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FIVE STARS
( 97 ) Alexander Valley Vineyard Old Vine Zinfandel 2018 ( CA ). Starting in 1978 , the Wetzel family began producing wonderful zins , starting with the Sin Zin , and adding the Redemption and Temptations offerings over the years . This offering is special and hard to find but worth the effort . Sourced from a 50-year-old single
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vineyard with head-trained and spur-pruned vines yielding small lots with intense flavor . The entire crop aged for 20 months in seven American oak barrels . Great combination of spice and fruit , with 16 % ABV , dark fruit notes and hints of vanilla and dark cocoa . Rich and full bodied with balanced acidity . Perfect for the carnivores pulling thick ribs off the grill . ($ 49.99 ) |
( 95 ) Emeritus Vineyards Hallberg Ranch Pinot Noir 2018 ( CA ). A truly elegant wine for any special occasion . A true estate wine , grown , produced and bottled at the winery . This single-vineyard selection features 11 clones , including two from the classic Cote de Nuit region . Dry-farmed , inoculated with native yeasts and aged 10 months in French oak , this wine |
( 95 ) Memuthone Cannonau 2019 ( Italy ). Citrus and stone fruit blend seamlessly with a crisp finish . A bit of time reveals some lovely anise . A true people pleaser that ’ s organic and sustainable to boot ! ($ 21.95 )
( 95 ) Lavinea Elton Vineyard Chardonnay 2017 ( OR ). This Willamette Valley wine
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RATING SYSTEM |
Five stars ( 92-100 points ) A top-flight wine . Superior in taste and character and providing an outstanding price / value relationship . |
Four stars ( 86-91 points ) A superb wine and an excellent value . A wine for which customers will keep coming back . |
Three stars ( 80-85 points ) An above-average wine at a reasonable price point , one that many consumers will enjoy . |