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enough acid to remind you that this is an affordable Old World wine . ($ 13 )
( 95 ) Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs Rosé NV ( CA ). From one of the region ’ s pioneers in fine sparkling wine production , the delicate berry fruit defines both the balanced nose and flavors . The effervescence is nicely persistent , and the finish is quite long . ($ 28 )
( 95 ) 2021 Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato ( Italy ). This is not your ordinary pinot grigio . The color is an intense , deeper pink , reflecting the color of the grapes . Much better structure than the majority of pinot grigios out there , this could be a revelation for your customers . ($ 20 )
( 95 ) Di Giovanna 2020 ( Italy ). The color is a very pale gold , with some straw hints . The nose and taste are dominated by the lovely citrus / tree fruit aspects of the wine . Elegant and versatile ; a great pairing with a wide range of seafood and other dishes . ($ 39.99 )
( 95 ) LVE Rosé 2021 ( France ). Legend Vineyard Exclusive ( LVE ) is a unique collaboration between pop icon John Legend and JC Boisset . Sourcing the southern French region of Languedoc to blend primarily grenache ( 57 %), syrah , cinsault and carignan . Clay , sandstone and limestone soils offer unique characteristics , and the grapes are vinified separately in addition to the use of only free-run and first-press juice to add to the complexity . All stainless steel for fermentation and aging enhances the freshness of the fruit . Pale pink color leads to fresh raspberry , strawberry and granny smith apple flavors .
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A great reminder of how good a classic French rosé can be . ($ 24.99 )
( 94 ) JCB No . 69 Brut Rosé NV ( France ). From the Boisset collection comes this remarkable sparkling . A short maceration of pinot ( saignée ) creates the beautiful rose hue . Lighthearted in style with great acidity . Raspberry and strawberry notes evolve in a fresh jammy style . No . 69 ? A refection of freedom , exploration and the birth year for Mr . Boisset himself ! Perfect celebration for any day ending in “ Y .” ($ 24.99 )
( 94 ) Chateau de Pierreux 2020 ( France ). Opening with a wonderful nose of fresh flowers and plums . Bright cherries and blueberries dance on the palate before giving way to a lush finish with ripe plum notes and delicate tannins . A truly beautiful wine that overdelivers at its price point . ($ 30 )
( 94 ) McPherson Cellars Albariño 2022 ( TX ). THe sine is an excellent example of correct varietals for the soil / climate in the Texas High Plains . McPherson was one of the pioneers of adapting lesser grapes from Italy , France and Spain , and giving them an opportunity to shine in the Texas sun . All stainless steel in fermenting and aging allows the minerality and natural fruit flavors of bananas , citrus and melon to shine in a creamy lingering finish . ($ 13.99 )
( 94 ) La Cana Albariño 2020 ( Spain ). This is a tropical fruit salad in a glass . Fresh aromas of honeysuckle , with light floral aromas . It ’ s dry on the palate , with medium body , and tastes of citrus rind , green apple and white peaches . The finish is quite lengthy . This wine
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is begging for a Spanish charcuterie plate . ($ 19 )
( 94 ) Masera Gavi Le Terre di Stefano Massone 2021 ( Italy ). This wine has fresh fruit aromas , which start to draw you in from the moment you open it . It is dry with a decent amount of non-aggressive acidity . It is lively on the tip of your tongue with lingering bell pepper , dried pineapple and citrus . Great by the glass at your home , all summer long . ($ 15 )
( 94 ) Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( New Zealand ). Fresh and youthful aromas that one would expect from Marlborough . Pink grapefruit , mango and kiwi on the nose and on the palate . The wine is dry , with moderate palate-cleansing acidity . Additional citrus notes ( and maybe a little green apple ) on the finish . ($ 15 )
( 94 ) Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio Porer 2021 ( Italy ). Ripe tropical fruit notes billow from the glass . No shortage of luscious fruit here . Fuji apple , ruby grapefruit and nectarine flavors mingle wonderfully , leading to a mouthwatering finish kissed with a squeeze of lime . Rich and complex , this wine is in a class all by itself . ($ 30 )
( 93 ) 2021 1858 Chardonnay Monterey ( CA ). From the Wagner Family , creators of Caymus , this wine is a lovely golden yellow color which hints at the oak aging with pops of tropical fruits on the nose . Nice weight on the palate . Notes of golden apple and pineapple that balances out the touch of butter . ($ 29.99 )
( 93 ) Decoy Limited Chardonnay 2020 ( CA ). With this release , Decoy sharpens the focus on site
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selection , with grapes from the Russian River , Carneros and Petaluma Gap appellations . Cool-climate grapes are the key to success with chardonnay , and this example excels . 50 / 50 oak and stainless fermentation yields a very balanced product with great acidity . Soft butter tones complement almond , vanilla and apple notes . A wonderful aperitif wine on the patio . ($ 29.99 )
( 92 ) Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2022 ( New Zealand ). No doubt on the sourcing for this classic NZ sauvignon blanc . Mature fruit ( 16 to 40-year-old vines ), slow cold fermentation , 100 % stainless steel and multiple vineyard sources all add up to a complex and vibrant wine . Classic pink grapefruit notes add to hints of basil and strong minerality . Springtime in a glass ! ($ 19.99 )
( 92 ) 2021 Rockview Reserve Chardonnay ( CA ). The wine opens up with aromas of butterscotch and oak that continue onto the palate , but it is less buttery than your nose would have you think . Bright green apple and tropical fruits like melon greatly balance out the oak on this wine . ($ 27.99 )
FOUR STARS
( 91 ) 2021 Forever Vineyards Pinot Noir ( CA ). Another great for the value pinot noir from Forever Vineyards . Comparable to last year ’ s vintage , as it still has a lighter-body style featuring cherries , bruised blackberries and huckleberries on the palate . Great for charcuterie boards or picnics ! ($ 16.99 )
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