noir . With minimal oak contact , the weight is due to carefully harvested grapes from sustainably managed vineyards , and skilled winemaking . At this price , it ’ s more than a great bargain . ($ 12 )
( 93 ) Vina Alicia 2012 ( Argentina ). Plum , blue and black fruit adorn this cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc blend . Hints of licorice , cedar , cigar and fresh herbs , along with silky-but-firm tannins , creates a simply beautiful wine . It is a delight to drink . ($ 33 )
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( 93 ) Don Miguel Gascón Reserva Malbec 2017 ( Argentina ). Nearly all malbec , with a splash of petit verdot , from a selection of multiple vineyards , the wine is a brilliant , saturated ruby in the glass . The nose and palate are dominated by dark fruit , with spice and vanilla notes . Deep and rich in the mouth , the finish is long and well balanced . ($ 22 )
( 92 ) Carmen Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2020 ( Chile ). Ripe passion fruit notes are given complexity , with a refreshing tartness that rides along with the juicy flavors from initial flavor attack to the lengthy finish . With layers and depth of fruit character , the savory notes bring it all together . ($ 15.99 )
( 92 ) Miles From Nowhere Sauvignon Blanc 2020 ( Australia ). Dried peach and nectarine notes joined with a nice citrus and minerality set this sauvignon apart and give it complexity . There is a mineral kick driving the fruit with an energy usually seen in a more-premium wine . ($ 14.99 )
( 92 ) La Riojana Malbec 2019 ( Argentina ). An unusual co-op of 500 growers working together as one , with a goal of making great , affordable , organic and sustainable wine while being fair-trade certified . Blackberry and ripe plum notes awaken the palate joyfully before finishing long and deep with cocoa powder notes . At this price , what ’ s not to like ? ($ 11.99 )
FOUR STARS
( 91 ) Giant Sky Sauvignon Blanc 2020 ( New Zealand ). The Gooseberry
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punch sets the tone for this high-tension sauvignon blanc . Swinging from ripe juicy mouth-filling flavors to grippy mineral-driven tartness that lights up and refreshes palate . ($ 12.99 )
( 91 ) Don Nicanor Nieto Senetiner Malbec 2017 ( Argentina ). A nicely complex malbec that gives your palate a reason to happily think about all the flavors . Rich plum and berry are surrounded by firm tannins and a hint of dustiness . Perfect for those nights out with the grill . ($ 19 )
( 91 ) Hewitson “ Gun Metal ” Riesling 2019 ( Australia ). Named after the stones in the vineyard that have the same color and add a distinctive minerality . Loads of aromatic and juicy lime notes on the palate , while the nose screams riesling from down under with a signature new pool toy aroma . A lovely dry riesling with a palate full of citrus . ($ 17.99 )
( 91 ) Victoria Park Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 ( Australia ). Cherry and raspberry notes are smooth and roll along the palate with a spice characteristic , giving the wine more definition . The purity of fruit combined with a powerful mouthfeel of grippy tannins lasts a long time on the finish . ($ 12.99 )
( 91 ) Victoria Park Shiraz 2018 ( Australia ). Plush and bold black fruit thunder across the nose and palate , along with deep chocolate notes . The midpalate and finish are smooth with plum notes and balanced with grippy tannins . ($ 12.99 )
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